While all the excitement of painting is in the color palette and textures, the whole foundation is in the preparation. Understanding the steps that go into setting up a major painting project is often the difference between amateur hack jobs and professional perfection.
Beyond cleaning and priming, even the simplest of tasks take some effort and research. Just getting to know how to use painter’s tape takes more than a little practice.
To know how to prepare walls for painting is just the first of many steps you have to take.
10 Best Oil Based Primers
This article is meant to help new and experienced painters alike break down their options for the best oil-based primers available on the market.
Once you’ve made this essential decision you can start to move onto things like tape and the best paint sprayer accessories.
1. KILZ Complete High-Adhesion Interior/Exterior Oil-Based
KILZ is one of the most trusted brands in the industry. This exterior oil based primer is well respected for its fantastic stain blocking capabilities and its versatility in priming just about any surface. It is ideal for blocking tough substances like tannin, water, smoke, graffiti stains, and other bleeding materials.
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KILZ will dry to the touch within 30 minutes and a recoat will quick dry in less than an hour. Furthermore, it comes equipped with a very effective mildew-resistant coating.
2. KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Interior/Exterior Latex
KILZ oil based primer Premium is definitely one of the best that money can buy. With a powerful water-based stain-blocking formula, it uniformly seals any and all surfaces. It can hide just about any stain or previous layer of paint and offer excellent adhesion for a fresh coat.
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It is designed to have a consistent and smooth finish that not only works on porous surfaces but also fills small cracks and pits. Combined with a high-quality sprayer, you will have a superb priming job with even the most difficult projects.
Much like the previous KILZ option, it comes with mildewcide protection that actively prevents the growth of mold and mildew.
3. KILZ L211101 Adhesion High-Bonding Interior Latex
KILZ’s next offering is specifically designed for those who need an oil primer paint that is particularly suited for powerful adhesion. When dealing with a difficult surface or one that has been retouched so often that new layers simply won’t take, a special primer is necessary.
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KILZ’s High-Bonding option is meant to replace other oil or water-based primers that won’t adhere to the new coat. This primer is thus the best oil primer for the job and perfect for unique surfaces like vinyl, Kynar, PVC, glass, tile, glazed brick, metals, and chalky or glossy finishes and therefore is a primer for oil based paint.
This is the one to use when others fail or when a secure bond is essential for the success of a project.
4. Rust-Oleum 286258
For those who need a good all-around primer that is also highly resistant to wear and tear, this Rust-Oleum’s product has it covered. You can accomplish the best paint job possible and spend a fortune on sprayers and premium painters tape, but if the surface is vulnerable to corrosion then all the effort will be for naught.
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Rust-Oleum’s comes with rust resistance and rust preventive solutions along with a mildew and mold resistant film. Additionally, it is superb at sealing in tannins, graffiti, and other bleeding materials.
5. Zinsser 03504 Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer
Zinsser has one of the best primer choices for smaller jobs. This product is superb for remodeling and repainting jobs. It sands easily and dries very quickly on interior surfaces. It blocks just about any simple stain and will effectively seal water, smoke, and nicotine stains not only is it good for the interior but is up there with the best exterior oil based primer as well.
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It will add an enamel-undercoating performance as well as bring an extra shine to the fresh coat. This is perfect for DIY jobs and will work with both premium sprayers and lower budget options.
6. Rust-Oleum 276087 Mold Killing
Sometimes you find yourself past the point of prevention in terms of mold and mildew growth. Even a premium primer won’t be able to compete with a full-blown outbreak. This is where Rust-Oleum’s Mold Killing Primer comes in.
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This is made to not only effectively cover surfaces but also to kill any and all mold, mildew, moss, fungi, and bacteria that might have spread over time. Furthermore, it is designed to prevent any future growth after application. It is quick-drying and cleans up easily after use.
7. Diamond Bright Paint 31900 Oil Base Primer
If you’re dealing with metallic surfaces, then rust will quickly become your worst nightmare. Diamond Bright has formulated a primer that prevents the development of rust when used with oil-based paint. It is perfect for steel surfaces like piping, equipment, tanks, and doors.
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It dries exceptionally hard and is best for industrial use. It will resist abrasions and chemical ware. For any metallic or industrial surface that will experience high traffic and frequent use, there may be no better.
8. KILZ Odorless Oil-Base
For some, the worst part of priming and painting is the odor that is left behind. Not only can it be overwhelming, but frequent inhalation of such odors can also lead one to feel sick, lightheaded, and disoriented. KILZ Odorless option is designed to have no lingering odors after application. Any scent will dissipate within a few minutes.
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Despite focusing on odorless technology, this makes no sacrifices in terms of effective stain sealing. Not only will it block things like grease, ink, nicotine, and water, it will work on just about any interior surface. This is the perfect choice for scent-sensitive people or low-ventilation spaces.
9. KILZ Original Multi-Surface Stain Blocking Interior Oil-Based
KILZ’s Original Multi-Surface Stain Blocker is the best choice for those who need a primer that will bring out the best in their paints. Not only is it powerfully adhesive but it also makes paint hues truer and more vivid. Not only that, it effectively blocks most stains and foul odors.
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This is also a superb primer for any and all interior surfaces with the exception of flooring. It quickly dries and will tackle even the most severe stains.
10. Rust-Oleum Protective Metal Primer
For less industrial level metallic paint projects, Rust-Oleum is ideal. If you don’t need all the frills of the Diamond Bright option but still need to protect and paint basic metal surfaces, then Rust-Oleum has you covered.
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It comes with twice the average rust protection as well as superior adhesion. It can effectively cover bare, painted, or lightly rusted metal. Exceptionally durable and in a wide variety of vivid colors, it is great for DIY metal-painting projects.
