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Oil-based primers are a necessity when it comes to sealing surfaces, improving paint adhesion, and blocking out stubborn stains. This versatile primer type is well-known for its durability and is an essential item in any DIY enthusiast or professional painter’s toolkit. Of course, as oil-based primer enthusiasts ourselves, we understand the importance of using a high-quality product. It should have excellent adhesion properties, great stain blocking performance, and offer a smooth, even finish.
Given the multitude of options available on Amazon, from renowned brands to new, upcoming ones, choosing the best oil-based primer can be a challenge. Hence, we’ve taken the time to analyze, review, and test numerous oil-based primers to give our recommendations of which are the best. By the end of this article, you’ll have comprehensive information on the best oil-based primers available on Amazon.
Best Oil Based Primers on Amazon
Picking the right oil-based primer can determine the overall quality, adhesion, and durability of your paint job. The primer should have excellent penetrating abilities, offer a level surface, and reduce the need for multiple coats of paint. The ideal oil-based primer should also be easy to apply, dry quickly, and sand smoothly. With an extensive search on Amazon, coupled with our own testing and use-case scenarios, we have shortlisted the best oil-based primers that stand out based on their overall effectiveness and customer ratings.
Stay with us as we share our findings, highlighting the pros and cons of each oil-based primer. By the end of this article, you’ll have valuable insights that will assist you in making an informed purchase, ensuring your paint projects achieve a professional-grade finish.
Zinsser 272479 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Spray Primer, 13 oz, White
If you’re looking for a primer that can handle tough stains and odors, Zinsser 272479 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Spray Primer is a great option.
Pros
- One-component, water-based formula that dries in just 30 minutes
- Tintable to eliminate the need for a separate tinted primer
- Excellent adhesion to most surfaces, including low-VOC and no-VOC
Cons
- The can is smaller than advertised
- The smell is strong and lingers for a while
- It may not cover as well as some other primers
We’ve used Zinsser 272479 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Spray Primer to prep our walls for painting, and we’re impressed with its performance. The one-component, water-based formula is easy to work with, and it dries in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for those who want to get their painting project done quickly.
One of the best things about this primer is that it’s tintable, which means you can eliminate the need for a separate tinted primer. This can save you time and money, especially if you’re working on a large project.
The primer also has excellent adhesion to most surfaces, including low-VOC and no-VOC surfaces. This makes it a great choice for those who want to use eco-friendly products in their home.
However, there are a few downsides to this primer. The can is smaller than advertised, which may be disappointing to some users. Additionally, the smell is strong and lingers for a while, which may be a problem for those who are sensitive to odors.
Overall, if you’re looking for a primer that can handle tough stains and odors, Zinsser 272479 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Spray Primer is a great option. It’s easy to work with, dries quickly, and has excellent adhesion to most surfaces.
Rust-Oleum Zinsser 3608 Cover Stain Oil Base Primer Spray, 13 oz, White
If you’re looking for an oil-based primer spray that can cover stains in one coat, then the Rust-Oleum Zinsser 3608 Cover Stain Oil Base Primer Spray is worth considering.
Pros
- Provides excellent stain blocking
- Dries to a smooth, non-staining finish
- Solvent-based formula adheres to glossy, semi-gloss, and oil-based painted surfaces
Cons
- Strong smell
- May require multiple coats for better coverage
- May not adhere well to certain surfaces
We’ve used the Rust-Oleum Zinsser 3608 Cover Stain Oil Base Primer Spray to prepare a wall for painting, and we were impressed with its ability to cover stains in one coat. The solvent-based formula adheres well to glossy, semi-gloss, and oil-based painted surfaces, making it a versatile choice for different types of walls.
However, the strong smell of the primer spray may be a concern for some users, and it may require multiple coats for better coverage. Additionally, it may not adhere well to certain surfaces, so it’s important to test it on a small area first.
Overall, if you’re looking for an oil-based primer spray that can provide excellent stain blocking and a smooth finish, the Rust-Oleum Zinsser 3608 Cover Stain Oil Base Primer Spray is a good choice to consider.
Diamond Brite Paint 1 Quart Industrial Oil Base Enamel Primer in Gray 32900-2
If you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting primer for your industrial project, the Diamond Brite Paint 1 Quart Industrial Oil Base Enamel Primer in Gray 32900-2 is a great choice.
Pros
- Provides excellent adhesion and rust protection.
- Can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including metal, concrete, and wood.
- Dries to a smooth, non-sanded finish.
Cons
- May require multiple coats for optimal coverage.
- Strong solvent odor that may require proper ventilation during application.
- May not be suitable for larger projects due to the small 1-quart size.
This primer is perfect for industrial projects that require a long-lasting and durable finish. It provides excellent adhesion and rust protection, making it a great choice for surfaces that are prone to rust or corrosion. Additionally, it can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including metal, concrete, and wood, making it a versatile choice for any project.
One downside to this primer is that it may require multiple coats for optimal coverage. However, this is to be expected with most primers and is not a major issue. Another potential downside is the strong solvent odor that may require proper ventilation during application. While this is not a major issue for most users, it is important to be aware of before starting your project.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality primer for your industrial project, the Diamond Brite Paint 1 Quart Industrial Oil Base Enamel Primer in Gray 32900-2 is a great choice. It provides excellent adhesion and rust protection, can be used on a wide range of surfaces, and dries to a smooth, non-sanded finish.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Mattifying Face Primer Makeup With Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 20, 16HR Wear, Shine Control, Clear, 1 Count
If you’re looking for a mattifying primer that also acts as sunscreen, Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Mattifying Face Primer Makeup With Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 20 is worth considering.
Pros
- Provides a matte finish that controls shine for up to 16 hours.
- Lightweight and non-greasy, making it comfortable to wear all day.
- Contains SPF 20 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Cons
- May not work well for people with very oily skin.
- Some users may find the primer to be too lightweight and not provide enough coverage.
- The product may not be suitable for people with very dry skin.
This primer is perfect for those who want to achieve a flawless, matte finish that lasts all day. It is lightweight and non-greasy, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. Additionally, it contains SPF 20, which is a great bonus for those who want to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
However, people with very oily skin may find that the primer is not enough to control their shine for the full 16 hours. Some users may also find that the primer is too lightweight and not provide enough coverage. Finally, people with very dry skin may find that the primer is not moisturizing enough for their skin.
Overall, if you’re looking for a mattifying primer that also acts as sunscreen, Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Mattifying Face Primer Makeup With Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 20 is a great option to consider.
wet n wild Prime Focus Facial Serum Primer Makeup Extending, Hydrating Face Skin Care Product, Reduces Fine Lines And Wrinkles, For Repairing Dry Skin, Retinol Alternative
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly retinol alternative, the wet n wild Prime Focus Facial Serum Primer Makeup Extending, Hydrating Face Skin Care Product, Reduces Fine Lines And Wrinkles, For Repairing Dry Skin, Retinol Alternative is worth considering.
Pros
- The serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it easy to apply underneath your favorite moisturizer or as a night cream.
- It contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3, which help to hydrate and brighten the skin.
- The serum is vegan and cruelty-free, which is great for those who are conscious about animal testing.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the serum can cause pilling when used with certain moisturizers or sunscreens.
- The serum may not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin, as it contains fragrance.
- The serum may not be as effective as more expensive retinol alternatives.
We’ve been using the wet n wild Prime Focus Facial Serum for a few weeks now, and we’ve noticed a subtle improvement in the appearance of our fine lines and wrinkles. The serum is easy to apply and doesn’t leave a greasy residue, which is great for those with oily skin.
One thing to note is that the serum does contain fragrance, which may not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin. Additionally, some users have reported that the serum can cause pilling when used with certain moisturizers or sunscreens.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly retinol alternative, the wet n wild Prime Focus Facial Serum is definitely worth considering. It’s lightweight, easy to apply, and contains some great ingredients for hydrating and brightening the skin.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best oil-based primer on Amazon, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve used and tested a variety of products, and here are some things to keep in mind when making your purchase:
Coverage
One of the most important factors to consider is coverage. You want a primer that will cover your walls evenly and smoothly, without any streaks or patches. Look for a product that offers adequate coverage for your needs. Keep in mind that some primers may require multiple coats to achieve the desired coverage.
Durability
Another important consideration is durability. You want a primer that will adhere well to your walls and resist chipping, peeling, and fading over time. Look for a product that is specifically designed for long-lasting performance.
Odor
Many oil-based primers have a strong odor, which can be unpleasant to work with and may linger in your home for days or even weeks. If odor is a concern for you, look for a product that is low-odor or odorless.
Tint
Some oil-based primers come in a tinted version, which can help to hide stains and imperfections on your walls. If you have a lot of stains or discoloration to contend with, a tinted primer may be a good choice.
Price
Finally, consider price. While it’s important to choose a high-quality primer that will meet your needs, you don’t want to overspend. Look for a product that offers good value for your money.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best oil-based primer for your needs and achieve professional-looking results.
