Okay, so in my previous post How To Test For Oil Based PaintI showed you how to determine if you have oil based trim in your house. Now that it’s been determined that the trim was painted in oil there are a couple ways to go about painting latex over it. First, let me say DO NOT paint latex over oil under any circ*mstances without properly preparing the trim first! If you do fixing it when the paint starts scratching off is a nightmare you will not want to put yourself through.
So there are a couple different methods of how to go about painting over the oil. Just how glossy and smooth the oil is will determine just how aggressive you’ll need to be with it. Also please be sure to do a test spot prior to doing the entire house to make sure whichever method you choose will work.
Liquid Deglosser
This method is by far the least time-consuming way to go and there is a new product I was able to test out which makes it that much easier. The product is made by a company called Latex Agentand their productisOil Bond. I used this stuff over some extremely slick oil a couple weeks ago and I could not scratch off the latex paint no matter how hard I tried, within reason of course!
Here’s how it works… Get a lint free rag and apply the oil bond to the trim. Once everything you plan to paint is wiped down let it sit for 60 minutes. After 60 minutes add 16oz to a gallon of whichever paint you’re planning to use, mix it up and paint away. On the second coat do not add the oil bond just top coat with the paint as normal.
Latex Primer
If de-glossing doesn’t suit your fancy the next step up is to use a latex bonding primer such as Stix from Insl-X. This stuff is great and sticks to just about any surface including glass and PVC. Another added benefit is that it has an extremely low odor. I’ve used this countless times over oil trim and it only ever scratched off once (that’s why you test first).
Oil Primer
The next step for the super stubborn extra slick oil based paint is an oil primer such as Zinsser CoverStain. This stuff is bulletproof, it’ll stick to any old oil based paint you throw at it. However, there are some big draw backs. An odor is one of the biggest, this stuff stinks, it’s not bad for sealing a water-stain but trimming out an entire room could be trouble and it will require some ventilation. Another drawback is that it’s not very easy to work with and clean up requires the use of paint thinner.
There You Have it
Those are the three best ways to transition oil based paint to latex in order from easiest to hardest. The age and hardness of the paint will determine which will be the most effective for you. Remember to always do a test spot first!
Call Paragon Painting
Give Paragon Painting in Charleston a call 843-695-9450. We will determine the best course of action for painting you oil based trim which in turn will save you a lot of headaches down the road.
FAQs
The best way to proceed is to apply a high end primer over the oil based paint before covering with latex. The sanding is only needed of the oil based paint has a gloss or shine to it. You only have to rough up the surface to give it some tooth to hold onto the next layer. But definitely follow sanding with priming.
Can latex paint be painted over oil-based paint? ›
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.
How do you get latex to stick to oil-based paint? ›
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.
Why is latex paint not sticking to oil-based paint? ›
If you want to apply latex paint over oil paint you have to first prepare the surface by sanding, cleaning with detergent, and coating it with a primer. The primer can be oil or latex, but in either case it should labeled as a “bonding primer.” The same is true for applying oil over latex.
What type of paint will stick to oil-based paint? ›
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 happens if you put water-based paint over oil-based paint? ›
The glossy surface of oil-based paints makes it so difficult for any other paint to bond. That's why, if you apply water-based paint straight to oil-based, it will flake and crack as the water-based paint pulls away. So, to get oil-based ready to paint over, you need to take away a lot of that gloss.
How do you get water based paint to stick to 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. Apply at least two coats of water-based paint over oil-based paint.
Why is it so hard to paint with oil paint? ›
Painting in oils is little messier and more time-consuming than painting with acrylics or watercolours, largely because you cannot clean or thin oil paint with water. Both the paints and the mediums you use to clean and dilute them with are on the expensive side and it's easy to waste them.
Should you use TSP before painting? ›
When mixed with water to create an alkaline solution, TSP is a highly effective cleanser, degreaser, and stain remover. It's also used to prep painted surfaces for refinishing or repainting, as it can both de-gloss paint and remove flaking or peeling areas.
What is the best paint to use over oil-based paint? ›
Latex paint can be successfully painted over fully-cured oil-based paint.
This incompatibility when you paint latex over oil can lead to flaking, peeling and chipping of the paint job, which spoils the look and functionality of your DIY project.
What is the best way to paint with oil-based paint? ›
Applying layers of paint
Start by adding areas of shadow and light, fill in large areas with color, then work patiently, laying on more and more intense layers of color. You need to follow the golden rule of oil painting: painting "thick on thin" .
Does oil-based paint need primer? ›
It is recommended you always use a primer before embarking on a painting job. For best results use an oil-based primer if your top coat is oil based paint, or latex based primer if your top coat is latex-based paint.
Can you use kilz over oil-based paint? ›
Adheres to oil based paints.
Which is better latex or oil-based paint? ›
Latex paints or acrylic paints are fast-drying water-based paints. Oil based paint is a slow drying paint made with oil. Latex paints are generally better for the interior of homes and on large surfaces. Oil-based paints are generally used on metals, wood and for paintings.
What paint can you use to paint over gloss paint? ›
What Paint Is Best to Paint Over Gloss? If prepared properly, you can use almost any paint you want as the top coat. But it would make sense to use satin or gloss, or a variation such as semi-gloss or eggshell, to give a good, hard-wearing, long-lasting finish.
