The best oil based primer helps to create a tighter seal on your paint project.
It’s the ideal primer paint for wood projects, drywall, and plaster because the primer fills in the porous surface.
Instead of a rough surface, you’re left with something smooth that is waiting for your paint.
Top-Rated Oil Based Primers
Several brands offer oil based primers that are suitable for the modern paint sprayer. It is important to ensure the viscosity of the primer will work with your paint sprayer before purchase.
Best Oil Based Primer Paint: Editor’s Ratings and Reviews
Best Oil Based Primer: Editor’s Choice
Rust-Oleum Bulls Eye
- Best for mold and mildew prevention
- Stops rust and blocks stains
- Oil Based
- Affordable
A few showers are all it takes for mold to begin growing if your ventilation is a little off.
This unique oil-based primer from Rust-oleum contains a resistant film that reduces the potential for growth, so you don’t need to worry about stains or damage.
This primer also helps prevent rust and offers excellent stain-blocking capabilities when applied correctly. It typically dries within an hour, even on exterior surfaces.
Considered one of the top exterior primers on the market, this versatile oil-based primer works well on a wide range of surfaces and in various conditions.
Bullseye by Rust-Oleum stands out as a reliable choice for priming before applying oil-based paints.
Kilz Max Primer
- Water based performs like oil
- Gallon covers 300 ft
- Stops stains, odors, rust, tannins
Kilz Max Primer tackles tough stains and odors, including water damage, rust, ink, and tannin, while stopping future odors from escaping.
This primer is ideal when you need top-tier protection for your next interior project. It comes in white with a matte finish and is specially formulated for indoor use.
Although it’s water-based, it delivers performance comparable to oil-based primers—without the strong odor, high VOCs, or tough cleanup.
Available in 1-gallon containers, this primer dries to the touch within about 30 minutes under ideal conditions and can be recoated after an hour. However, drying times can vary—especially when painting below 70–75°F in humid environments. For example, paint may dry in 15 minutes in dry climates like Arizona but could take over 8 hours in the Pacific Northwest.
It can also be used on a wide variety of materials, from brick to glass, to provide good results. Each gallon can cover about 300 square feet, so plan accordingly on your prepared surface.
True Value Weather All
- Ultra premium acrylic latex oil primer
- Can be used under all paint
- Lifetime warranty
- Expensive
This ultra-premium primer is an acrylic latex formula, though is still an oil based primer. Note that this primer and sealer in one is specified for exterior use.
That means you get the benefits of all three types within one single product. If you’re looking for an all-weather product, Weather All primer paint gives you the consistent results that you want.
It is backed by a lifetime warranty and can be used under latex or oil based paints.
It applies nicely through a paint sprayer and offers top coat consistency with very little effort. Grab a can of this stuff.
Zinsser Oil Based Primer
- Oil based primer and sealer
- Easy to sand, dries quick
- Best for odors and stain blocking
- Covers stains easily
This oil based primer and sealer does an excellent job of covering stains including water, smoke, tannins, and nicotine stains. They disappear after one application, whether you spray it on or you roll it on. Plus side is that it is manufactured in the United States.
Zinsser does an excellent job of dealing with old cigarette smoke odors and stain blocking. We found the primer to be easy to sand and it dries quickly, so there is less downtime.
This primer performs equally well on both interior and exterior surfaces. It works seamlessly with any topcoat, making your painting process smoother.
Latex paint can be applied directly over this oil-based primer, helping your final paint color come through true and vibrant with Zinsser.
One downside is the more demanding cleanup after using an oil-based primer. When using brushes, we recommend discarding them afterward to save time and avoid the hassle of cleaning. Additionally, because it’s oil-based, expect strong odors and higher VOC levels, so make sure to ventilate your workspace properly.
Kilz Primer
- Latex Primer
- Great for unique surfaces like bricks
- Performs like oil based
- Works on Brick, Fiberglass and Glossy finishes
- 1 gallon can in WHITE
This high-bonding primer and sealer is water-based and comes in a unique latex formula.
When applied correctly, the bond that it achieves is similar to what an oil based primer would be able to accomplish.
Modern sprayers can still push this primer out with a consistent spray.
In return, this latex primer from Kilz allows you to prime almost any material for paint.
This versatile primer adheres well even to challenging surfaces like glazed bricks, glossy finishes, and fiberglass. It’s also suitable for use beneath epoxies, lacquers, and solvent-based coatings.
KILZ states that one can covers up to 300 square feet, though actual coverage may vary depending on your application technique.
You’ll get a reliable base for your topcoat, combined with the ease of application and an affordable price point.
Kilz All Purpose
- 300-400 sq ft/gallon
- Blocks mold/mildew
- Water based
- Low VOC Option
- Quart Sized Can
Kilz has been used by DIYers and professionals alike for over 40 years for stain blocking every type of stain including smoke, water, grease and pet odors. This is my go to choice for areas prone to mold like a small bathroom.
People in the pacific northwest know Kilz like the back of their hand. It will block mildew from developing and coming through your new paint job.
Using primer is highly recommended because it blocks stains, improves paint adhesion, and helps you achieve deeper, more vibrant colors. Plus, applying a primer first can reduce the amount of paint you need.
Kilz primer works well on a variety of surfaces including wood, drywall, plaster, and brick. However, it’s not suitable for flooring applications. Coverage is roughly 300 to 400 square feet per gallon, but keep in mind that Kilz is also available in quart or liter sizes, which cover about 75 to 100 square feet per can.
Can Kilz oil-based primer be sprayed? Yes — with an airless sprayer, you can spray it straight from the container without thinning. If you’re using an HVLP sprayer, thinning is necessary to achieve the proper spraying consistency.
Kilz recommends waiting about an hour before recoating, though drying times may vary based on temperature and humidity.
If you want a water-based primer that performs like an oil-based one, consider Kilz Max, available in 1- and 5-gallon buckets.
Low VOC is an option you should consider to reduce fumes around your home. Pricer than regular Kilz, if you have an area that isn’t really well ventilated this should be your go to choice.
Best Oil Based Primer Buyer’s Guide
Can You Use Oil Based Primer in a Sprayer?
Absolutely! The best way to apply oil-based primer is with a sprayer for a consistent finish.
Can Oil Based Primer be Thinned?
Depending on the type of sprayer you have you may need to thin your oil-based primer. Airless sprayers are powerful enough (they use high PSI to spray) that they can spray thick materials like primers unthinned. If you’ve got an HVLP sprayer, you will need to thin your primer before spraying.
Best Paint Primer to Use
Before you get started with any painting project, a couple layers of primer are generally necessary. Primer allows the paint to apply with better consistency, offering a smoother and flatter surface for a better end result. Don’t forget to stir your paint thoroughly with a paint mixer drill attachment so that its completely mixed before starting.
Why Should I Use an Oil-Based Primer?
If you’re looking for durability, stain-blocking, and superior adhesion, then an oil-based primer is one of the best choices for long-term painting projects.
Unlike water-based primers, oil-based primers take longer to dry and often need to be thinned before spraying—but the results are stronger, longer-lasting, and more resistant to wear and tear.
When to Use Oil-Based Primer:
- Porous or rough surfaces
- Wood surfaces (especially softwoods that bleed tannins)
- High humidity areas (like bathrooms or kitchens)
- Odor or stain blocking (including nicotine stains, smoke damage, or pet odors)
- High-traffic areas like hallways or stair railings
- Furniture and cabinetry that gets frequent use
Oil-based primers are also ideal when painting over dark colors, bare wood, or surfaces that have previously been painted with oil-based paints.
Benefits of Oil-Based Primer:
- Blocks stubborn stains and odors
- Seals porous surfaces for better paint adhesion
- Withstands heavy use and repeated cleaning
- Smooths wood grain and prevents bleed-through
- Provides a long-lasting foundation for both oil- and latex-based topcoats
Pro Tip: Because oil primers are thicker and slower-drying, allow for ample ventilation and dry time between coats, especially if you’re spraying it. Always check manufacturer instructions for the best thinning and spraying guidelines.
Ready to choose the right primer for your project? I can help you compare top-rated oil-based primers for wood, stain blocking, and more.
Different Types of Primer Paint
There are 3 broad types of primer paint you can use on your projects. Each one has it’s pros and cons and should be used in certain circumstances.
Oil-Based
Great for blocking odors, stains, mildew and mold. Stops tannins from wood from bleeding through. Kicks butt in protecting surfaces in a high humidity areas like your bathroom or kitchen due to their water resistance. Oil based primers and paint are great at preventing rust too.
Cons is that it smells pretty bad and you need mineral spirits to clean it up. Try to find a low odor oil based primer if you can. Check out our Guide on the alternatives to mineral spirits solutions and see if you can avoid chemicals all together.
Latex (Water) Based
This low odor and low VOC primer is great because it dries fast, cleans up with water and soap and can block oil stains. Cons is that is can cause certain types of wood to actually be rougher and bleed more.
Latex paint also cleans up very easily if their are marks on your wall for example, just use a cloth and regular housecleaner spray.
Shellac Based
Pros is that it works on any surface and blocks stains and smells. Cons is that it can cost more than the other 2 types of primer and it has a pretty strong odor. You also have to clean it with denatured alcohol instead of soap and water.
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When Should You Use a Latex Primer?
Latex primer is an excellent choice for previously painted or finished surfaces that already have a solid base coat. It’s especially ideal if you want a low-odor, easy-to-clean-up primer without harsh chemicals, making it a popular option for indoor projects and DIYers.
Best Uses for Latex Primer:
- Surfaces with existing paint layers — perfect for repainting walls or furniture
- Interior walls and ceilings where quick drying and low odor are important
- Areas where easy water cleanup is preferred
- Projects where ventilation might be limited due to low fumes
When NOT to Use Latex Primer:
- Porous or rough surfaces — latex primer can sometimes worsen texture issues rather than seal them
- Bare or untreated wood, especially softwoods — because latex primer is water-based, it may cause some types of wood to bleed tannins or stains more than oil-based primers
- Always check product directions to see if your latex primer is rated for bare wood surfaces
Pro Tip: When painting bare wood or rough surfaces, consider an oil-based primer instead for better sealing and stain-blocking performance.
When Should You Use a Shellac Primer?
Great for exterior projects and rust stains. You can use it to prep glossy and greasy areas without sanding.
When Should an Oil Based Primer Be Used?
Any unfinished surface can benefit from the use of an oil-based primer if it is going to be painted in the near future. Porous materials should always be primed before painting.
That means concrete, wood, drywall, and even certain metals need primer.
It can be tempting to skip this step when painting. The results, however, never seem to be as good without primer when compared to having it done.
That means an oil based primer should be used whenever painting needed to be done. There are only a handful of exceptions to this rule.
- The surface being painted has already received an oil based primer in the past.
- You are painting on a surface that already has a layer of paint in good condition.
- The surface being painted is not porous.
- You have an older home that used oil based exterior paint.
Oil-based primers dry very slowly. In return, they provide a finish that is smooth and protective.
These primers can even benefit woods that tend to have their tannins bleed through over time.
If you’re working with cedar, for example, an oil based primer will help to maintain the integrity of your paint.
You should also use primer paint on painted surfaces that are beginning to fail. It will help to cover any cracking or chalking to offer a lovely visual aesthetic.
What Are the Benefits of an Oil Based Primer?
Oil primer paint is one of the most powerful tools that are available to painters today. They are also one of the most overlooked tools. It seems like skipping the primer paint is an easy way to save time and money.
It is not. Primer helps the paint stick properly to the surface being worked. It allows for a consistent coat that becomes smooth as it dries.
Primer does more than help the paint. It can also solve the visual aesthetic issues that plague certain walls and wooden surfaces by smoothing out your paint surface, leading to a more consistent paint application.
Oil based primer also helps your paint adhere better to your project surface, meaning your paint job will look better and last longer than without primer.
A good oil based primer will cover up stains and prevent an old stain from leaking through to the paint. A good oil-based primer will also conceal odors, such as cigarette smoke, that can penetrate the drywall.
Oil based primers are excellent at stopping tannins from being released from bare wood, especially cedar and redwood. It prevents those tannins from bleeding through the surface of the paint.
Oil based primers can be extremely smelly when being applied. Even a well-ventilated room may not prevent these odors from lingering for a couple of days.
These primers require a thinner for cleaning as well. For consistency, however, there isn’t a better option when dealing with tough pre-existing stains or odors.
- Stain coverage
- odor blocking
- smooths out paint surface
- helps paint to adhere better
- Stops tannins from bleeding through paint
Pros and Cons of Using Oil Based Primer
Blocks Stains, Odors
Great for High Humidity Areas
Super Durable
Strong Smell
Can’t Find Everywhere
Needs to be Thinned with Chemicals
How Does Oil Based Primer Affect Paint
Oil based primer helps to seal porous surfaces like bare wood, masonry, cover up old paint, smells, tannins, and stains. It helps your paint to adhere better to the surface by bonding with the paint and creates a better and more consistent finish.
Why Oil Based Primers are Great for Exterior Projects
Oil based primers work so well for exterior projects because of many reasons. They are more resistant to temperature changes from the cold and heat. They block humidity, moisture and mildew from ruining your surface.
They stop stains and wood tannins from coming through your paint. Last but not least, exterior oil primers are super tough, able to withstand even the worst abuse.
Pro Tips for Applying Oil Based Primer
First things first. My personal preference is to strain all primers and paints that go through my gun. Maybe it is a bit of extra work, but I really want to make sure that there is NOTHING and I mean NOTHING in my paint or primer before it goes in my paint sprayer. That being said…
Make sure you stir that primer vigorously and for a long time. Better yet, take it to the store and get them to shake the hell out of it. Oil based primers are thick: you will probably need to thin it unless you’re using a powerful airless spray gun.
Thinning with mineral spirits or another oil based thinner is the only way to do it. Check out our detailed post on how to thin oil based paint for a spray gun.
How Do I Know if I Have Oil Based Primer Paint?
It is a good idea to match up your primer with your paint. In some instances, you may not know if the paint is latex or an oil-based variety.
You can check your paint type by saturating a shop rag with non-acetone nail polish remover. Take the soaked rag and run it over the painted surface in question. If no paint comes off on the rag, then you know for certain that it is an oil-based paint.
If the surface is coated with latex paint, then you’ll have some paint come off on the rag or the surface will feel sticky afterward.
What Kind of Primer Should I Use over Oil Based Paint
After testing your paint type above, and you find that its oil based paint, you should always use a primer before you start painting overtop. You can use another oil based primer or go for a latex primer. Latex primer should be labelled as a bonding primer and check the paint can label to make sure it specifies that you can use it over oil based paints.
How to Use Oil Based Primers
Here are some basic instructions on how to use an oil based primer.
- Read the directions on the can for the brand of primer you purchased
- Stir the contents well with a wooden stick or with a paint stirring tool that attaches to your drill
- Check if the primer needs to be thinned before spraying
- Thin according to the manufacturers directions using our instructions below
- Use a natural bristle brush or your paint sprayer
- Cover your surface with one coat
- Wait for it to dry and test to see if it covered the area completely
- If not, apply another coat
- Once dry, you can give it a light sanding with high grit sandpaper
- Clean your surface
- Apply your top coat of paint
Should Primer Paint Be Thinned So It Can Be Sprayed?
Whether or not a primer can be thinned so it can be applied with a paint sprayer depends on the manufacturer.
If you look at the application instructions on the product, you will find a thinning ratio to follow, assuming it is permitted.
The general rule for thinning primer paint is to remove about 1.5 cups of primer from a 1-gallon can and then add 1.5 cups of thinning agent to the product.
If the label of the primer does not specify a thinning ratio, then it must be assumed that the primer should be used as it is. Run the undiluted primer through your sprayer to evaluate its thickness.
In most cases, it will spray as a thin mist and you’ll be fine. If it sprays thickly, then you may need to apply the primer manually.
Attempting to thin a primer that is not intended to be thinned can change how it applies, how it dries, or how it supports a layer of paint in the future.
How to Thin Oil Based Paint and Primer
If you are trying to thin an oil-based primer or paint, you cannot use water to do so. Water and oil do not mix. You’ll need to use mineral spirits to get the job done. Follow our instructions on how to thin oil based paint.
With oil primer, always double check and follow the manufacturers instructions on how to thin the paint.
How Much Does a Good Oil Based Primer Cost?
The cost primer paint is comparable to the cost of the paint that you’re planning to use for your project. Expect to pay at least $30 for a 1-gallon container of the best paint primer.
If you have a smaller project in mind, you can purchase primer containers that are pint-sized or below in the $10-$25 range. These small containers are not enough to apply primer to an entire room, though it could be large enough for something like an accent wall.
You may be able to save some cash if purchasing your primer in bulk.
A 5-gallon container is usually about $120. You can also step up to a high-quality product for about $170.
What is the Best Oil Based Primer: Our Recommendation
Our favorite oil-based primer is Rust-OLeum Bulls Eye. This is because of how well it stops mold and mildew from growing in moisture rich environments while inhibiting rust. It also dries super fast, meaning you can paint on 2 coats and finish your priming faster than ever.
What is the Best Oil Based Primer for Wood
Again we recommend Rust-OLeum Bulls Eye for any wood projects you may have.
Conclusion
The best oil based primer for paint sprayers (and one water-based one) make it quick, easy, and affordable to improve the look of your home or project. Skip the shortcuts and do the job right, the first time around.
Use our best paint sprayer reviews to pick the perfect sprayer for your oil based projects.
Quick FAQs About Oil Primers and Paint
Yes, with paint thinner, mineral spirits or turpentine.
Yes, you will need to thin it first with most spray guns.
Add 1 part paint thinner product to every 3 parts paint and stir thoroughly.
- Top-Rated Oil Based Primers
- Best Oil Based Primer Paint: Editor's Ratings and Reviews
- Best Oil Based Primer: Editor's Choice
- Rust-Oleum Bulls Eye
- Kilz Max Primer
- True Value Weather All
- Zinsser Oil Based Primer
- Kilz Primer
- Kilz All Purpose
- Best Oil Based Primer Buyer's Guide
- Can You Use Oil Based Primer in a Sprayer?
- Can Oil Based Primer be Thinned?
- Best Paint Primer to Use
- Why Should I Use an Oil-Based Primer?
- Benefits of Oil-Based Primer:
- Different Types of Primer Paint
- Join our Email List for more Tips!
- When Should You Use a Latex Primer?
- When Should You Use a Shellac Primer?
- When Should an Oil Based Primer Be Used?
- What Are the Benefits of an Oil Based Primer?
- Pros and Cons of Using Oil Based Primer
- How Does Oil Based Primer Affect Paint
- Why Oil Based Primers are Great for Exterior Projects
- Pro Tips for Applying Oil Based Primer
- How Do I Know if I Have Oil Based Primer Paint?
- What Kind of Primer Should I Use over Oil Based Paint
- How to Use Oil Based Primers
- Should Primer Paint Be Thinned So It Can Be Sprayed?
- How to Thin Oil Based Paint and Primer
- How Much Does a Good Oil Based Primer Cost?
- What is the Best Oil Based Primer: Our Recommendation
- What is the Best Oil Based Primer for Wood
- Conclusion
- Quick FAQs About Oil Primers and Paint
