Although oil based paints are durable, rigid, and have good coverage, they are challenging to apply and emit odors. For this reason, if you are thinking of getting rid of oil based paint and using latex paint on it, we have explained the most effective ways to apply latex paint on oil based paint below.
How To Paint Latex Over Oil Paint?
Oil based paints are harder than other paints and have good coverage. In addition, when the oil based paint dries, you can see that its surface is shiny and slippery. Oil based paint’s glossy and slick surface provides an advantage for cleaning stains. However, it prevents the direct application of latex paint and other types of paints on its surface.
Can You Paint Latex Over Oil Paint?
Latex paint cannot be applied directly to latex paint. Since latex paint is water-based, it is inconvenient to use oil paint directly on it. Latex paint is not resistant to friction and may start peeling after a while. However, if certain conditions are met, it is possible to apply latex, acrylic and other water-based paints on oil paint.
How To Paint Latex Paint Over Oil Based Paint?
We mentioned above that latex and water-based paints cannot be applied directly to oil based paint. There are two basic ways to paint latex paint on oil based paint. The first is sanding, and the second is using a primer. So, what do you need to pay attention to when sanding oil based paint? Which primers should you use when painting latex paint on oil based paint? Below, we have explained some ways to paint latex and water-based paint on oil based paint.
1-Transition Primer
The easiest way to make latex paint on oil based paint is a transition primer. It is water-based and odorless, similar to latex paint. A transition primer is a surface preparation primer. It provides the opportunity to paint on all surfaces.
Transition primer helps the paint to hold on glossy and slippery surfaces. You can apply latex paint after applying a layer of transition primer on tiles, glass, and oil based paint. However, it may not be available in your region, so we would like to explain other alternatives. However, it may not be available in your area, so we would like to present different options.
2-Universal Primer
Universal primer is a general-purpose primer. It can be water-based or resinous, according to the manufacturer. It allows the paint to adhere to many surfaces. By applying this primer, you can paint any paint on oil based paint. (Except cellulosic paint) We recommend lightly sanding the surface before using universal primer on 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 handicraft stores. It allows you to paint on polished surfaces. But it is sold in small packs. Therefore, it is suitable for priming small surfaces.
5-Completely Sanding
One of the best ways to apply latex paint over oil based paint is to sand the paint off the surface completely. However, this process is very time-consuming and laborious. Even grinding with a sanding machine is time-consuming and produces dust.
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. “Related article: How to fix peeling paint in bathroom?” 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.
