Oil-based paints are durable, tough, and have good coverage. However, despite their durability, they are difficult to apply and their smell lingers in the environment for a long time. For this reason, people now prefer to use latex paints, a type of water-based paint, in their homes. If you’re considering switching from oil-based paint to latex, here are the most effective ways to apply latex paint over oil-based paint.
How to Paint Latex Over Oil Paint?
Oil-based paints are tougher and provide better coverage compared to other paint types. Additionally, once oil-based paint dries, you can see that its surface is glossy and smooth. The glossy and smooth surface of oil-based paint offers advantages for cleaning stains. However, the smooth surface of oil-based paint prevents direct application of latex paint. Nevertheless, there are ways to apply latex paint over oil-based paint.”
Can You Paint Latex Over Oil Paint?
Latex paint cannot be applied directly over oil-based paint. If applied, latex paint will begin to peel off after a short time. However, under certain conditions, it is possible to apply latex, acrylic, and other water-based paints over oil-based paint. Here are the ways to apply latex paint over oil-based paint.
How to Paint Latex Paint Over Oil Based Paint?
As mentioned above, latex and water-based paints cannot be applied directly over oil-based paint. There are two main methods for applying latex paint over oil-based paint. The first is sanding, and the second is using a primer. So, what should you be mindful of when sanding oil-based paint? Which primers should you use when applying latex paint over oil-based paint? Below, we’ve explained some methods for painting latex and water-based paint over oil-based paint.
1-Transition Primer
The easiest way to apply latex paint over oil-based paint is by using a bonding primer. Similar to latex paint, it is water-based and odorless. A bonding primer is a surface preparation primer that allows you to paint on all types of surfaces.
Bonding primers help paint adhere to glossy and smooth surfaces. After applying a coat of bonding primer on tiles, glass, and oil-based paint, you can apply latex paint. However, it may not be available in your area, so we’d like to explain other alternatives as well.
2-Universal Primer
Universal primer is a multipurpose primer. Depending on the manufacturer, it can be water-based or resin-based. It helps paint adhere to many surfaces. By applying this primer, you can paint latex over oil-based paint (except for cellulosic paints). Before using a universal primer over oil-based paint, we recommend lightly sanding the surface of the oil-based paint.
3-Ceramic Surface Primer
Ceramic surface primer is produced for adhering ceramic on ceramic, applying plaster or plaster. It makes the surface absorbent. Thus, you can use latex and water-based paints over oil based paint. (The disadvantage of ceramic surface primer is that it roughs the surface.)
4-Glossy Surface Primer
Glossy surface primer is usually sold in craft stores. It allows you to paint on polished surfaces. By applying a glossy surface primer over oil-based paint, you can then apply latex paint. However, it is sold in small packages, making it suitable for priming small surfaces.
5-Completely Sanding
One of the best ways to apply latex paint over oil-based paint is to completely sand the paint off the surface. However, this process is time-consuming and labor-intensive. You can shorten this process a bit by using a sanding machine.
6-Surface Sanding
It is possible to paint latex and water-based paint on oil based paint by superficial sanding. Sand the surface of the oil based paint with sandpaper between 180-220 grit and make the surface slightly rough. Then, wipe off the dust with a damp cloth. Apply a general-purpose primer and let it dry for 4 hours. Then, apply latex paint to the wall.
What Happens if You Paint Latex Over Oil Paint?
Oil based paint tends to repel latex paint and other paints. They do not match with different paints and do not stick to each other. However, although short-term adhesion is achieved in some cases, latex paint begins to peel off within a few weeks or months.
Can I Paint Latex Over Enamel?
There are two types of enamel paints: oil based and water-based. Do not apply latex paint on oil based enamel paints. It is possible to use latex paint to water-based enamel paints after superficial sanding. “Related article: how to use enamel paint?”
Can You Use Emulsion Over Oil Based Primer?
Yes, you can use emulsion paint on oil based primer. However, it is not an application we recommend. We support the primer and paint to be of the same type.
Can You Put Water-Based Latex Paint Over Oil Based Paint?
Water-based latex paint does not adhere to oil based paint. The types are different. However, it is possible to apply water-based latex paint over oil based paint by applying sandpaper or primer.
What Happens If You Put Water-Based Paint Over Oil Based Paint?
The slippery and glossy surface of oil based paint prevents water-based paint from adhering. Water-based paint becomes unstable to friction, peels, and cracks quickly.
What Paint Can I Use Over Oil Based Paint?
You can only use oil based paint over oil based paint. You can apply other paints over oil based paint only by using primer.
Why Can’t You Put Oil Based Paint Over Latex?
Oil based paints are slippery due to their structure, which prevents latex paint from sticking. It can stay on for a short time, but there is always the possibility of peeling latex paint.
Warnings and Precautions
You can only apply oil based paint over oil based paint. Other types of paints carry the risk of peeling. Cellulosic paint melts oil based paint. Sometimes, oil based paint tends to repel even its type of paint. In this case, you should lightly sand the surface of the old oil based paint and use a (synthetic) oil based primer.
