priming over stain

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You are applying paint on a solid stain surface. Solid stains are most often latex formulations, but alkyd stains exist. I'm not sure it really makes a difference. I am, as we speak, doing the same project. Our house was painted with solid stains on the severe-sun south exposure and has been coated with semi-transparent alkyd stain elsewhere. In a sheltered location the semi-transparent stain still has a waxy feel and is a concern for adhesion.

I am using Kelley Moore Arryl-Shield acrylic stain resistant primer on most of the house, followed by two coats of latex finish paint. I am spraying all coats with an AirTECH EP1205 and backbrushing the primer coat. I have encountered no adhesion problems at this point. To ensure that the stain would not bleed through, and that adhesion would be strong, I tested small patches by applying the primer over both the solid and semi-transparent fields and allowed it to dry. I then looked for bleed-through and attempted to scrape or rub off the coating on the test spots. I bought Zinesser alkyd primer just in case, but it doesn't look like I need it.

At this point, I plan to apply latex primer and finish coats on everything. Its easier to deal with and can be sprayed and cleaned up easier. You might want to do your own test on your siding. Buy a gallon of primer and check for bleed and adhesion. If a problem develops with the latex, test the alkyd base primer, and apply what works. Work with your paint store pro to get appropriate products, and good luck.