Are you tired of me going on and on about my love for oil-based paint? Well, if you’re still undecided, I’m about to drop some knowledge on you that will change your mind forever.
Okay, this isn’t really about oil-based paint. It’s about oil-based primer. Are you ready to meet your new best friend?
Now one of the biggest complaints I hear about oil-based paints is that they stink to high heaven. That’s not really true so much anymore about oil-based paints (yes, they stink a bit, but not nearly as bad as they used to). But yes, oil-based primers are incredibly stinky.
Have I made you want to rush right out and buy some oil-based primer yet?! Of course not, because I haven’t gotten to the good part yet!
Are you ready for the really amazing part? The part that will sell you on this product? The part that will make you want to kick yourself for not giving oil-based primer a chance in the past…especially if you’ve ever taken on huge monumental tasks such as painting kitchen cabinets? Here it is…two little words…
It’s true. With oil-based primer, you don’t have to sand first. No hours lost using your palm sander to give the cabinet doors some “tooth”. No extra money spent on sandpaper discs for your palm sander. No having to drag all of the doors outside to sand so that you don’t cover every surface in your home with a thin layer of dust.
And if you’re still set on using latex paint, you can use that right over the oil-based primer. (Never use latex paint over oil-based paint, but it’s fine to use it over oil-based primer.)
Ahhhh…have I got your attention now? 
I'm a self-employed interior decorator-turned-blogger, and a DIY fanatic. I hope you enjoy your visit here at A2D! If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to 
No sanding even if you're painting a glossy surface? I'm planning to paint my kitchen cabinets and want the most durable finish possible. I'm seriously considering oil based primer and paint, but really thought I'd have to do quite a bit of sanding first.
I'm using the Zinner 1-2-3 Primer, please tell me that's just as good lol. In fact I'm on break right now from priming my kitchen cabinets! The can does say no sanding required so I'm hoping this is good enough =/
*Zinsser, sorry my hands are numb from painting..
Yep, even glossy surfaces. I know it sounds too good to be true, but it's true. It even says it right there on the can. "Sticks to all surfaces without sanding." And from my experience, it's incredibly durable.
OMG. Now she tells me after I've sanded and painted door and window casings all over the house. Do you think I'll remember in ten years when it needs it again?
Kristi,
I used this product on my last project and I totally agree–stuck to a slick surface just as if I'd sanded the piece. BUT…not sure what I did wrong here…the primer layer was so uneven. I used a 2 inch brush and tried had to do 2 layers to cover the shiny black surface I was painting over. After the 2nd layer of oil based primer I could see all of my gloppy uneven brush strokes. Any advice for next time?
Can you put an oil based primer over a latex paint?
I didn't realize you could primer over glossy surfaces. :O I used oil-based primer AFTER sanding off the varnish on my cabinet doors!
At least I know for the rest of them.
Thanks for the info Kristi, I am just about to embark on a challenging paint project. I will keep this in mind, and skip the sanding!
awesome tip, thanks for the info.
Sounds like great information to know! I hope I remember this when I'm ready to start my kitchen project.
Is clean up for the oil-based primer the same as for the paint?
OMG, when my husband and I moved in together 3 years ago, I planned on buying beautiful new (or new to me)bedroom furniture. Unfortunately my husband has a sentimental (hoarder) attachment to his grandparent's "1960's-nicotine stained-I don't know if this is supposed to be white or green-ugly god awful bedroom furniture". I dream of painting them a nice dark color and replacing the hardware but my laziness and hate for sanding has kept me from going for it. By god, because of this post, I will paint those horrible dressers now, I WILL!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Adrienne, I'm not sure why that happened! I've never had that experience. Were you using newly purchased primer, or a can that had been sitting in your garage for a while? I've had some frustrating experiences when I've used old primer and/or paint before.
Jennie, yes you can use oil-based primer over latex paint.
Terri, the clean up is exactly the same.
Thanks for the tip. This is a super cute blog with a lot of color, I feel so inspired right now. I am your newest follower! Come on over and see what I do at fineandhandy.blogspot.com
Thanks Kristi! I am thinking of repainting my bannister (or getting my hubby to do it
I think he'll be more for it with this primer!
When I discovered this it was better than Dr. Pepper (and in my world that is saying A LOT)! If there is one thing I hate more than using oil based paint it is sanding all of those uneven surfaces! I use oil based paint on my trim, woodwork and anything I want to be durable, but unlike you I am a tolerator, not a lover!
Thanks Kristi!
The primer was just purchased. I will give it another try, maybe a different brush or a roller this time?
Ohhhhhh man, this is crazy talk! I believe you, but it's a bit shocking, NO SANDING?? I can put Latex paint OVER IT?!!?!? Be still my heart. This is some amazing news. That fine coat of dust was driving me mad. I've got half my kitchen done, but not having to sand half is great to hear. Thank you soooooooo much for sharing this!
awesome tip, thanks for the info.