Painting Over Oil-Based Paint (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you paint over oil-based paint? ›

If you put latex paint over oil, you'll just end up with that fruit roll-up look all over your house because they just can't adhere. Since they're not compatible, they won't form a good bond. 15-30 days after painting, you'll even be able to peel that paint right off after getting the surface wet.

In addition, water-based paint is preferred when covering an oil-based product because it has a faster drying time and resists fading in the sunlight for exterior applications.

You can paint older oil-based paint without sanding, but it's not always the best idea. If the oil-based primer or paint is in good condition, you may be able to get away with just painting over it. However, if the paint is starting to chip or peel, you need to sand it down before painting over it.

The most common solution is to cover the old painting with gesso as a method for starting over or perhaps changing a certain area of the composition.

Use on interior and exterior surfaces including woodwork, drywall, plaster, paneling, masonry, brick, painted metal and properly prepared glossy surfaces†. Use under or over water-based or oil-based paints. Not recommended on flooring.

Oil-based paints are no longer legal in Virginia and five other states. This is because oil paints create a ton of pollution, both in the air and in the ground. They have a lot of toxic fumes that make them dangerous to be around before they dry, especially for the painting contractors who use them.

First clean the surfaces thoroughly with a good detergent. Test the our Multi-Purpose Latex Primer on the surface for adhesion. If the primer dries without lifting or blistering, you can proceed. Finish with a good quality latex paint like SuperPaint^® or Duration^® Home.

Oil-based paints are very durable and can withstand wear and tear better than water-based paints. They're also less likely to chip or peel. Oil-based colors have a longer open time; they stay wet longer and give you more time to work with them. They're therefore easier to apply and can leave behind a smoother finish.

You can't just paint directly over oil-based paint. Glossy surfaces will not take a second layer of paint well on their own. They need proper cleaning and priming.

What are the tips for painting with oil-based paint? ›

You need to follow the golden rule of oil painting: painting "thick on thin" . Each succeeding layer should be slightly "thicker," that is, contain more oil, than the previous one. To achieve this, highly dilute the first layers, with the following ones less and less diluted.

Poor paint adhesion is one of the most common consequences of skipping the sanding step. Without sanding, the cabinet surface remains smooth and may have a glossy finish or residual substances that hinder the paint from properly adhering.

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. Apply at least two coats of water-based paint over oil-based paint.

It's possible to lay a water-based color over an old oil-based paint, but only if you do the proper prep. We recommend sanding the sheen off your oil-based surface, then applying an oil-based primer to serve as a bridge or buffer between the old paint and the new.

Thanks for any advice! In my opinion, there is no better surface upon which to apply fresh oil paint than upon a thoroughly dried underpainting. The worst that can happen is that your fresh paint/medium may have a tendency to bead up on the super-dry surface as it is applied.

In general, paint fumes will remain toxic for up to a day after the paint is dried. This means being around stored paint, which doesn't really dry, or constantly using paint at work, can result in constant exposure.