Painting - Painting questions

So...we painted the kitchen (walls, doors, trim and cabinets) last weekend. The walls are paneling, while the doors, trim and cabinets are solid wood.

Before we painted, we sanded (very lightly) and primed with latex primer on all surfaces. We used latex paint on all surfaces.

As I reported last week, the paint is now very susceptible to peeling if it is bumped. I was told on here that it was because I used latex primer, instead of oil-based primer.

Now, before we move forward with anymore rooms in the house, I want to get a few questions answered, if possible.

1. Do I use LATEX primer on the solid wood surfaces, but OIL-BASED primer on the paneled surfaces?

2. Do I use oil-based PRIMER, but still use latex PAINT? Am I supposed to mix the two? Or do I used oil-based primer and oil-based paint?

3. Should I do more than a "light sanding" on all the surfaces?

4. Is it okay to use brushes and rollers that have previously been used with latex paint to paint or prime with oil-based products?

5. Is there any particularly good oil-based primer (that isn't extremely expensive) that is better than others?

Thanks for any input anyone can offer. I have gotten a lot of great feedback on this board, so I look forward to your answers.

Solvent based primers are required when covering oil base enamel with latex, hiding stubborn stains and other adhesion issues. You can almost always use latex over top of a solvent based primer.

Latex brushes can be used in oil base paint but natural bristle brushes work better with oil base paint. A natural bristle brush can not be used with latex. A light sanding is almost always benificial when repainting.

Exactly what type of paint are you wanting to recoat with latex?
Primers aren't always needed for repainting. Unpainted paneling should be coated with a solvent based primer after cleaning and sanding.

Okay, maybe I wasn't too clear with all those questions.

Basically what I want to know is...

Do I use oil-based or solvent-based primer on unpainted paneling?

And...

What type of paint do I use? Latex or oil-based?

If your question was is there a difference between solvent based and oil based primer the answer is no.Both terms mean the same thing.The only other significant type of primer besides oil/solvent and latex is pigmented shellac based primer which is generally used for problem bleed-through/staining/sealing/bonding issues.

You can top coat any of these primers with either oil or latex.Latex is obviously easier to work with and would cost less.Oil can be a more durable finish but in your situation that would not really matter.

The more important choice is to use a quality product and shop at a hardware or paint store that has qualified help to assist you.Low end paint gives low end performance regardless of type or brand name.Same with tools.All of the questions you have asked could be answered by saleshelp with knowledge....something you won't find at big box stores.

Otherwise your questions were answered in the previous reply.

1. Do I use LATEX primer on the solid wood surfaces, but OIL-BASED primer on the paneled surfaces?

Answer: A good quality latex primer should be fine on any wood surfaces

Paneling is different
"Paneling", a pre-finished product, is not meant to accept a finish, at all
That means we are doing something we are not supposed to be doing
Extra steps are required to make that work
Including scuff sanding and special primer, solvent-based

Solvent-based kinda means "not water based", as it's usually one or the other
However, solvent-based includes things like oil-based, shellac-based, and alcohol-based


2. Do I use oil-based PRIMER, but still use latex PAINT? Am I supposed to mix the two? Or do I used oil-based primer and oil-based paint?

Answer: Yes, you can top coat oil-based primers with latex
We often use oil-based primer and latex paint

3. Should I do more than a "light sanding" on all the surfaces?

Answer: Not usually
A thorough but light sanding is usually sufficient

4. Is it okay to use brushes and rollers that have previously been used with latex paint to paint or prime with oil-based products?

Answer: Not really
Although technically it will work, it shortens the life of the brushes to switch back and forth
Also, there are brushes made specially for oil paints that work better for oils then the ones made for latex

5. Is there any particularly good oil-based primer (that isn't extremely expensive) that is better than others?

Answer: Yes
You do usually get what you pay for when it comes to paint and primer
But I don't find Ben Moore's Fresh Start (alkyd/oil) or Zinsser's Cover Stain expensive
I like the Sherwin Williams A-100 also, but I think that's exterior only
I'm sure they have a comparable interior one...I know I've used it...maybe under the Prep Rite line...
But if you stick with Ben Moore, Zinsser, or Sherwin Williams, and don't get the cheap or "contractor" grade, you should be fine

Do I use oil-based or solvent-based primer on unpainted paneling?


Unpainted as in bare wood?
Or unpainted as in wood paneling that has a finish, it's just not paint?

Well, I'm not sure if it has a "finish" per say. It is dark colored, and it is shiny and smooth, so I'm assuming there is some finish on it.

I'm gonna go with the oil-based primer and latex paint.
Thanks for all your help!

Well, I'm not sure if it has a "finish" per say. It is dark colored, and it is shiny and smooth, so I'm assuming there is some finish on it.

Yup, that'd be a finish...so to speak, not raw wood anyway


I'm gonna go with the oil-based primer and latex paint.

Sounds good!