Can you put water based paint over oil based paint

Most older homes have at least one layer of oil-based paint on the walls, but today, water-based paint is used more often for interior decor due to its lower cost. Water-based, or latex, paints are a type of oil paint that can be thinned using water or turpentine while pure oil paints are paints that do not contain any water content but instead contain natural or synthetic resins.

Table of Contents Show

1. Ensure Safety
2. Dirt-free and Clean
3. Use Sandpaper and Fix Imperfections
4. Use a Primer
Painting & Decorating
7 Answers from MyBuilder Painters & Decorators
How do you apply water
What paint can I use over oil
Can you paint over oil

If you try to put water-based paint over an oil-based painted surface without any preparation, it will not adhere to the wall as it should. The glossy surface created by oil-based paint stops the latex paint from sticking very well. Even the touch of a fingernail will scrape the new paint off because the adhesion will be very poor. But it is not impossible to apply latex paint to an oil-painted surface-- this article lists some tips that may make the process easier.

1. Ensure Safety

Today, all paints come without lead, but in the past, there used to be lead mixed in with paints regularly. Make sure before taking any other steps that your old painted wall is lead-free-- otherwise, using these methods to prepare your wall will create lead dust, which is harmful both to the environment and to your health. Many contractors are qualified for lead paint assessment and removal, so stay safe and hire a professional if you’re unsure.

2. Dirt-free and Clean

The wall to be painted must be dirt-free and clean before further preparations can be made. Use paper towels with some detergent to clean it, but ensure that no water gets into any holes or cracks you might have in your wall. Next, use a paint prep cleaner to de-gloss the oil paint. Make sure that you remove as much gloss as you can. Otherwise, the water-based paint will still have a problem adhering properly.

Set yourself up for a successful paint job by snagging some quality paint cleaner on Amazon.

3. Use Sandpaper and Fix Imperfections

Use sandpaper to remove the last of the gloss from the surface. You might also consider using an electric sander to make the work go more quickly. Fully cover and protect yourself with the proper safety gear including a dust mask, eye protection, and gloves.

Also, use sandpaper to create a smooth surface if you need to fill in any holes or cracks. With a putty knife, apply spackle paste to problem areas and allow it to dry for the recommended time on the container, then sand as needed Clean up any dust left behind by sanding.

4. Use a Primer

With the gloss coat removed from the oil-based paint, it’s time for primer. Apply a latex primer in two thin coats on top of one another, allowing time in between to dry thoroughly. Use a small paintbrush for tight areas, particularly around door and window corners. For larger areas, pour your primer into a paint tray and use a paint roller to apply it instead.

Browse latex primer options on Amazon, from affordable to higher-end options.

By using the above tips, you’ll create a perfect surface for you to apply your new water-based paint. Additionally, you should have no problems with your paint job lasting if you’ve done everything here correctly.

Painting & Decorating

I am wanting to paint radiators and wood work with a water based satin finish. However an oil based undercoat has been used to cover what was already there. I now realise I cannot use a water based paint on top of this. How can I easily and straightforwardly rectify this without it costing me too much? Unfortunately the colour choice in oil based paint is very limited other wise it wouldnt be problem!

7 Answers from MyBuilder Painters & Decorators

Best Answer

You don't have a problem just give the rads and woodwork 2 or 3 coats of your water based finish.

Answered 16th Nov 2015

Lightly sand the surface to be painted so the waterbased paint has something a little better to adhere to then coat 2 coats on the top for a perfect finish. What you want to try to get to is sanding off the surface so it's not shiny

Answered 19th Nov 2015

When putting water based paint over oil based paints, you must sand and key the surface really, really well. Also use a good water based undercoat with good adhesion. Then go over the top with one or two coats of your desired water based top coat.

Failing to give a GOOD keyed and adhesion surface will result in the top coat failing/cracking/peeling etc.

Answered 23rd Nov 2015

you have to give the substrate your working with a good key so the water based paint you using will adhere to. You can use a water based Dulux ultra grip primer 2 part system which is designed to provide a key on difficult surfaces.

Answered 22nd Nov 2016

Hello,

It is a common mistake but I have a solution for you.

Lightly sand down the radiator and woodwork so the water based can stick a bit better.

You will have to give it 2 coats to act like a undercoat but once applied will look just as good as doing with undercoat and then finishing with gloss.

Regards
Buchanan Decorators

Answered 14th Jun 2017

This is not a major problem sand the woodwork down getting a good keyed surface then apply a coat of acrylic undercoat then once that's dry apply the satinwood

Answered 28th Jul 2017

This is not a major problem, sand the wood work and then apply an aycrlic premier before two of your top coats. I would not recommend a water base paint for radiators,it's always better to use an oil base for radiators. Also make sure the radiator is off before you paint it, otherwise it will turn white paint yellow'ish

Answered 29th Sep 2017

How do you apply water

Always prime when using water-based over oil-based paint. Apply one to two coats of an oil-or water-based bonding primer and dry according to product directions. You'll know the surface is adequately primed when the former paint color, stains, and other surface imperfections are no longer visible.

What paint can I use over oil

Latex paint can be successfully painted over fully-cured oil-based paint. Latex paint cures from the outside-in.

Can you paint over oil

As a whole, to paint over oil-based paint without sanding a high-bonding primer has to be used and the surface, that will be painted, needs to be intact and clean. Simply apply the high-bonding primer directly to the surface and let it dry. Then apply the paint to the freshly prepared surface.