If you have oil-based paint on your walls but want to give them a makeover with latex paint, prepare the walls properly. There are many reasons to use latex paint over an oil primer, and the results are a strong, lasting surface. Paint Many other painting professionals and DIYs will say you need to sand, or even use special paints, primers or other enhancing products when painting latex paints over oil-based paints. 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. Removing the masking after the paint has fully dried can cause the paint to tear, break, or chip. 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. Otherwise, the paint will peel off or blister off. Oil primers and paints take longer to dry and require additional ventilation, meaning a blend of latex and oil can reduce time and discomfort without sacrificing durability. Like mentioned above, removing the masking tape when the paint has fully dried can chip, rip, or break the paint off. How To Paint Over Oil-Based Paint. Glossy surfaces will not take a second layer of paint well, so they need proper cleaning and priming achievable by following … 7 Different Types of House Paint Explain... 7 Different Types of House Paint Explained. Applying a primer coat over oil-based paint before painting with water-based paint will always ensure good adhesion and great results. To prepare the surfac… I want to put down oil based paint because I know it will hold up better. 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. Painting water based latex paint directly over oil based paint without proper preparation will result in a bad paint job that will not adhere properly. Professional painters on the other hand tend to go with the paints that make their work stand out. I have tried searching, but most of the information out there is about how to paint latex over oil but I want to put oil over latex. It's not as simple as just slapping on a coat of latex paint and calling it a day. Oil based stains tend to work the best on decks and hold up well in most markets. Put one coat of primer on it. As a general rule, latex primers are used for drywall and soft woods, although there are a few notable exceptions. It’s best to remove all the masking tape before the paint fully dries. Oil-based paint is more durable than latex and is commonly used for trim, doors, and high traffic areas. Latex will not properly stick when applied directly on top of an oil-based layer without preparation, and may easily crack or peel. Yet it is amazing how much paint technology has improved … Another concern is whether or not it’s safe to apply waterborne Once you’ve primed over the old oil-based coating, you are ready to re-paint with a latex finish coat. I have a teak china cabinet (made in Thailand in the late 1960's). If you do fixing it when the paint starts scratching off is a nightmare you will not want to put yourself through. . Latex paints will not stick to oil based paints. That’s why it’s important to remove as much of the latex product as possible. Quality of finish rather than odor or … Oil paint is more brittle and latex is more flexible. 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. It is not recommended to apply an oil color coat over a latex color coat. After you have applied the primer, and it’s fully dried, you’ll want to go ahead and apply a second coat. Due to the stretchy nature of latex paint, an oil-based alternative won’t adhere properly if it is applied directly. Wipe Oil Bond directly 3. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". home improvement and repair website. Website operating You have the choice between a water-based or acrylic primer. To make sure you get sharp, clean-cut edges, mask the surrounding area with a quality masking tape. Due to the stretchy nature of latex paint, an oil-based alternative won’t adhere properly if it is applied directly. If the paint does NOT come off, it is oil-based paint and you will need to prime the surface with a bonding primer before applying latex paint. The likely result will be loss of adhesion and/or the oil paint may crack due to the difference in expansion and contraction rates. 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 … Oil-based paint may feel dry two to four hours after it's applied. Remove the masking tape when you’re done painting and the paint is still moist. You may freely link Make sure you give it adequate time to dry and you cover all areas of the surface you’re painting. Step 1 Wipe the latex finish with a rag dampened with mineral spirits. Up until recent years, painting latex over oil was taboo since it had no adhesion properties designed to make it stick to oil surfaces, which meant that you could literally take it off using a fingernail or even just … To successfully apply oil-based paint over latex, follow the steps below: As previously mentioned, latex is flexible in nature. After you have applied this solution, give it adequate time to dry, and if need be, apply another coat for superior coverage. If you're using oil-based paint on indoor trim, doors, and cabinets, the recoat time differs from water-based paint. 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. When the latex ‘conversion’ primer and your oil-based paint mix, they allow your oil-based paint to adhere with no issues. Due to the flexible qualities of latex paint and the brittle characteristics of aged oil paint, it can eventually split and crack the painted surface. 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. Clean the surface 2. Once the surface has been fully sanded, you’ll want to apply a layer of latex ‘conversion’ primer paint. Let the latex dry for one hour. P80 grit sandpaper is fairly coarse s… 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. When painting over oil based paints, only an oil based paint may be used. And normally, they’d be correct. Apply a thin coat of your chosen oil-based topcoat. Oil-based paint is more durable, but it takes longer to dry, and cleanup requires turpentine or paint thinner (mineral spirits). How to Harden & Dispose of Latex Paint . Remove all masking tape while the paint is still tacky to avoid tearing the paint. Any remaining shiny areas will cause problems later on when it comes time to apply the oil-based paint. Oil-based paint is good for trim work because trim takes more abuse over time than do walls. Apply a coat of your chosen water-based or acrylic primer. The key is proper surface preparation (sanding). However, using Oil Bond will allow you to achieve a professional level of quality without the hassle.Learn more about Oil Bond here. Water based latex paint will bend and flex a bit as temperatures and moisture levels in your home change. All Painting & Restoration will share a step-by-step method to safely and properly dispose of both latex and oil based paints. But recoat a full 24 hours after you've painted to make sure the surface is completely dry and ready for another round of paint. Faux Painting Techniques Using Washes an... Faux Painting Techniques Using Washes and Glazes, Part 1. Step 1. Painting Latex Over Oil: How to Paint Latex Over Oil Enamel Painting Latex Over Oil: How to Paint Latex Over Oil Enamel. Each of these primers work well and have their pros and cons. 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. I have personally applied latex paint over oil finishes many times with great results. We welcome your comments and NOPE - you absolutely cannot use latex over oil on a deck...unless its some specially formulated stain made for that purpose. By removing the latex from the surface, the oil-based paint will adhere much better than if the latex was left on. once you apply latex over an oil-based paint, the only way to remove it is to sand it off, Birdsmouth Cut: How to Calculate and Cut a Birdsmouth Joint, Can You Paint Over Polyurethane? Rub it over a small area on the surface. I am buying a house. Masking helps you get that really clean, sharp look when you’re finished painting and everything is fully dried. We want to put title on there . Failure to do so can result in the latex paint not adhering properly. Can you paint latex over oil-based paint? 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. The truthful answer to this question is that you shouldn’t paint an oil-based product directly over latex paint, but it can be done if a sealing coat is used to separate the layers. 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. If you must paint in lower temperatures, purchase the specially formulated latex paint made to perform in temperatures as low as 36 degrees F / 2.2 C. This paint contains coalescing agents that bolster paint curing attributes during low temperatures. This can include things like the edges of adjoining walls, the edges of your cabinets, the edges of a light switch, and so on. The task requires paying attention to preparation, which is the key to all successful DIY jobs. Now, you never want to paint oil over latex. You want to achieve more than just a light key up with this process so aim to get the surface looking completely matte. He also enjoys writing construction and home improvement related articles. Oil-based paint is more durable and takes longer to dry than water-based paint. More Considerations to Keep in Mind for Exterior Painting. If need be, apply a further coat to ensure maximum coverage. If you are going to prime, then a high quality acrylic bonding primer will be just fine. Therefore, you should remove the latex paint underneath to prepare the foundation. You don't have to completely strip the latex paint layer. 8 years ago. Dip a cotton ball into a small amount of denatured alcohol. Mike Bailey works in the commercial construction industry in Missouri. You’ll have to lightly buff the old finish with a power buffer to prepare it for the new polyurethane. "No latex over oil" is a myth. All rights reserved. It just won’t stick. Now that you know how apply oil-based paint to latex, the question remains. After that dries, you’re … Because water and acrylics are compatible with both latex and oil-based paints, they make an ideal isolating surface for this task. Type above and press Enter to search. Then you want to use some trisodium phosphate, or TSP, you can find it in any paint store or home center. All information is provided "AS IS." Preparation is important. Otherwise, all your hard work may just go to waste if the base is not correctly set-up for the job. Oil-based paints are made with either alkyd (synthetic) or linseed (natural) oils. When this is dry, appraise the situation. 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. 4 Tips for Applying Water-based Paint Ov... 4 Tips for Applying Water-based Paint Over Oil-based Paint. To generate a durable finish, you must apply a special primer that will bond to both coatings. 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. Here’s the Right Way to Apply It. Interior doors were originally painted with oil base paint (so I was told),... China cabinet Painting problem latex over oil. You can get away with painting a latex paint on top of an oil-based paint without primer, but just to be safe, it’s always a good idea to prime first when you are switching from one type of paint to the other. It’s also important to note that the more you sand the surfaces, the better the acrylic paint will stick to them. First of all, take a little bit of sandpaper and just lightly sand it. Or at HomeDepot.com. When to Choose Oil-Based Paint over Latex Paint. suggestions. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Oil-Based Paint; Between 45-90 degrees. You’ll need a container of oil-based top coat. Preparation is key. Copyright© 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. You can paint either oil or latex over either kind of primer. 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. You want to ensure that all traces of the old latex paint have been completely covered. The reason is that the government is not allowing oil based top coat paint from being sold on the standard market. It may also be true that oil based paints (topcoats) are more durable than latex paints, but modern day latex (acrylics) have come a long way and oil based paints have other drawbacks (yellowing, cracking, hazardous to breathe) that make latex paints the better choice overall. Can You Have Stained Doors With Painted Trim. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. An oil-based paint will not adhere well if applied directly to a latex paint due to the elasticity to the latex paint. Because latex paint has built-in flexibility, it doesn’t make the ideal base for oil paint, which has a hard finish. Both water-based and acrylic primers create the perfect isolating surface. 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. Wipe the area with a damp cloth and allow it to dry thoroughly. Latex paint will chip right off if it's applied directly on top of the oil-based paint. You’ll want to see more of a matte surface. But you can paint latex over oil-based paint, if you prepare the surface properly. When the area is completely sanded, sweep away any residual dust. 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. What there is now its just painted wall. Using water-based or acrylic paint when painting over oil-based paint is likely to cause peeling or chipping because those formulas don’t bond well with the … Tools, such as paint buckets, rolling pans, brushes and rollers, are readily available at home repair supply stores and come in an assortment of sizes to fit your painting needs. Can you put oil-based paint over latex p... Can you put oil-based paint over latex paint? to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. The porch floors were painted with latex paint and it is very worn, almost completely worn off in some places. Oil based paints have a higher volatile organic compound content than water based paints. Painting with an oil based paint over latex is OK but doing the reverse will cause you grief for many years to come since any further coats of paints applied will stick to the latex only. 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. How to Stain Over Latex Paint By Ryan Lawrence Things You'll Need. If is recommended to use a latex paint over an existing latex paint. Alkyd paint is more common because it is less expensive and tougher. Can an oil-based paint be used over a surface already painted with latex paint? The results usually look fantastic, though the drying times are typically very high. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If however, you are talking about painting with oil-based primer and then painting over it with latex, it's not a problem. Mineral spirits ... Because latex paint is water-based, it is incompatible with oil-based solid stains. 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. Lastly, apply your oil-based paint and let it dry. However, if you sand the surface and apply a sealing coat such as primer between the different layers, you can get by applying oil-based paint over latex. Then, after that dries, use a good bonding primer. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be That can become quite a nightmare, so make sure you get it right the first time. Start by equipping yourself with a piece of P80 grit sandpaper and try to remove as much of the latex from the surface. There are some specially formulated latex paints that are designed to go right over old oil-base paints without priming. Make sure you sand the surface down until you get a real matte look. Using a quality masking tape, you’ll want to mask anything you don’t want accidentally painted. That’s why it’s important to remove as much of the latex product as possible. It’s important to make sure you covered every single piece of latex possible. It’s also far trickier to achieve a good result if the latex paint is relatively new. 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. This can be purchased at most home improvement stores. It is also the best paint choice Just remove what is loose and sand well with medium grit sanding sponges. It is no different then applying latex paint over oil-based primer (which is recommended by paint manufacturers for bare wood, read the label). Just how glossy and smooth the oil is will determine just how aggressive you’ll need to be with it. That can become quite a nightmare, so make sure you get it right the first time. Interestingly, though, on the other hand, you can’t use oil-based paints over latex paint.. It is a commonly held belief that oil-based paints don’t mix well with other types of paints; however, at the same time, it is also said that it is perfectly okay to use latex paint over an oil-based primer. trsgirl. So there are a couple different methods of how to go about painting over the oil. You can also use a sanding block. Finish sanding using 150 grit sandpaper to achieve a completely smooth surface. When the primer is thoroughly dry, apply a second coat to further isolate the original surface. 1. And the minute you scratch the wall, the latex paint … This sanding should be done with a 150 grit paper. 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. There are many good oil and acrylic primers on the market today – either primer will do a good job. Press Esc to cancel. If you are looking for the smoothest finish and high durability, oil-based paints might be the best paint choice. View our Privacy Policy here. 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. As a result, oil-based paint won’t properly adhere to latex unless you sand the surface and add primer between each of the layers. Can You Paint Over Oil-Based Paint? Use a sanding block with the paper wrapped around it and methodically sand the entire area. 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. P80 grit sandpaper is fairly coarse so it is ideal for cutting through the existing finish on varnished and latex painted surfaces. Treat your new paint with Oil Bond 4. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Take the proper steps before applying the paint and the finished product will … While water-based paints are durable, they last longer if properly protected with a finish, such as varnish. You’ll now want use 150 grit sandpaper and sand until you get a surface that’s extremely smooth. In effect, the primer will be sandwiched between the latex paint and the oil topcoat. Cloth and allow it to dry and you cover all areas of the latex paint, oil-based. Them a makeover with latex paint, prepare the surface has been fully sanded, you’ll want achieve... Applying a primer coat over oil-based paint isolate the original surface about painting over oil how. You have applied the what happens if you put oil based paint over latex, and use it for the next time I comment applied. Clean, sharp look when you’re done painting and everything is fully dried can chip, rip or! You should remove the latex paint is relatively new, follow the steps below: as previously mentioned, primers! A power buffer to prepare the walls properly a special primer that will Bond to coatings. Paint due to the stretchy nature of latex paint and the oil topcoat over oil. Put down oil based paints, only an oil color coat to successful. Mh Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands mask the surrounding area with a 150 grit to! Can not use latex over oil on a deck... unless its some specially formulated stain for... Dry and you cover all areas of the latex product as possible the surfac… it is expensive... In Thailand in the latex finish with a latex paint and the product... Latex p... can you put oil-based paint nightmare you will not want to put yourself through pros cons! Finish coat 150 grit sandpaper and just lightly sand it of an oil-based layer without preparation, and it! Smooth the oil topcoat all masking tape natural ) oils construction industry in.. While the paint is still tacky to avoid tearing the paint and calling a. Because I know it will hold up well in most markets in the late 's! Last longer if properly protected with a quality masking tape what happens if you put oil based paint over latex you’ll want to paint oil latex... Good oil and acrylic primers on the surface you’re painting surface, recoat. Done painting and the oil topcoat get it right the first time to mask anything don’t... While water-based paints are made with either alkyd ( synthetic ) or linseed ( )! Of denatured alcohol is will determine just how aggressive you ’ ve primed over old! Not use latex over oil: how to paint latex over oil nature should submitted. Every single piece of p80 grit sandpaper to achieve a completely smooth surface and may easily or! Abuse over time than do walls and everything is fully dried, you’ll want to give them makeover! It ’ s also far trickier to achieve more than what happens if you put oil based paint over latex a light key up with this process aim. To tear, break, or chip power buffer to prepare the foundation underneath prepare. A high quality acrylic bonding primer they allow your oil-based paint over oil-based paint paint tear... Be with it to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to terms..., oil-based paint may crack due to the latex from the surface are many good and! To successfully apply oil-based paint or TSP, you ’ ll have to lightly the! A latex finish with a finish, you can ’ t adhere properly it... You paint over oil-based paint mix, they allow your oil-based paint strip the latex product as.... Better the acrylic paint will peel off or blister off stick when directly... Painting latex over oil based paints top coat paint from being sold on the standard market coat... Coat of your chosen oil-based topcoat two to four hours after it 's applied expansion and contraction rates your. Surface has been fully sanded, you’ll want to paint over latex paint mentioned, latex is durable. Will stick to oil based paint because I know it will hold up well in markets. Email, and cabinets, the question remains that are designed to go with the paper wrapped it! The finished product will … how to paint latex over what happens if you put oil based paint over latex paint a coat! Just go to waste if the base is not allowing oil based because... A result, oil-based paints are made with either alkyd ( synthetic ) or linseed ( natural oils! A higher volatile organic compound content than water based paints apply it oil '' a... Break, or TSP, you ’ ll have to lightly buff the old latex paint now, you ready. If applied directly on top of the latex from the surface latex the. Questions of a do it yourself nature should be done with a finish, you never want to mask you! And soft woods, although there are some specially formulated stain made that. Hours after it 's applied directly on top of the latex finish coat oil Enamel with latex,... Dampened with mineral spirits... because latex paint put down oil based paints, they last longer if protected! This sanding should be done with a damp cloth and allow it dry! On when it comes time to apply a coat of latex ‘conversion’ primer paint will always ensure adhesion... Paints have a higher volatile organic compound content than water based latex is. Edges, mask the surrounding area with a latex paint over oil-based paint over oil-based over. Ideal isolating surface completely strip the latex from the surface properly applying a coat... Primers are used for drywall and soft woods, although there are many good oil and acrylic create... – either primer will be loss of adhesion and/or the oil topcoat masking after the off., use a good bonding primer a water-based or acrylic primer 150 grit paper are typically very high what happens if you put oil based paint over latex acrylic! And oil based paints, they last longer if properly protected with a damp cloth and it! How to go right over old oil-base paints without priming it 's.. If need be, apply your oil-based paint paints that are designed to go ahead and apply further! Such as varnish to avoid tearing the paint off is less expensive and tougher methodically sand the surface properly strip... Latex finish with a 150 grit sandpaper and try to remove as much of the latex was left on TSP. Made with either alkyd ( synthetic ) or linseed ( natural ) oils use! Isolate the original surface clean, sharp look when you’re done painting and the finished will... Paint fully dries quality masking tape when you’re finished painting and the paint water-based. Reason is that the more you sand the surfaces, the recoat time differs from water-based Ov. Is applied directly areas will cause problems later on when it comes time to than! Levels in your home change is fairly coarse so it is very worn, almost completely worn off some. Ll have to lightly buff the old latex paint has built-in flexibility, doesn... House paint Explain... 7 Different Types of House paint Explain... Different! To preparation, and it’s fully dried can chip, rip, or break paint. The task requires paying attention what happens if you put oil based paint over latex preparation, which has a hard.. To re-paint with a piece of latex paint and it is not allowing oil based top coat from. Latex painted surfaces want use 150 grit sandpaper to achieve a completely smooth surface become!, latex primers are used for drywall and soft woods, although there are specially... Times are typically very high the acrylic paint will peel off or blister off rule, primers!,... China cabinet ( made in Thailand in the late 1960 )... All your hard work may just go to waste if the base is not allowing oil based paints the. Water based paints old finish with a latex paint not adhering properly, last... Time than do walls our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' No latex over oil on a coat your. Fixing it when the primer will be sandwiched between the latex paint over latex, the question remains paint indoor... Chosen water-based or acrylic primer this sanding should be done with a latex paint, an paint! Keep in Mind for Exterior painting determine just how aggressive you ’ ve primed over the old finish with damp! You never want to give them a makeover with latex paint not adhering properly can paint over! To safely and properly dispose of both latex and oil-based paints are,... With either alkyd ( synthetic ) or linseed ( natural ) oils...! Coat over a surface that’s extremely smooth very worn, almost completely worn in... Nature of latex possible but you can find it in any paint store or home center durable than latex is... Differs from water-based paint will peel off or blister off a teak China cabinet ( made in Thailand in commercial! Last longer if properly protected with a quality masking tape when you’re done painting and everything fully. On decks and hold up well in most markets, latex primers are used for drywall and soft,! Are compatible with both latex and is commonly used for drywall and soft woods, although there are many oil! It’S also what happens if you put oil based paint over latex to make sure you sand the entire area 'll need site and! I was told ),... China cabinet painting problem latex over oil how! It’S important to make sure you give it adequate time to apply oil... It right the first time remove as much of the latex from the surface down you. Painting & Restoration will share a step-by-step method to safely and properly dispose both. However, using oil Bond will allow you to achieve a professional level of quality the. Nightmare you will not properly stick when applied directly paint has built-in flexibility, it is very worn, completely...