Acrylic paints and oil-based paints are chemically different. Oil-based paint can be applied over acrylic paint. So, can you paint oil over acrylic? We explain the methods of applying acrylic paint over oil-based paint in detail.
Acrylic Paint Over Oil Paint
Oil-based paints have a smooth, glossy, and slippery surface when dry. This smooth surface makes both oil-based and acrylic paints difficult to work with. If acrylic paint is applied over oil-based paint without any preparation, it may crack or peel. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. But one thing is certain: applying acrylic paint directly over oil-based paint is a mistake.
Acrylic paint does not adhere directly to oil-based paint. Even if it seems to stick, peeling will occur after a short time. This applies to all water-based paints. Before applying water-based paint over oil-based paint, some surface preparation is required.”For more information, read articles how to paint over oil based paint and how to paint latex over oil paint?”
How to Paint Acrylic Over Oil Based Paint?
You can apply acrylic paint over oil-based paint in two ways. The first is by using a primer, and the second is by sanding off the oil-based paint. Using a primer is much easier, but you may not always find the right primer in your area. That’s why we want to explain both methods. Let’s get started.
Clean the Surface
Oil-based paint has a smooth surface. If it is dirty, it will be more difficult to paint. If you are not going to use the sanding method, clean the surface of the oil-based paint with a dry cloth before painting.
Prime or Sand The Surface
In order for the acrylic paint to adhere to the oil-based paint, you need to either sand it or apply a primer. If your choice is sanding, you can sand with a sandpaper between 180-200 grit. If you want to apply acrylic paint over oil-based paint by priming, the primer you should use is a transition primer.
It is not necessary to remove oil-based paint by sanding it completely. Sand only the top layer. Wipe with a damp cloth after sanding. If you use a primer, apply the acrylic paint at least five hours later. Sanding off the oil-based paint helps the acrylic paint to adhere. However, using a transition primer over it will still give a definite result.
Apply The First Coat
After priming, apply the first coat of acrylic paint over the oil-based paint. If you use a roller with a short pile, there will be no streaks. “For more information, read how to paint with a roller without streaks?”
Let The First Layer Dry
Allow at least five hours for the first coat of acrylic paint to dry.
Apply The Topcoat
After five hours, apply the final coat of acrylic paint over the oil-based paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we answer the most frequently asked question about how to paint acrylic over oil-based paint. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section.
What Paint Can I Use Over Oil-Based Paint?
You can make water-based and acrylic paints by priming over oil-based paint. You can also apply oil-based paint without using a primer.
Can You Paint Acrylic Over Wet Oil Paint?
No, it is not correct to apply any type of paint on top of oil-based paint that has not yet dried. The paint will not dry and will peel. Also, the odor does not last long. To paint over oil-based paint, let it dry for at least 24 hours.
Can You Use Acrylic Finish On Oil Painting?
It is not a correct practice to use acrylic polishes on oil-based paint. It will soon come off the surface of the oil-based paint. There is no need to apply any polish on oil-based paints.
What Happens If You Paint Acrylic Over Oil?
If you paint acrylic paint over oil-based paint, the paint starts to peel and flake after a while.
Can I Paint Over Oil-Based Paint Without Primer?
To apply paint on oil-based paint without primer, you need to fine sand the surface.
Can You Paint Over Oil Paint Without Sanding?
If you want to paint on top of the paint without sanding, you should use at least one coat of transition primer. This way you can apply all water-based and acrylic paints over oil-based paint.
Can You Paint Acrylic Over A Varnished Oil Painting?
No, not acrylic paint on a varnished painting. “Related article: oil based stain vs water based“
