Forum Discussion
22 Replies
- NaioExplorer III really regretted using the oil based version of Killz indoors. And that was in an S&B house! I don't think it would be possible to sleep in the RV for at least 6 months, and more likely 12.
I guess, from this thread, that the fumes do not bother some people as much. But I see no advantage to using the oil based, and a huge potential disadvantage. So why risk it?
Back in the day, 30-40 years ago, oil based primers stuck on better than water based ones. But, in my professional experience, that has not been true for a long time. - Cummins12V98Explorer III
riven1950 wrote:
http://www.kilz.com/primer/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=6d0adb233122d310VgnVCM100000176310acRCRD
This is from the Kilz website. As I said before, put up with the oil based primer smell / fumes for 24 hours and you will get a better job in the end.
Yup! Beat me to it, best product out there. Hold your breath. - riven1950Explorerhttp://www.kilz.com/primer/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=6d0adb233122d310VgnVCM100000176310acRCRD
This is from the Kilz website. As I said before, put up with the oil based primer smell / fumes for 24 hours and you will get a better job in the end. - coolmom42Explorer III would rough up the surface with some fine grit sandpaper, then wash it with TSP. Use a WATER BASE PRIMER to keep odor down. Make sure the primer sticks well, as the post above says.
- NaioExplorer IIKilz is great, but I would use the water based. Oil base will stink for a year!
Also Z-prime, or Gripper, are equally good primers. Different primers will stick best to different wallpapers.
If you are serious about wanting your paint to stick, do a test patch of primer, leave it overnight to dry, and the next day try to scratch it :). First with your thumbnail, and if that does not work, try a butter knife or similar, then a nail...
I you can scratch the primer with your fingernail, then any paint you put on top of it will look terrible in a few months; If you cannot scratch it with anything -- or maybe only with a sharp nail -- then it is the right primer for your job. - riven1950ExplorerKilz oil base primer, then latex paint. Smooth out imperfections as best you can after the primer ( they will show up better then ). Ventilate with the primer unless you want a buzz or headache! I would not wash the walls or scrub them unless they have grease on them, just wipe with a clean cloth etc.
- ScottGNomadSomeone on this forum just tried that and it was disastrous with peeling and refusal to adhere.
You might want to try it in a an inconspicuous spot in a closet or something before doing more. - WyoTravelerExplorerDid it many times on rentals. Most of the time you'll be OK. Sometimes the paper will loosen from the wall. My own house I lived in I removed the wallpaper first. JMHO.
- OasisbobExplorerSure you can do it. As suggested clean, prime & paint. I have seen it done in an RV but never looks right IMHO. Paneling, or wall paper, hides alot of imperfections like unevenness etc,. Painting makes them more obvious. Again this is IMHO Maybe have a mold imhibitor added and stay away from gloss.
- MinnCamperExplorerBeen doing it for years.
About DIY Maintenance
RV projects you can tackle on your own with a few friendly pointers.4,382 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 26, 2025