Best Oil Based Primer Paint of 2025

Howard Chester Avatar
Howard Chester
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

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

KILZ Odorless Oil-Based Primer/Sealer Cover #TOP 1
KILZ Odorless Oil-Based Primer/Sealer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Zinsser by Rust-Oleum 3609 Oil-Base Spray Primer, White, 16 oz, (Pack of 1) Cover #TOP 2
Zinsser by Rust-Oleum 3609 Oil-Base Spray Primer, White, 16 oz, (Pack of 1)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Zinsser Cover-Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer Cover #TOP 3
Zinsser Cover-Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Oil Based Primer Paint

#TOP 1

KILZ Odorless Oil-Based Primer/Sealer

Masterchem Industries
10042
White
KILZ Odorless Oil-Based Primer/Sealer Cover
Odorless Primer/Sealer, Oil Based, Qt.

The Kilz Odorless Oil-Based Primer/Sealer is a must-have for any interior painting job. This primer effectively seals and blocks interior stains and odors, making it an ideal choice for wood, drywall, plaster, and burned areas. Its white pigmented finish is non-yellowing and bright, providing a smooth and clean surface for painting. The fast-drying formula allows for quick recoating in just one hour. Plus, it blocks severe stains such as water, pen, lipstick, crayons, grease, and oil stains. Unlike other primers, it has a low-odor, making it perfect for indoor use.

What We Like
Low-odor formulation
Blocks severe stains
Quick-drying
Bright white and non-yellowing finish
Effective in sealing and blocking interior stains and odors
#TOP 2

Zinsser by Rust-Oleum 3609 Oil-Base Spray Primer, White, 16 oz, (Pack of 1)

3609
White
Zinsser by Rust-Oleum 3609 Oil-Base Spray Primer, White, 16 oz, (Pack of 1) Cover
16 oz Zinsser 03609 White Zinsser, Cover-Stain Oil-Based Stain Blocker

Zinsser Oil-Base Spray Primer by Rust-Oleum is perfect for wood, metal, masonry, drywall, or tile surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. With a net weight of 16 oz and an oil base, it provides a smooth and durable surface that resists chipping, peeling, and fading. This spray primer is easy to apply and dries quickly, allowing you to recoat in just an hour. Its mild to moderate exposure conditions make it ideal for a wide range of projects. Made in the United States, this primer is a reliable choice for any DIY or professional painting job.

What We Like
Dries quickly
For indoor and outdoor use
Resists chipping, peeling, and fading
#TOP 3

Zinsser Cover-Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer

3504
White
Zinsser Cover-Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer Cover
Rust-Oleum Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer, 1-Quart, White

Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer is a high-performing sealer that can block most stains and help seal water, smoke, and nicotine stains. It sticks to most interior and exterior surfaces and sands easily, making it perfect for new construction, remodeling, or repainting work and priming small projects. This primer sealer spray dries quickly on interior surfaces and helps provide enamel undercoating performance. It is also great for exterior surfaces, delivering full penetration and flexibility on surfaces. Manufactured in the United States, Zinsser Cover-Stain adds extra shine to your product.

What We Like
High-hiding formula blocks most stains and helps seal water, smoke, and nicotine stains
Sticks to interior and exterior surfaces and sands easily
Dries quickly on interior surfaces and helps provide enamel undercoating performance
Great for new construction, remodeling or repainting work and priming small projects
Delivers full penetration and flexibility on exterior surfaces
#TOP 4

Rust-Oleum High Hide Cover Stain Primer and Sealer

3554
White
Rust-Oleum High Hide Cover Stain Primer and Sealer Cover
Rust-Oleum 3554 Zinsser High Hide Cover Stain Primer and Sealer, White 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

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.

What We Like
Penetrates and seals exterior wood and blocks tannin bleed
Permanently blocks and seals tough stains from fire, smoke, and water damage
Dries quickly, allowing you to apply a second coat in just two hours
Adheres well to glossy surfaces without sanding
Can be used for both interior and exterior projects
#TOP 5

Rust-Oleum Zinsser 3954 Odorless Oil-Base Stain Blocker Primer, Quart, White

3954
White
Rust-Oleum Zinsser 3954 Odorless Oil-Base Stain Blocker Primer, Quart, White Cover
Rust-Oleum Zinsser 3954 Odorless Oil-Base Stain Blocker Primer, Quart, White

Rust-Oleum Stain Blocker Primer is a versatile interior primer suitable for various surfaces like wood, drywall, and concrete. This low-VOC oil-based primer is ideal for both residential and commercial applications. With a quick drying time of just 30 minutes, you can cover up to 100 sq ft efficiently. Its high solids formula ensures excellent coverage over all topcoats, saving you time and effort. The flat bright white finish of this primer remains free from yellowing over time, providing a long-lasting professional look.

What We Like
Versatile interior primer
Quick drying time
High solids formula
#TOP 6

Clear Bonding Primer for Smooth Surfaces

Grey,White
sample (4 oz)
Clear Bonding Primer for Smooth Surfaces Cover
Clear Bonding Primer - Chalk Style Furniture Paint Surface Prep Clear Primer Base Coat - Adhesive Furniture & Decor Primer for Laminate, Glass, Metal, Oil-Based Paint or Stain - (4 oz)

If you want to ensure that paint will stick to those tricky, slick or smooth surfaces, this Clear Bonding Primer is a great choice. It's easy to use, even for beginners, and has an ultra low VOC and water-based formula that contains no harmful solvents, phthalates, formaldehyde, or heavy metals. The clear finish means you'll see the original wood tone underneath when distressing, and the bonding agents in the primer create a more porous surface, allowing paint to adhere to any smooth surface. You can paint indoors without worrying about harsh smells or your health.

What We Like
Easy to use even for beginners
Ultra low VOC and water-based formula
Clear finish shows original wood tone when distressing
Bonding agents create a more porous surface for better adhesion
No harsh smells, making it safe to use indoors
#TOP 7

Rust-Oleum Odorless OB Stain Blocker Primer

03959
White
Rust-Oleum Odorless OB Stain Blocker Primer Cover
13 oz Zinsser 03958 White Zinsser, Bulls Eye Oil-Based High Hide Stain Blocking Primer

The Rust-Oleum Odorless OB Stain Blocker Primer is a specialty paint designed for interior use on a wide range of surfaces including wood, drywall, plaster, concrete, masonry and more. Its low-VOC oil-based formula is great for residential and commercial use, dries to touch in 30 minutes and covers up to 12 sq. ft. per can. This high solids formula provides excellent coverage over all topcoats, seals stains from water, fire, and smoke damage and sands easily. Its non-yellowing, flat bright white finish does not yellow over time, making it an ideal choice for use with all topcoats.

What We Like
Low-VOC oil-based formula
Dries to touch in 30 minutes
High solids formula provides excellent coverage over all topcoats
Seals stains from water, fire, and smoke damage
Non-yellowing, flat bright white finish does not yellow over time
#TOP 8

Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Spray Primer

272479
White
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Spray Primer Cover
Zinsser 272479 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Spray Primer, 13 oz, White

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.

What We Like
Can be used on various surfaces
Oil-based formula seals uniformly
Dries in just 30 minutes and covers up to 12 sq ft
Provides excellent stain-blocking resistance
Can cover imperfections with just one coat
#TOP 9

Do it Best Exterior Alkyd Wood Primer

Unknown
W45W00702-44
White
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Do it Best Exterior Alkyd Wood Primer Cover
Do it Best Exterior Oil-Based Wood Primer, EXT ALKYD WOOD PRIMER

The Do it Best Wood Primer is a high-quality exterior primer designed specifically for wood surfaces. Being made in the United States, you can trust its craftsmanship and reliability. This oil-based formula offers excellent adhesion, ensuring that your topcoat will stick effectively and last longer. The primer also serves as a protective barrier against moisture, helping to prevent wood damage over time. Additionally, it provides a smooth base for paint application, allowing you to achieve a professional finish with ease. With this primer, you can enhance the durability and appearance of your wood projects.

What We Like
Quality oil-based formula
Made in the USA
Excellent adhesion
Moisture protection
Smooth application
#TOP 10

INSL-X Aqua Lock Plus 100% Acrylic Water-Based Sealer Primer

AQ040009A-04
White
INSL-X Aqua Lock Plus 100% Acrylic Water-Based Sealer Primer Cover
INSL-X AQ040009A-04 Aqua Lock Plus 100% Acrylic Water-Based Sealer Primer, 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), White

INSL-X Aqua Lock Plus Primer is a multipurpose, 100% acrylic sealer primer that offers excellent adhesion to a wide range of interior and exterior surfaces. It serves as a superior base coat for both latex and oil-based finish coatings, providing superior sealing and coverage qualities. With its excellent stain blocking properties, it ensures a clean and even surface for your paint job. This primer dries quickly, becoming tack-free in just 30 minutes, allowing you to apply a topcoat in as little as 1 hour. Additionally, it has a low VOC content, making it environmentally friendly. With coverage of 75-100 square feet per quart, this primer is a reliable choice for any painting project. Get your surfaces ready for a flawless finish with INSL-X Aqua Lock Plus Primer.

What We Like
Excellent adhesion
Superior sealing and coverage
Quick drying
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

During our oil based primer paint research, we found 24 oil based primer paint products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 16,067 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 $16.76.

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 Masterchem Industries, Zinsser, Rust-Oleum, Country Chic Paint, INSL-X. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 14,586 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Howard Chester Avatar

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.