Best Oil Based Primer Paint of 2026
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Oil-based primer paint is a popular choice for those looking to prepare a surface for painting. This type of primer is made with oil-based materials that provide excellent adhesion and durability, making it perfect for use on surfaces that are difficult to paint, such as metal, wood, and plastic. Oil-based primer also offers superior coverage, which means that fewer coats are required to achieve the desired finish. It is important to note that oil-based primer has a strong odor and requires solvents for cleanup, making it less environmentally friendly than water-based alternatives. Despite this, oil-based primer remains a popular choice for its durability and adhesion properties.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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Top 6 Oil Based Primer Paint
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Spray Primer
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Spray Primer is a versatile primer suitable for interior and exterior use on various surfaces such as drywall, concrete, metal, wood, and masonry. Its oil-based formula seals uniformly and can stick to surfaces without the need for sanding. The primer provides excellent stain-blocking resistance, dries quickly in 30 minutes, and covers up to 12 sq ft. It produces a smooth, white finish and can cover imperfections with just one coat, making it ideal for any oil or latex topcoat.
Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover Spray Paint, 6 Pack
The Rust-Oleum 249846-6 PK Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use on a variety of surfaces, including wood, plastic, metal, and ceramic. Its oil-based formula is low-odor, resists chips, and provides long-lasting protection. The flat black primer dries quickly, covers up to 12 sq. ft. per can, and creates a smooth surface that's ready for painting.
Rust-Oleum Protective Enamel Paint Stops Rust, Flat Rusty Metal Primer
Rust-Oleum Rusty Metal Primer is an oil-based formula that provides a durable protective coating with excellent rust prevention. It is perfect for priming heavily rusted metal surfaces, both interior and exterior. This primer creates a surface that topcoats can easily adhere to, providing more than twice the rust protection of using enamels alone. It dries to the touch in 2-4 hours and covers between 65-110 sq. ft. per can. The primer provides a base for excellent adhesion and withstands demanding, heavy-use environments. By using Rust-Oleum Rusty Metal Primer, you can ensure a durable, corrosion-resistant finish for your metal surfaces.
Rust-Oleum High Hide Cover Stain Primer and Sealer
The Rust-Oleum 3554 Zinsser High Hide Cover Stain Primer and Sealer is a versatile and effective primer for both interior and exterior use. Its high-hiding formula penetrates and seals exterior wood and blocks tannin bleed. The excellent stain blocker permanently blocks and seals tough stains from fire, smoke, and water damage. It dries quickly, allowing you to apply a second coat in just two hours, and its flat white finish is perfect for recoating. This primer and sealer is ideal for new constructions and remodeling projects, and it adheres well to glossy surfaces without sanding.
Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer
Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer is a weather and corrosion resistant primer that bonds tightly to various surfaces such as wood, metal, concrete, and masonry. Its oil-based formula provides a durable protective coating with excellent rust prevention. With a quick drying time of just 15 minutes, you can cover up to 12 sq. ft. in no time. This primer creates a flat white finish that can be easily covered with any topcoat. Whether you're working on exterior or interior surfaces, Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer is designed to provide excellent adhesion and withstand demanding, heavy-use environments. Its versatility and durability make it a great choice for any painting project.
KILZ Original Low Odor Primer, Interior
Looking for a primer that can provide powerful stain blocking and excellent adhesion but with a lower solvent odor? Look no further than the KILZ Original Low Odor Primer. Its advanced formula and multiple surface usage makes it perfect for use in offices, schools, dining areas, apartments, and other areas which are sensitive to solvent odors or high odor levels. It dries to touch in 30 minutes and can be recoated or topcoated after one hour. This primer is ideal for use in a variety of interior surfaces such as brick, painted metal, drywall, paneling, wallpaper, masonry, plaster and wood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When should you use an oil based primer?
Oil-based primers are best for unfinished or bare wood surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. They seal the porous wood surface and prevent tannins from bleeding through the paint, making it easier to achieve a smooth and even coat of paint.
2. Can you paint over oil based primer?
Yes, you can paint over oil-based primer. Before painting, make sure to wash the surface, sand it, and remove any dust. Then, you can apply your latex paint over the oil-based primer for a durable and long-lasting finish.
3. What is better oil based or water based primer?
The choice between oil-based and water-based primer depends on your needs. Oil-based primer is great for blocking stains and moisture, while water-based primer has fewer VOCs, dries quickly, and is easy to clean up. It's important to note that you cannot use an oil-based primer under a water-based paint, and vice versa.
4. Do you need one or two coats of oil based primer?
To ensure a strong bond between the new paint and the surface, it is recommended to apply 2-3 coats of oil-based primer. This ensures proper coverage and helps hide any previous colors, especially if they are vibrant or outdated. Generally, 2 coats of primer are sufficient for most painting projects.
5. Can you paint with latex over oil based primer?
Yes, you can use latex paint over oil-based primer as long as the primer is a bonding primer. Bonding primers are specifically designed to adhere to glossy surfaces, such as oil-based paint finishes. This allows for a successful and long-lasting application of latex paint over the primer.
6. What happens if you put water-based paint over oil based primer?
Applying water-based paint over an oil-based primer can result in cracked and peeling paint. This is because oil and water do not mix well. To ensure a successful paint job, it is important to use the appropriate type of paint over the corresponding primer.
7. Can you put oil based primer on top of water based paint?
Yes, you can use oil-based primer on top of water-based paint. Additionally, you can use water-based primer on top of oil-based paint. The key is to ensure proper adhesion by using the appropriate primer over the existing paint, regardless of its base.
During our oil based primer paint research, we found 24 oil based primer paint products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 109,592 customer reviews through our big data system to write the oil based primer paint list. We found that most customers choose oil based primer paint with an average price of $16.17.
The oil based primer paint are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of oil based primer paint, including Zinsser, Rust-Oleum, KILZ. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.