Can oil based paint go over latex

I’m repainting my house, but I’m not sure what kind of paint was originally used. Is it okay to put latex paint over oil-based, or is it the other way around? -Howard

In order for your new paint to form a good bond with the existing paint, it’s important that the two paints are compatible. Don’t apply oil-based paint over latex; but you can put latex paint over oil-based, as long as you prepare the surface properly first.

Start by finding out if the existing paint is oil or latex by rubbing the surface with denatured alcohol on a rag. If some of the paint comes off on the rag, it’s latex. If not, the existing paint is oil-based.

To apply latex paint over oil-based:

1. Lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper (180 to 220 grit) to remove the gloss.
2. Clean the surface with a sponge dipped in a solution of TSP (trisodium phosphate) mixed with water.
3. Remove the cleaner with a sponge and clean water, then allow the surface to dry.
4. Apply a coat of a quality bonding primer (oil-based or latex), and allow the primer to dry.
5. Topcoat with two coats of high quality latex paint.

Watch this video to find out more.

Further Information

• Applying Latex Paint Over Oil-Based Paint (video)
• Homeowner’s Guide to Paint Primer (article)
• When to Prime Before You Paint (article)

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Howard asks: I’m repainting my house, but I’m not sure what kind of paint was originally used. Can I use latex over oil, or should it be the other way around?

Danny Lipford: Now, that’s a great question. But before we answer the question, we have to determine exactly what kind of paint you have on your woodwork right now. Here’s an easy way to determine that. First of all, take some denatured alcohol, put it on a rag, wipe the woodwork, and if any paint comes off on the rag, then you have latex paint.

Now, you never want to paint oil over latex. It just won’t stick. But you can paint latex over oil-based paint, if you prepare the surface properly. First of all, take a little bit of sandpaper and just lightly sand it. Then you want to use some trisodium phosphate, or TSP, you can find it in any paint store or home center. Then, after that dries, use a good bonding primer. Put one coat of primer on it. After that dries, you’re ready to finish up the paint job, and you’ll know that it’ll last.

• TAGS
• latex paint
• oil paint
• paint
• Painting & Staining

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DANNY LIPFORD

https://www.aboutdannylipford.com/

Backed by his 40-year remodeling career, Danny served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s The Early Show and The Weather Channel for more than a decade. His extensive hands-on experience and understanding of the industry make him the go-to source for all things having to do with the home – from advice on simple repairs, to complete remodels, to helping homeowners prepare their homes for extreme weather and seasons.

15-30 days after painting, you’ll even be able to peel that paint right off after getting the surface wet.

Yikes!

Why We Don’t Use Oil Based Paint

A lot of the older homes we paint in East Grand Rapids have oil-based paint on the plaster walls, trim, and cabinets. Oil-based paint was popular back in the ’70s and ’80s, especially on trim, cabinets, and doors. The most popular paint was a product called Satin Impervo.

There are a couple of reasons we don’t use oil-based paint anymore:

1. It emits a host of harmful VOCs (volatile organic content) that’s harmful to the environment.

2. Cleanup is messy since you have to use paint thinner

3. Latex paints are more flexible than oil-based paints and modern formulas are just as durable.

How To Tell If It’s Oil Or Not

To see if a surface has oil-based paint, we like to use a test affectionately named, “The Oil Paint Test” (We’re painters, not professional namers)

To do this test, simply use denatured alcohol from a brand like Klean Strip and rub it on the surface with a rag or cotton ball.

If the paint does NOT come off, the surface is oil-based paint.

If it doesn’t, then it’s water or latex-based paint.

How To Paint Over Oil Base Paint

Ok, so you’ve done the test and it comes back positive for oil-based paint, what do you do now?

Here’s what to do step-by-step:

1. First, lightly sand the surface and clean it with a sponge dipped in TSP (trisodium phosphate) mixed with water.

2. Allow the surface to dry

3. Coat it with an oil or latex bonding primer. If the original paint was really shiny, you’ll want to use a primer like Kilz. If it’s not too shiny, you can use a latex primer, then put a couple of latex coats over it.

   Can I use oil

   Yes, you can use oil based primer over latex paint only if the surface is prepared properly. Clean and sand the latex-painted surface well before applying the oil-based primer.

   Can you paint oil over latex or latex over oil?

   In order for your new paint to form a good bond with the existing paint, it's important that the two paints are compatible. Don't apply oil-based paint over latex; but you can put latex paint over oil-based, as long as you prepare the surface properly first.

   Can you paint oil

   You can use oil-based paint on top of water-based paint. You can use a water-based primer on top of an oil-based primer. You can use an oil-based primer on top of a water-based primer. You can use oil-based primer on water-based paint.

   What paint can I use over latex paint?

   As a general rule, any water-based or oil-based paint can be used to paint over latex paint. It is recommended to use a primer when applying oil-based paints over latex paint to ensure that the paint adheres properly. Latex paint can be applied directly to other latex-based paint.