Pick what you’re painting and where. The finder names the primer to use first, then the primers, paints and coatings whose makers list that surface, each with its own dry and recoat times, and the ones their makers say not to use there.
Where
What sticks
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How it works
We read each product from its maker’s own product page, data sheet or label. A product shows for a surface only where that maker names it, and nothing is inferred: a primer that says “metal” isn’t listed for galvanized or stainless unless its maker names those too. Outdoors keeps only the products whose makers say they’re for exterior use.
The headline is the primer we’d start with, picked only from those listed: one made for that surface by name where there is one, such as an aluminum primer for aluminum, or the one a maker’s own guide names for the job, like Benjamin Moore’s STIX for tile. Where a maker’s own documents disagree about a surface, we leave that surface out.
Every surface in the finder
The surfaces, and how many products’ makers list each
Counts of the products we read, as each maker lists them. “Ruled out by” counts the products whose makers say not to use them there. A linked surface has its own guide.
Brush and spray versions of one product can differ. Zinsser’s Bulls Eye 1-2-3 brush primer lists galvanized metal, while its spray says non-galvanized metal, so the finder keeps them apart.
Common questions
What paint sticks to plastic?
Makers list two routes: a plastic primer such as Rust-Oleum’s Specialty Plastic Primer and then paint, or a paint and primer in one that names plastic, such as Krylon Fusion All-In-One. For polyethylene and polypropylene, Zinsser BONDZ, INSL-X Stix and Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond say not to use them.
Can you use oil-based paint on galvanized metal?
Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore say no. Sherwin-Williams says the zinc reacts with an alkyd binder and the paint peels. Pick a primer whose maker names galvanized, such as Sherwin-Williams All Surface Enamel Latex Primer, which its galvanized guide names, or Rust-Oleum’s aluminum primers.
Do I still need primer with a paint and primer in one?
Not always, by its maker’s word. Krylon says Fusion All-In-One goes on without sanding or priming. Rust-Oleum’s Stops Rust enamel, a paint without primer in it, comes with a recommendation for a Stops Rust primer on bare wood and metal.
Each product’s surfaces, limits and times come from its maker’s own product page, data sheet or label; the surface notes from the makers’ guides and FAQs, and siding warranties from the siding makers. Checked against published data from Rust-Oleum, Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Krylon Products Group and Sika (plus 7 more).
See all 88 sources
Sherwin-Williams, Problem Solver: “Caulk Failure”
Rust-Oleum, Specialty Plastic Primer Spray: product page, technical data sheet (2023) and SDS (2026)
Rust-Oleum, Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover primer and spray paint: product pages, technical data sheets (2026), label and SDS (2025)
Rust-Oleum, Universal Gloss Spray Paint: product page, technical data sheet (2023), label and SDS (2023)
Rust-Oleum, Stops Rust Clean Metal Primer and Rusty Metal Primer: product pages, technical data sheets and SDSs
Rust-Oleum, Stops Rust Rust Reformer: product page, technical data sheet (2024) and SDS (2025)
Rust-Oleum, Stops Rust Universal Bonding Primer: product page, technical data sheets (2021), label and SDS (2026)
Rust-Oleum, Stops Rust Protective Enamel: product page and technical data sheets
Rust-Oleum, Stops Rust Aluminum Primer and Professional Aluminum Primer: product pages and technical data sheets (2021)
Rust-Oleum, Stops Rust Cold Galvanizing Compound Spray: product page and technical data sheet (2025)
Rust-Oleum, Automotive Self Etching Primer: product page, technical data sheet (2023) and SDS (2026)
Rust-Oleum, Automotive Plastic Primer and Adhesion Promoter: product pages and technical data sheets
Rust-Oleum, Automotive Filler, 2 in 1 Filler & Sandable, and Sandable primers: product pages and technical data sheets
Rust-Oleum, Specialty Frosted Glass and Mirror Effect sprays: product pages, technical data sheets (2023) and SDS (2025)
Rust-Oleum, Specialty Vinyl Spray: product page and technical data sheet (2022)
Rust-Oleum, Peel Coat, LeakSeal and Wipe New Trim Restore: product pages and technical data sheets
Rust-Oleum, Zinsser BONDZ Maximum Adhesion Primer: product page and technical data sheet (2026)
Rust-Oleum, Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 and ALLPRIME primers: product pages, technical data sheets (2025) and label
Rust-Oleum, Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer and B-I-N Advanced: product pages, technical data sheets and SDS
Rust-Oleum, Zinsser Cover Stain and SmartPrime primers: product pages and technical data sheets