Kilz Or Zinsser ?

[Robert11]

Hello:

Wondering if anyone has any general opinions as to which is a better product for primer types of paint: Kilz or the Zinsser products ?

Why ?

Thanks, B.

[3rd eye]

What is the purpose of the primer? What is your application?

Kilz is a stain blocker. Zinsser makes one too but that is just one of many of their products.

[Robert11]

Hello:

Thanks for help.

Want to paint a upper portion of a shower stall that is not tiled.

Thought I would want/need a primer first, before the overcoat.

Not sure what to use for a primer, or for the overcoat for that matter.

Actuall there are two stalls in question.

One is presently painted with oil, and the other with latex, apparently. Both are beginning to peel.

Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, B.

[scott21230]

I have used both brands in latex and can find no real difference. If you are doing this on a bathroom I'd go with oil based though.

[Bob M.]

How do you know it's oil-based? There's a simple test - dip your fingertip in some rubbing alcohol, then rub it on the paint. If the paint laughs at you, it's oil-based. If it rubs off, it's latex.

If it is latex-based, did the previous painter put it on top of oil paint without first using a primer? Latex won't stick well to oil based paint without the help of a primer.

IMO, latex paint doesn't belong in a bathroom.

Sounds like you could use a vent fan, or a bigger vent fan if you already have one.

[3rd eye]

Not sure you'll need a primer though others will probably disagree.

You'll get a better finish with a gloss oil, it will be more impervious to moisture. But a semi gloss latex will work.

Either case I'd use a deglosser or sand the existing, to give the paint some bite.