Paint not adhering to primer can be a big problem. You might notice this happening with Kilz primer and wonder what's causing the issue. Don't worry because we've researched this problem for you, and here is what we've learned.
There are several reasons why paint won't stick to Kilz primer or any primer in general. The reasons include a dirty surface, using the wrong type of paint, and inadequate curing time. Here are some of the things you can do to make the paint adhere:
- Prep your surface
- Choose the right tools
- Use the right type of primer
- Use the correct type of paint
Painting is challenging and requires a lot of time and effort. Continue reading to find out why and what to do when your paint does not adhere to Kilz primer.
Why Isn't The Paint Sticking To The Primer?
Paint not sticking to your Kilz primer can happen for various reasons. Here are some of the possible causes of why your paint does not adhere to your primer.
Dirty Surface
Your paint might not stick to the surface, even with primer, because the surface you are painting is either dirty or damaged. When painting an exterior, ensure that the area is clean and free from grime.
Paint can easily peel off when it does not adhere well to its surface. Paint not adhering to surfaces could also be due to the paint's incompatibility with the surface.
Wrong Type of Paint
Different types of paint are made for different kinds of materials and surfaces. Choosing the right type of paint is crucial.
For example, if you are painting a wall that has a previous coating of oil-based paint, latex paint will not adhere to the surface because the two paints are not compatible.
Likewise, oil-based paint will not stick to latex due to its flexibility, which does not complement the brittle nature of oil-based paint. It may eventually split or cause cracks in the painted surface.
It is possible to paint with latex over an oil-based primer, but not the other way around. You must ensure that your painted surface is completely dry to successfully apply latex paint over an oil-based primer.
Low-Quality Paint
Low-quality paints aren't as great and won't last nearly as long as high-quality paints. Choosing cheap paint will force you to pay more for another bucket sooner or later.
The quality of cheaper paints won't be as good as that of high-quality paints. With less pricey paints, you might not get the same even coverage, and you'll need to apply more coats of the product, which is why it is not the best option.
Inadequate Curing Time
Paint not adhering to the primed surface can also be caused by not giving your primer and paint enough time to cure. Most primers dry to the touch within 30 minutes to six hours.
Do not paint the wall until the primer dries thoroughly, which can take up to three hours. Primer dries at different rates depending on the manufacturer, the room's temperature, and the humidity level.
Insufficient curing time can also result from the weather. High humidity can weaken adhesion. Typically, a temperature between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit is advised.
What To Do If The Paint Doesn't Stick To The Primer
It will be easier to apply paint when your surface is prepared appropriately with the right equipment, primer, and paint. Here are some of the things you can do when paint does not cling to the primed area.
Prep Your Surface
You must prep your surface before applying any primer or paint. The primer adheres to the surface while the paint sticks to the primer. Before painting, prep the area by cleaning it to eliminate grime and dirt. The following are the steps to help you.
Step 1: Clean the surface
Surfaces should be cleaned thoroughly and repaired. The paint won't adhere to damaged or dirty areas like oily, greasy, slick, or glossy surfaces. Clean the area using a sponge or damp cloth with mild dishwashing soap, wipe it to cleanse the surface, and let it dry completely before applying primer.
Step 2: Sand the area
Another reason why paint fails to adhere to primer is that the primer is unable to build a bond to its surface. Consider scuff sanding the surface before applying your paint. Sanding is essential, especially on uneven and glossy surfaces.
To smooth out uneven surfaces, use sandpaper or sanding blocks. Use fine-grit sandpaper for paint that is water-based. Use 100 to 150 sandpaper grit for oil-based paint and 180 or 220 sandpaper grit for wooden surfaces.
Step 3: Recoat properly
The primer might drip if too much oil is on the surface. Repainting before the first coat has dried is another reason primer fails to adhere. Unfortunately, paint or primer improperly applied to peeling or flaking surfaces will not stick to the surface.
Step 4: Let it dry
It is essential to let your primer completely dry before applying paint. Kilz primer usually dries in 30 minutes and can be recoated or top coated in as early as one hour. Low temperatures may affect the drying time. Recoating or adding paint over uncured primer will result in a mess.
Choosing The Right tools
It is essential to invest in the right brushes when painting. Using high-quality brushes is recommended. The type of paint and the object you are painting will determine the kind of brush bristle and brush stroke you'll need to apply.
The bristles on the best brushes are flagged and tipped. Because the bristles on flagged brushes are slightly split, they can hold more paint and spread it more evenly. The tip is slightly tapered to aid in the release of a consistent, manageable amount of paint.
Using The Right Primer
Don't assume that every primer is suitable for every type of surface and paint. There is a reason why tons of different types of primer are available in the market.
There are three basic primers: oil-based, latex, and pigmented shellac. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and each performs better on particular surfaces and under specific conditions.
Oil-Based Primer
Oil-based primers work both with oil-based paints and latex paints. It is versatile and can be used on various types of surfaces. It is applied mainly on new or painted wood because of its ability to seal the porous surface and is also suitable for metals.
Click here to see this oil-based primer on Amazon.
Most oil-based primers are also suitable for concealing stains. The disadvantage of oil-based primers is their slow drying time and high amount of VOCs, which can be harmful.
Latex primer
Latex primers are water-based primers and are also known as acrylic primers. It is the best option for interior or exterior woodwork, drywall, plaster, and masonry due to its fast drying time.
When it comes to flexibility, latex primers are superior to oil-based primers because they are water-soluble and so are easy to clean. The other advantage is that they are low- or no-VOC formulas, making them a better alternative to oil-based primers. However, latex primers are not as effective as oil-based and shellac primers when it comes to covering stains.
Click here to see this latex primer on Amazon.
Shellac Primer
Shellac primer is best for interior painting. It can be used on wood, metal, plaster, and plastic. Shellac-based primers are better at stain-blocking than latex and oil-based primers.
It also has a fast drying time and is suitable for both latex and oil-based paints. The only downside of shellac-based primers is that they are not flexible like latex or oil-based primers, producing a lot of fumes.
Using The Correct Type Of Paint
The surface area you apply paint to will determine the type of paint you need to use. Before selecting, it is crucial to consider the different types of paint because not every kind of paint will adhere to every primer.
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint is naturally applied to furniture, cabinets, and molding. It produces a smooth texture and offers a protective coating.
Water-Based Paint
Water-based paint works well on surfaces that have already been painted with latex or flat oil-based paints. It is also frequently used on walls and ceilings. Typically, it adheres poorly to high-gloss surfaces.
Latex Paint
Latex paint is versatile and works with different types of surfaces like wood, drywall, vinyl or aluminum siding, concrete, and brick.
Enamel Paint
Enamel paint is most frequently used to paint interior and exterior walls, metal, glass, wood, and ceramic objects. Because of its adaptability in terms of application, convenience in cleanup, and durability, it is very popular with homeowners.
Chalk Paint
Chalk paint is typically used on furniture. Like other paints, it is versatile and can be applied to any surface, like walls, floors, and metals.
Spray Paint
Spray paint is suitable for surfaces like metal, wood, plastic, glass, ceramics, cardboard, and other surfaces.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why paint won't adhere to primer. Make sure to use the correct type of primer and paint for the surface you're painting.
Check out these related articles:
Why Is Your Paint Not Sticking To Wood? [& What To Do About It?]