In effect, the primer will be sandwiched between the latex paint and the oil topcoat. Water based latex paint will bend and flex a bit as temperatures and moisture levels in your home change. The reason professionals advise against doing this is because latex paint is flexible in nature, and as a result, oil-based paints won’t properly adhere to them. But you can't just paint latex paint over oil paint, as it won't stick properly and it will peel and bubble, sooner or later. If you paint directly over an old shiny oil based paint layer with some cheap latex paint, then there is probably going to be problems. Finish sanding using 150 grit sandpaper to achieve a completely smooth surface. Wipe the area with a damp cloth and allow it to dry thoroughly. After the surface has been completely sanded, wipe away the dust left behind with a damp towel or a clean cloth and let the surface to completely dry. To prepare the surfac… By removing the latex from the surface, the oil-based paint will adhere much better than if the latex was left on. Wipe Oil Bond directly 3. Apply a thin coat of your chosen oil-based topcoat. Using a quality masking tape, you’ll want to mask anything you don’t want accidentally painted. You’ll want to see more of a matte surface. Then you want to use some trisodium phosphate, or TSP, you can find it in any paint store or home center. Oil-based paint is more durable and takes longer to dry than water-based paint. Can You Paint Over Oil-Based Paint? Once you’ve primed over the old oil-based coating, you are ready to re-paint with a latex finish coat. Oil-based paint is more durable, but it takes longer to dry, and cleanup requires turpentine or paint thinner (mineral spirits). That’s why it’s important to remove as much of the latex product as possible. Any remaining shiny areas will cause problems later on when it comes time to apply the oil-based paint. But you can paint latex over oil-based paint, if you prepare the surface properly. You can also use a sanding block. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Oil-based paints are made with either alkyd (synthetic) or linseed (natural) oils. An oil-based paint will not adhere well if applied directly to a latex paint due to the elasticity to the latex paint. You may freely link The answer is yes, but the thing you haver to remember is, once you apply latex over an oil-based paint, the only way to remove it is to sand it off. Mineral spirits ... Because latex paint is water-based, it is incompatible with oil-based solid stains. home improvement and repair website. Mask edges to protect adjoining walls or features and to ensure that you achieve a neat cut-in when the final coats of paint are applied. When this is dry, appraise the situation. So, if you paint oil-based paint on top of a latex paint without priming first, the latex will flex so much underneath that the oil-paint will quickly fail. If you are going to prime, then a high quality acrylic bonding primer will be just fine. 1. Now that you know how apply oil-based paint to latex, the question remains. Like mentioned above, removing the masking tape when the paint has fully dried can chip, rip, or break the paint off. Due to the stretchy nature of latex paint, an oil-based alternative won’t adhere properly if it is applied directly. We welcome your comments and Flooring wholesalers and veteran floor finishers agree that you can recoat water-based poly with oil-based as long as the original coating has completely cured—generally 30 to 60 days. And the minute you scratch the wall, the latex paint … Glossy surfaces will not take a second layer of paint well, so they need proper cleaning and priming achievable by following … You want to achieve more than just a light key up with this process so aim to get the surface looking completely matte. When the primer is thoroughly dry, apply a second coat to further isolate the original surface. There are many reasons to use latex paint over an oil primer, and the results are a strong, lasting surface. It is no different then applying latex paint over oil-based primer (which is recommended by paint manufacturers for bare wood, read the label). The results usually look fantastic, though the drying times are typically very high. Latex will not properly stick when applied directly on top of an oil-based layer without preparation, and may easily crack or peel. Failure to do so can result in the latex paint not adhering properly. Or at HomeDepot.com. If you're using oil-based paint on indoor trim, doors, and cabinets, the recoat time differs from water-based paint. To successfully apply oil-based paint over latex, follow the steps below: As previously mentioned, latex is flexible in nature. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. "No latex over oil" is a myth. When it comes to painting over paint, then my understanding is that you can paint an oil based paint over a latex paint, but not the other way around unless the oil based paint is a flat paint (in which case it's rough enough for the latex … Latex paint (and even other oil-based paint) can be successfully applied over older oil-based paint as long as the surface is fully cured and there is nothing inherent in the coating that prevents another layer of paint to be added. If you do decide to use latex over an oil-based paint, you’ll also want to make sure you sand out any glossy areas of the surface, and make sure you use 100% acrylic latex. Otherwise, the paint will peel off or blister off. How To Paint Over Oil-Based Paint. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Oil-based paint is more durable than latex and is commonly used for trim, doors, and high traffic areas. This step is actually the single most important part of the whole process, so it’s well worth applying yourself to creating a suitable application surface if you want to achieve results that will last and look professional. The likely result will be loss of adhesion and/or the oil paint may crack due to the difference in expansion and contraction rates. Put one coat of primer on it. Step 1 Wipe the latex finish with a rag dampened with mineral spirits. View our Privacy Policy here. I am buying a house. This can be purchased at most home improvement stores. suggestions. Why Oil Paints Don't Mix Furthermore, if you were to use an oil paint over latex, the new paint will expand and contract at a different rate than the underlying layer, causing it to crack. When painting over oil based paints, only an oil based paint may be used. To successfully paint latex over oil-based paint: To ensure the surface is fully sanded, and make sure you don’t see any sort of shine. Take the proper steps before applying the paint and the finished product will … Interestingly, though, on the other hand, you can’t use oil-based paints over latex paint.. Polyurethane can be oil- or water-based, and you can use either kind over latex paint; however, oil-based polyurethane tends to yellow as it ages, whereas water-based varieties stay transparent. The answer is yes, but the thing you haver to remember is, once you apply latex over an oil-based paint, the only way to remove it is to sand it off. Flat latex paint can go over a latex semigloss paint, but you must use a few techniques to prepare a surface for a new paint finish. This can include things like the edges of adjoining walls, the edges of your cabinets, the edges of a light switch, and so on. If you have oil-based paint on your walls but want to give them a makeover with latex paint, prepare the walls properly. First of all, take a little bit of sandpaper and just lightly sand it. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if it’s safe to apply oil paint over latex paint, but we assure you, overtime it will ruin your surface. I have a teak china cabinet (made in Thailand in the late 1960's). If you’re wondering whether or not you can apply oil-based paint over latex, it really isn’t a smart decision, but it is possible. That can become quite a nightmare, so make sure you get it right the first time. It's not as simple as just slapping on a coat of latex paint and calling it a day. Just remove what is loose and sand well with medium grit sanding sponges. Many of us are surprised to learn this fact and most of us throw away left-over paint without realizing the harm they are doing to their environment. Applying a primer coat over oil-based paint before painting with water-based paint will always ensure good adhesion and great results. . Professional painters on the other hand tend to go with the paints that make their work stand out. Water-based paints, such as latex and acrylics, are desirable because they are much safer and dry much faster than oil-based paints and do not require toxic solvents for cleanup. As a general rule, latex primers are used for drywall and soft woods, although there are a few notable exceptions. We want to put title on there . Otherwise, all your hard work may just go to waste if the base is not correctly set-up for the job. Oil-Based Paint; Between 45-90 degrees. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Another concern is whether or not it’s safe to apply waterborne Let the latex dry for one hour. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be And normally, they’d be correct. It just won’t stick. Yet it is amazing how much paint technology has improved … Lastly, apply your oil-based paint and let it dry. Clean the surface 2. Just how glossy and smooth the oil is will determine just how aggressive you’ll need to be with it.