You can paint latex over oil-based paint as long as you follow a few simple steps. Find out what those steps are in this blog post.
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Introduction
It is possible to paint latex over oil-based paint, but there are a few things you need to do first in order to ensure that the job is done correctly. If you don’t take the proper steps, you could end up with a messy, peeling paint job.
What is Latex Paint?
Latex paint is a type of synthetic resin paint that is made with water-soluble latex polymers. It is considered to be one of the most versatile types of paint because it can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, and glass. Latex paint is also relatively easy to clean up and is less likely to cause skin irritation than oil-based paints.
What is Oil-Based Paint?
Oil-based paint is made with either alkyd (synthetic) or linseed (natural) oils. Alkyd paint is more common because it’s less expensive and dries more quickly, but it can yellow and isn’t as tough as linseed-based paint. Oil-based paints have been used since the 1800s, but latex paint began to replace them in the 1950s.
If you have oil-based paint on your walls, you can paint over it with latex paint. But you need to take some special precautions first to ensure that your new paint job will bond properly and not peel.
The Difference Between Latex and Oil-Based Paints
Most people don’t know the difference between latex and oil-based paint, and as a result, many people don’t know if you can paint latex over oil-based paint or not. The simple answer is yes, you can paint latex over oil-based paint, but there are a few things you need to do first in order to make sure the job is done right.
Latex paint is made with water-soluble synthetic resins, whereas oil-based paint is made with petroleum-soluble resins. Because of this, oil-based paints take longer to dry and are more difficult to clean up than latex paints. They also tend to be more durable and provide a more polished finish. However, oil-based paints can yellow over time and are more prone to chipping and peeling than latex paints.
If you’re painting over an oil-based paint with a latex paint, the first thing you need to do is abrade the surface of the oil-based paint in order to give the new layer of latex paint something to grip onto. You can do this by sanding the surface lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper or by using a commercial products designed for Paint Conversion.
Once you’ve abraded the surface of the old paint, you need to apply a primer designed for use on an oil-based surface before painting with your new latex topcoat. You can find primers specifically designed for this purpose at most home improvement stores. Be sure to follow all manufacturers’ instructions when applying primer and topcoat for best results.
Can You Paint Latex Over Oil-Based Paint?
It is possible to paint latex over oil-based paint, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the surface is clean and free of any grease or dirt. You also need to roughen up the surface of the oil-based paint so that the latex can adhere properly. Finally, you need to use a primer designed for painting latex over oil-based paint. By following these steps, you can successfully paint latex over oil-based paint.
The Bottom Line
Here’s the bottom line: you can paint latex over oil-based paint as long as you follow a few simple steps. First, make sure the surface is clean and free of any grease or dirt. Next, roughen up the glossy surface of the oil-based paint so that the new latex paint will have something to “grab” onto. Finally, apply a primer designed for use with latex paint over oil-based paint and then proceed with your latex paint job as usual.
