Can Oil and Water Based Products Be Used Over Each Other?* | General Finishes (2024)

Yes! But you must follow ONE simple rule to ensure the best possible finish: the underlying finish must be absolutely dry.

  • When using a water-based product over an oil-based product, such as water-based High Performance Topcoat over oil-based Gel Stain,
    • If the oil finish was applied over raw wood, wait 24 hours between the two products.
    • If the oil finish was applied over an existing finish, wait 72 hours between the two products.
  • When using an oil-based product over a water-based product, such as oil-based Arm-R-Seal Topcoat over Water Based Wood Stain, wait 24 hours before applying the oil-based product.
Other Rules To Remember
  • You cannot mix water- and oil-based products together.
  • General Finishes original Enduro-Var can only be used over raw wood or General Finishes water-based wood stains or dye stains. Original Enduro-Var cannot be used with any oil-based product, sanding sealer or shellac. Enduro-Var II (new formula) is compatible with all GF products and can be used over shellac.
  • Oil-based finishes amber over time; do not use them over white or very light colors.

VIDEO: Can oil and water-based products be used over one another?

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Can Oil and Water Based Products Be Used Over Each Other?* | General Finishes (2024)

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Can Oil and Water Based Products Be Used Over Each Other?* | General Finishes? ›

Other Rules To Remember. You cannot mix water- and oil-based products together. General Finishes

General Finishes
General Finishes, a Wisconsin-based wood coatings manufacturer founded in 1928, has been a pioneer in the water-based technology revolution. General Finishes works relentlessly to formulate high-quality water-borne coatings equal to or better than any oil or solvent finish.
https://generalfinishes.com › greenbuildinganddesign
original Enduro-Var can only be used over raw wood or General Finishes water-based wood stains or dye stains. Original Enduro-Var cannot be used with any oil-based product, sanding sealer or shellac.

Can you use oil and water based products together? ›

Can Oil and Water Based Products Be Used Over Each Other?* Yes! But you must follow ONE simple rule to ensure the best possible finish: the underlying finish must be absolutely dry.

Can you use oil-based stain and water based top coat? ›

QUESTION: Can oil and water based products be used over each other? ANSWER: Yes! but the underlying finish has to be absolutely dry.

Can you use both water based and oil-based polyurethane? ›

In general, flooring wholesalers and experienced floor finishers agree that water-based poly can be recoated with oil-based poly provided the original coating has been completely cured, which usually takes 30 to 60 days.

Can I paint oil-based paint over water-based paint? ›

CAN YOU USE OIL PAINT OVER WATER-BASED PAINT? Yes. In fact, this option works so much better than the opposite: painting with a water-based paint over an oil-based layer. This is quite common when you use primers to prepare a wall, cabinet doors, or trim for the final paint layer.

What is the difference between oil-based and water based finishes? ›

Oil-based and Water-Based Finishes: Differences

Drying times are one of the key distinctions between water-based and oil-based wood treatments. Oil-based finishes might take up to 24 hours to dry, but water-based finishes dry more quickly. Their degree of toxicity and odour are other differences.

Can you use oil-based undercoat with water-based top coat? ›

Oil and water don't play well together––in chemistry or in paint. So, while you might be in a hurry to cover up your oil-based colors, you should first make sure your chosen surfaces are fully primed. You cannot lay water-based paint on top of oil-based paint directly.

Is it okay to mix oil and water? ›

Oil and water are two liquids that are immiscible, meaning they will not mix together. Liquids tend to be immiscible when the force of attraction between the molecules of the same liquid is greater than the force of attraction between the two different liquids.

Is it true that water and oil Cannot be mixed together? ›

Oils and fats not have any polar part and so for them to dissolve in water they would have to break some of water s hydrogen bonds. Water will not do this so the oil is forced to stay separate from the water.

Can you put water or oil based polyurethane over paint? ›

Some will find the “feel” of oil based poly to be softer, but in truth oil based poly tends to continue to harden and get brittle over time leading to cracking in the finish on projects subject to variations in movement, while water based poly typically maintains its flexibility and will not crack with age.

Should I spray water or oil based polyurethane? ›

Oil-based polyurethane is cheaper than water-based by a good margin. It will also provide a longer lasting protection which will cut the costs even more. Here is another detail. It takes more coats of water based poly to reach the same level of toughness compared to the solvent based.

Can I use water-based varnish over polyurethane? ›

Polyurethane is a category of wood finish products that are either water- or solvent-based clear coatings that can range from a gloss finish to a satin finish. Under most circ*mstances, a varnish product can be applied over a polyurethane coating.

Can I mix oil and water based paints? ›

I would like to point out that water and oil can never mix together. So after that, paint dries up and starts cracking or peeling off into rubbery substances. The paint begins to separate away since the particles cannot bond together. This is all I need to share about oil based paint vs water based paint.

Can you put water-based sealer over oil-based sealer? ›

The beauty of all our water-based sealers and topcoats is that they'll level and adhere to whatever solvent- or oil-based stain you've used. So there's no need to go oil on oil simply because your stain is oil-based.

What happens if you put water in oil-based paint? ›

Unlike watercolors, acrylics and other water-based paints, which can be thinned with water, traditional oil paint must be thinned with solvents. The oil molecules in the paint can only be broken down by solvent chemicals; mixing traditional oils with water does not work because water and oil do not mix.

Can oil based finish go over water based? ›

If you already laid down a water-based finish and decided to go for an oil-based one, do not fret. With a little bit of extra time and preparation, you can apply the oil-based finish right over the water-based one.

Why use oil based paint over water? ›

There are many advantages of oil-based paintings. They take much time to dry and so give a glossy look to the surfaces. Oil paint forms a hard enamel on the surface and is more resistant to scratches, fingerprints and other stains.

What lasts longer oil based or water based paint? ›

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.

Can you use a water-based paint over an oil-based primer? ›

Latex paints will not stick to oil based paints. The exception is that an oil based primer may accept any kind of top coat paint. For that reason, an oil based primer is recommended to be applied over any oil based top coat, then a water based paint may be used as a top coat.

What is the difference between oil based and water based top coat? ›

Water-based top coats clean up with soap and water. Oil-based topcoats require mineral spirits for cleanup. If you use water-based topcoats over oil-based finishes, make sure that you wait 72 hours between the two products. It is essential to let the oil finish dry longer.

What is the difference between oil based and water based undercoat? ›

Oil-based paints can achieve a higher sheen level when applied due to the makeup of the paint; however, the sheen does become duller over time. While water-based paints achieve a lower sheen finish, water-based paints can typically maintain this sheen level over a longer period of time.

Can I mix oil with water based moisturizer? ›

Moisturizers are water-based. If you add oil(s) to a moisturizer the moisturizer and oil(s) won't emulsify (similar to what happens when adding oil to vinegar or lemon juice when making salad dressing). You can apply moisturizer to your skin, wait for it to absorb, and then apply an oil over it. That's the better way.

Do you use oil-based or water based first? ›

“Double cleansing means cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based product and then followed by a water-based cleanser,” explains Dr. Wu. The first step of using an oil-based cleanser is helpful when it comes to removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.

Should you use oil and water based cleanser? ›

Start with an oil-based cleanser to lift impurities, dirt and makeup, Marchbein says, and follow it with micellar water or a gentle foaming cleanser to “soak up excess oil and remove anything left behind.”

Can you use water based products on oily skin? ›

When it comes to water-based moisturizer for oily skin, look for one with a matte (a.k.a. non-shiny) finish. An oil-free water-based moisturizer could be a good option for oily skin—and we just so happen to have one for you!

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