Oil based primers are ideal for walls because they provide a better seal than water-based primers. Oil based primers also prevent stains, mildew, and mold from developing on the wall.

The added protection also helps to protect the wall from any water-based paints that may be used on top of the primer. Additionally, oil-based primers are known to have better hiding properties and will make the wall look more finished and polished.

Here is our final selection list of the 7 best oil based primers for walls.

8 Best Oil Based Primers for Walls 2023

1. RUST-OLEUM Bullseye Oil Base Primer

RUST-OLEUM Bullseye Oil Base Primer is the perfect sealant for all of your interior and exterior painting projects. This high-performance primer prevents bleeding, seals the surface and blocks tough stains from water, nicotine and graffiti.

It is ideal for sealing porous surfaces like builder’s flat paint, drywall, unfinished wood, concrete and other unpainted surfaces, providing an even and smooth finish with better topcoat coverage.

The primer is also easy to use, as it dries in two hours and can be recoated in the same amount of time. It also dries to a flat finish that sands easily, offering you a great deal of flexibility. Plus, it can be tinted for a custom, personalized look.

With the Bullseye Oil Base Primer, you get superior coverage with a maximum-strength formula that won’t yellow over time.

This durable primer offers superior adhesion and topcoat performance. Whether you’re looking for a fresh start on a new project or need a dependable sealant for an existing project, the Oil Base Primer is a perfect choice. 

2. KILZ Original Primer for Walls

KILZ Original Primer for Walls is the perfect solution to problem areas on walls and ceilings. This oil-based primer blocks most stains, including water, smoke, tannin, ink, pencil, felt marker and grease.

It also seals pet and smoke odors and provides superior coverage, allowing you to use less paint and achieve truer color. Whether you’re prepping wood, drywall, plaster, paneling, wallpaper, masonry, brick, painted metal or glossy surfaces, KILZ Original Primer for Walls is the perfect choice.

The Primer is a versatile product that can be used indoors to prepare walls or ceilings with medium to severe stains.

Simply mix well before using and apply with a brush, roller or spray. Dries to touch in 30 minutes and can be recoated or top-coated after one hour.

For those looking for a water-based equivalent, KILZ Max is also available. The Primer provides superior coverage, making it an ideal solution for any wall or ceiling with severe stains.

Don’t let those pesky stains ruin your walls and ceilings – trust the Primer for Walls to make paint stick better, make paint color truer, and help you use less paint.

 

3. Zinsser Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer

Zinsser Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer is an innovative solution for a wide range of interior and exterior priming needs.

This high-hiding formula will block most stains and help seal water, smoke and nicotine stains on any surface. It is manufactured in the United States and is great for new construction, remodeling or repainting work, and can also be used to prime small projects.

This oil-based primer is designed to stick to both interior and exterior surfaces, and sands easily for a smooth finish. It ensures quick drying on interior surfaces and provides an enamel undercoating performance. It can be used on exterior surfaces to help deliver full penetration and flexibility.

The Oil Primer Sealer is an all-in-one solution that is easy to use and ensures a great finish. It is an excellent choice for any project, from bathrooms to kitchens and more.

It adds an extra shine to your surface and helps block stains for years to come. It is a must-have for any painting project, and with its superior performance, you can be sure to get the job done right. 

4. Diamond Brite Oil Base Primer paint

Diamond Brite Oil Base Primer paint is the perfect choice for wood and metal surfaces alike. This high-quality industrial, oil-based primer is formulated to adhere to a wide variety of substrates, including ferrous metal, wood, masonry, plaster, and more. Its oil-base formula helps resist tannin bleed, preventing staining of freshly painted surfaces. The primer also helps prevent rust and corrosion, adding an extra layer of protection to your surfaces.

This primer is easy to apply and dries quickly, so you can get your projects finished in no time. Its viscosity and adhesion are designed to provide a perfect finish, giving you a uniform look with no brush marks. The fast-drying formula won’t clog your sprayer, and it won’t leave behind any streaks or runs.

The Oil Base Primer paint is formulated to be resistant to fading and chalking, making it the perfect choice for exterior surfaces. Its strong adhesion helps it resist cracking, peeling, and blistering, so you won’t have to worry about any of these issues. The primer also helps protect wood and metal surfaces from rust, pests, and other damage.

For the best results, it’s recommended that you prep your surface before applying the primer. This includes cleaning the surface and sanding it down to remove any imperfections and debris. Once your surface is ready, the primer goes on smooth and dries quickly.

This Oil Base Primer paint is the perfect choice for any surface, whether you’re looking for a top-notch finish on metal or wood. This fast-drying primer won’t clog your sprayer and its oil-base formula helps resist tannin bleed and rust. With its strong adhesion and fade-resistant formula, it’s sure to give you the perfect finish every time. 

5. Zinsser Oil-Base Spray Primer

Introducing Zinsser Oil-Base Spray Primer, the perfect choice for any indoor or outdoor project. This powerful spray primer is designed to bond to a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, masonry, drywall, and tile. It is quick-drying, offering a remarkable 1 hr recoat time. The oil-base primer is white in color and is ideal for mild to moderate exposure conditions. It has a net weight of 16 oz. and is available in white color family.

The Oil-Base Spray Primer is ideal for both interior and exterior surfaces, and can be applied at temperatures between 40 and 90 degrees F. This powerful spray primer offers excellent adhesion and durability, making it the perfect choice for any project. Plus, it is made in the USA and is backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Whether you are painting, staining, or priming, Zinsser Oil-Base Spray Primer is the perfect choice for any project. Its powerful formula ensures strong adhesion and excellent coverage, while its quick-drying formula makes it ideal for any indoor or outdoor project. Plus, it is easy to use and clean up, and is highly durable for years of use.

For your next project, the Oil-Base Spray Primer is a perfect choice. Its powerful formula ensures excellent adhesion and coverage, and its quick-drying formula makes it ideal for any project.

Plus, it is made in the USA and is backed by a lifetime guarantee, ensuring you can trust this product to deliver the results you need. 

6. True Value Oil Based Primer

True Value Oil Based Primer is the perfect choice for any painting project. The 100% acrylic latex formula ensures a fast and easy cleanup, while providing superior topcoat color consistency. This oil based primer is excellent for basement floors, as it seals and protects the surfaces from moisture and other elements.

The Oil Based Primer dries quickly, providing a smooth finish to your paint job. It also resists scuffing and provides superior adhesion on a variety of surfaces, including bare wood, masonry and drywall. Additionally, it helps to seal any existing stains, as well as provide a uniform base for subsequent coats of paint.

This oil based primer is also low in odor and easy to apply. It covers up to 400 square feet per gallon, so you can be sure the job will be done efficiently without the need for multiple coats. Plus, it can be used indoors or outdoors, making it a versatile product.

The Oil Based Primer is the perfect choice for any painting project. With its fast drying time and excellent adhesion, it provides superior topcoat color consistency. Its 100% acrylic latex formula ensures a fast and easy cleanup, while providing superior coverage on a variety of surfaces. Plus, it helps to seal any existing stains, as well as provide a uniform base for subsequent coats of paint. 

7. Rust-Oleum Professional Primer Spray Paint

Rust-Oleum Professional Primer Spray Paint is a high quality, durable oil-based formula that is ideal for use on a variety of surfaces, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, wood, concrete, masonry and more, to prepare surfaces for painting and provide rust protection and a tough finish that withstands weathering. This commercial-grade paint formula provides twice the protection of paint alone, and is equipped with a high output tip that can be sprayed at any angle.

Primer provides coverage of up to 14 sq ft and dries to the touch in 15 minutes, so you can start topcoat application immediately. The Primer Spray Paint provides excellent adhesion and is designed to withstand demanding, heavy-use environments. It is ideal for use in both indoor and outdoor applications, and will maintain its consistent, corrosion-resistant color despite the elements.

For all your metal, wood, concrete and masonry surfaces, The Professional Primer Spray Paint is the perfect choice for the toughest, most demanding painting jobs. This high quality, durable oil-based formula provides twice the protection of paint alone and will give your surfaces long lasting rust protection, a tough finish and excellent adhesion that stands up to the elements. With fast drying time and coverage of up to 14 sq ft, the Primer Spray Paint is the perfect choice for all your painting needs.

What Is an Oil-Based Primer?

An oil-based primer is a type of paint primer that is formulated with oil-based resins. It is designed to provide a good foundation for top coats of paint, sealers, and finishes, and is ideal for use on wood, metal, and masonry surfaces.

Oil-based primers provide better adhesion and sealant properties than water-based primers, and are more resistant to humidity, mildew, and mildew growth. Additionally, oil-based primers are more durable and easier to clean than water-based primers.

Things to Consider Before Buying Oil Based Primers for Walls

When it comes to priming your walls, oil-based primers are often considered the best option. Not only do they provide a better coverage and adhesion, they also help to seal the surface, creating a better base for subsequent coats of paint.

However, when choosing the right oil-based primer for your walls, there are some factors you should consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting the best oil-based primers for walls.

1. Determine the Surface

The first thing you should consider when selecting an oil-based primer is the surface that you are going to be priming. Oil-based primers are designed to adhere to a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, masonry, and other materials. Make sure you know the surface you are working with so that you can choose the best primer for the job.

2. Choose Based on Performance

Once you have determined the surface you are priming, you need to select the best primer for the job. Look for an oil-based primer that will offer superior performance, especially in areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Make sure you read reviews from previous customers and check the product specifications to make sure you are getting the performance you need.

3. Compare Prices

Price is always an important factor when making any purchase, and oil-based primers are no exception. Do some research and compare prices from a variety of different retailers. You may be able to find a great deal on a top-quality primer if you shop around.

4. Pay Attention to VOCs

When it comes to painting products, you want to pay attention to the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) they contain. VOCs are released into the air as the product dries, and they can be harmful to your health. Select low-VOC oil-based primers so that you can protect your family and the environment.

5. Consider the Color Range

Oil-based primers come in a range of colors, so you should consider the color range when selecting the best one for your walls. Choose a primer with a color that will complement the color of your paint, making sure to keep in mind the overall effect you are trying to achieve.

Finding the best oil-based primer for your walls can be a challenge, but if you consider these factors, you can find an outstanding product that will give you the coverage, adhesion, and performance you need. Keep these things in mind when making your selection and you can easily find the best oil-based primers for your walls.

Is Oil Based Primer Good for Walls?

Are you considering using an oil based primer on your wall to give it a smooth, flawless finish? It’s a popular choice among many DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors alike. But is it really the best option?

The answer to this question is yes, oil based primer is a good option for walls. It offers a variety of advantages that make it a great choice for many interior and exterior wall surfaces. Here’s a closer look at why oil based primer is the ideal choice for your wall painting project.

Oil based primers are highly effective at sealing porous surfaces, such as brick and concrete walls. This ensures that your wall surface is properly sealed and ready for paint. It also helps to create an even and consistent surface that makes it easier to apply paint evenly.

In addition, oil based primers are known for their excellent adhesion to a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, stucco, and masonry. This helps to ensure that the primer will stay put and won’t peel off.

Finally, oil based primer is a great option for walls because it is durable and long lasting. It won’t fade or yellow over time, so it can provide a beautiful, lasting finish for your walls. It also helps to prevent cracking, peeling, and chipping, which can occur over time.

Overall, oil based primer is an excellent choice for walls. It provides a number of benefits that make it an ideal option for any wall painting project. So, if you’re looking for a durable and long lasting finish, oil based primer is the way to go.

What Is the Disadvantage of Oil Based Primer?

Oil-based primers are widely used in painting projects, but they have their drawbacks. Primers are important in a painting project because they help the paint adhere better to the surface and last longer. Oil-based primers are popular because they produce a smooth finish, but there are a few disadvantages to consider before choosing them for your project.

The main disadvantage of oil-based primers is their high level of toxicity. Oil-based primers contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are released into the air as the primer dries. These VOCs can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat if you are exposed to them for an extended period of time. Additionally, VOCs can affect air quality, making them a potential health hazard.

Oil-based primers also require more time to dry than water-based primers. This can be a nuisance when painting, as the extra drying time can delay the completion of the project. The oil-based primer will also take longer to clean up, as it requires mineral spirits or paint thinner to remove it.

Oil-based primers also have an unpleasant odor that lingers even after the primer has dried. This smell can be a nuisance and can be difficult to eliminate. Additionally, the primer is not suitable for every surface. For example, it cannot be used on metal surfaces or surfaces that are exposed to high levels of moisture.

Overall, oil-based primers have their pros and cons. They produce a smooth finish and produce a stronger bond between the primer and the paint, but the high VOC content and odors can make them a less-than-ideal choice for some painting projects. If you are unsure about whether oil-based primer is the right option for your project, you should consult a professional to determine the best solution for your project.

How Long Does Oil-Based Primer Last?

Oil-based primers are an essential part of any painting project. They help protect the surface of the material while also providing a better surface for the paint to adhere to. But how long does oil-based primer last?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of primer used and the environment it is exposed to. Generally, oil-based primers can last up to five years before needing to be reapplied. However, if the environment is harsh, such as a humid climate or outdoor exposure, the primer may need to be reapplied sooner.

Oil-based primers are typically used on metal, wood, and masonry surfaces. They are usually applied with a brush or roller and allowed to dry for a few hours before painting. The primer will form a barrier between the material and the paint, helping to increase the durability of the painted finish.

When properly applied, oil-based primers can also help reduce conditions that can cause paint to peel, such as moisture and extreme temperatures. They also work to seal in any existing stains, which can help keep the surface clean and free of further damage.

When preparing to use oil-based primers, it’s important to make sure the surface is clean and free of dust, grease, and dirt. Sanding the material can also help to improve the adhesion of the primer. Once the surface is ready, the primer should be applied in thin and even coats, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

To get the most out of your oil-based primer, it’s important to keep it properly maintained. Regularly inspect the primer for any signs of wear or damage, and reapply when necessary. Doing so can help to prolong the life of the primer and ultimately, the life of your painted finish.

All in all, oil-based primers are an important part of any painting project. With proper care and maintenance, they can last up to five years before needing to be reapplied. While oil-based primers are best used on metal, wood, and masonry surfaces, they can also be used in other areas, such as concrete and drywall. No matter what type of surface you’re working on, oil-based primers can be a great way to protect your material and make sure that your paint job looks great for years to come.

FAQs on Best Oil Based Primers for Walls

1. What are the benefits of using Oil-Based Primers on walls?

Oil-based primers provide an excellent base coat for paints and can help resist water and moisture. They also provide excellent adhesion and durability, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas.

2. Is Oil-Based Primer suitable for use on both interior and exterior walls?

 Yes, Oil-Based Primer can be used on both interior and exterior walls.

3. How much Oil-Based Primer should I use on my walls?

The amount of Oil-Based Primer needed depends on the size of the wall and the type of paint being used. Generally, two coats of primer are recommended for best results.

4. What are the drawbacks of using an Oil-Based Primer?

Oil-based primers can be more expensive than other types of primers and they can be more difficult to clean up after use. Additionally, they require more time to dry and can be difficult to work with if temperatures are too low. 

Conclusion

Overall, oil-based primers are an excellent choice for walls due to their excellent adhesion and sealing capabilities. They offer superior protection against moisture, stains, and odors, as well as provide a smooth, even coat of primer for a great finish. They can help you achieve a long-lasting, professional paint job, and are available in a variety of colors and finishes to suit any project.