Solvent based primer

Looked for it at one of the big box stores and could'nt find any.Need it before I paint over previously stained molding. Only paint stores carry it?
Thanks,Dave

 

I am sure they have at least one regardless of which big box you went to.It may be labeled "alkyd" or "oil based".

If you asked any of the "help" what did they tell you or was there any at all?

What you will find at a big box store is lesser quality product,it is common practice for paint manufacturers to make a product for big box retail only that is of lower quality so it can meet a lower price point.

You will also get less trained and less motivated help there.

Go to a paint store or hardware store that has knowledgeable saleshelp and carries quality product.

 

As noted above, paint/primer won't say solvent based on the label. Basically you have 2 types of paint, latex that cleans up with water and then solvent based [needs some type of solvent for clean up or thinning] that usually cleans up with paint thinner [mineral spirits] but it can also include shellac based [cleans up with denatured alchol] and there are also lacquer coatings.

You would want to use at bare minimum, an oil base primer like kilz original oil base and the best would be pigmented shellac like zinnser's BIN. There are many oil base primers better than kilz but not as potent as BIN.

For prep you want to remove any/all wax, sand and remove sanding dust. I like to wipe the varnish/poly down with a deglosser [sometimes called liquid sandpaper] as an added step. It softens the old finish for a short time allowing the primer to have a better bond.