Painting vinyl wainscot

Ran a DIY search and could not find any prior threads on the topic. Just completed bedroom project and now moving to the bathroom. Installed vinyl wainscot from the floor around the bathroom 4' high. Basically like to know the best way to prep the wainscot for painting. Spoke to a a few sales person in the paint department and either they did not know, or gave conflicting suggestions; 1 sales person suggested using an oil base primer before applying the paint, another said I should just use a latex paint w/ no primer, and another suggestion using their company brand latex primer before painting. Feel like I am becoming a DIY nuisance with these various projects but just don't seem like some of the paint stores are hiring experienced, or knowledgeable staff. Any suggestions/input appreciated.

Dave

 

What type/brand of vinyl wainscot? I remember the stuff we sold for a short time and is was basically clean and paint IIRC. Sorta like the PVC moldings sold by Royal Moulding. Priming with a quality latex might be a good move depending on if the surface is glossy or matte.

 

It's extremely glossy so as you suggest probly best to apply a coat of latex primer then paint to desired flavor. I think it would be a good idea to pre wash beforehand. See where under the item description it can be painted, yet under item spec's it says that it can not. I am almost certain that it can, all of the salespersons I spoke with agreed that it could they just had varying suggestions on how to go about it. Thanks for the input, greatly appreciated!!.

Veranda 6-Piece 3 ft. x 7-1/4 in. x 1/4 in. Vinyl Reversible Panel Wainscot Moulding-0101 at The Home Depot

 

You do need to make sure it's clean and a light scuff sanding with 220 grit wouldn't hurt. I'd feel better about priming first but you could get by with adding Flood's EmulsaBond to the 1st coat of latex paint.

 

I painted wainscot by Veranda and did not prime. The next morning I spent an hour wiping off the paint with soap and water.

Get a good primer and try one piece before you hate life.