Oil-based paints are durable, tough, and provide good coverage. However, despite their durability, they are difficult to apply, and their strong odor lingers in the air for a long time. For this reason, many people now prefer latex paint, a type of water-based paint, for their homes. “Related post: Oil vs. water-based stain.” If you’re planning to switch 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?
When applying latex paint over oil-based paint, two main methods can be used: sanding and using a primer. Oil-based paints dry to a glossy, smooth surface, which can make it difficult for latex paints to adhere properly. To ensure better adhesion, it’s best not to apply latex paint directly over oil-based paint.
Instead, you can sand the surface or use a primer specifically designed for this purpose. These methods will help create a better surface for latex paint to bond with, ensuring a long-lasting finish.
How to Paint Latex Paint Over Oil Based Paint?
Here are the correct primers and sanding methods you can use to latex paint over oil-based paint.
1-Transition Primer
One of the easiest ways to apply latex paint over oil-based paint is by using transition primer. Similar to latex paint, transition primer is water-based and odorless. It is a surface preparation primer that allows you to paint on various surfaces.
Transition Primer helps the paint adhere to glossy and smooth surfaces. After applying a bonding primer on tile, glass, or oil-based paint, you can apply latex paint. However, it may not be available in your area, so we’d like to explain some other alternatives below.
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. Before using a universal primer over oil-based paint, we recommend lightly sanding the surface of the oil-based paint.
3-Bonding Primer
A bonding primer or adhesion primer is designed to help paint adhere to smooth, non-porous surfaces like glossy paint, tile, glass, or metal. It creates a strong bond between the old surface and the new paint, preventing peeling or chipping.
You can use a bonding primer over oil-based paint before applying latex paint. Once the primer has dried properly, it provides a stable surface for the latex paint to adhere to, ensuring a long-lasting and durable finish. Always follow the manufacturer’s drying time recommendations for the best results.
4-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.
5-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.
Warnings and Precautions
No matter what type of paint you apply over oil-based paint, using a primer is highly recommended. Without a primer, the new paint may not adhere properly and will start to peel over time. “Related article: How to paint over oil based paint.”
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.
Can You Paint Latex Over Oil Paint?
Latex paint cannot be applied directly over oil-based paint. If applied, the latex paint will start to peel off after a short time. However, if the oil-based paint is sanded or primed, you can apply latex paint over it.
