What happens if you put latex 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.
Yes you can. You have two choices to do this. First would be to wash the surface, sand and then clean the sanding dust off. You may then apply your latex paint over the oil base paint.
Can I put acrylic or latex paint on oil paint? Because oil and water don't mix, when you apply any water-based paint over oil-based surfaces, you're always going to get this cracked and peeling paint. Sometimes it'll show up as a rubbery texture that you can pull off in strips, other times it'll crack and flake.
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.
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.
Tips for Painting Over Oil-Based Paint with Oil-Based Paint
Make sure the existing coat is fully cured. If the coating is over seven to 30 days old and can be scrubbed without affecting the finish, consider it cured. If the existing natural oil-based coating hasn't cured, only use a natural oil-based paint to cover it.
But you can paint latex over oil-based paint, if you prepare the surface properly. First of all, take a little bit of sandpaper and just lightly sand it. Then you want to use some trisodium phosphate, or TSP, you can find it in any paint store or home center. Then, after that dries, use a good bonding primer.
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.
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.
Since 2004 in six states, the EPA has banned Oil Based Paints. They include: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Why? The EPA is banning the paint to reduce ground-level ozone.
Do I have to sand before painting over oil-based paint?
While some oil-based paints can get applied without the need for a primer layer, we always recommend that all areas to get painted are properly cleaned and sanded for maximal adhesion.
The test to determine whether your paint is oil-based or water-based is pretty easy. Simply put some methylated spirits on a rag and wipe at a small section of your wall. If the cloth is stained with the wall colour, it is water-based.

You can use a latex primer over oil-based paint as long as it is a bonding primer. Bonding primers are best because they are formulated to adhere to glossy surfaces, such as oil-based painted finishes.
If the paint does NOT come off, it is oil-based paint and you will need to prime the surface with a bonding primer before applying latex paint. The primer can be latex, but it has to be a product that is made to prepare the surface and help with adhesion and that says “bonding” on the label.
Oil based paints usually have a higher sheen after the paint is applied. However, these types of paints can fade significantly over time. Meanwhile, water based paints tend to have a lower sheen but generally maintain it for a longer period of time. Thus, water based paints tend to win out in terms of longevity.
The only substance that can go over oil paint, is more oil paint. After your “ugly messed up” painting is completely dry, create a mixture of half white oil paint and half Galkyd medium or another fast drying medium (liquin, liquin gel, cold wax, cozica).
Proper Brushing Technique
The brushing technique used to apply oil-based paint will help to eliminate brush marks. Dip your brush into the paint and tap off the excess. Using a separate paint container is recommended over drawing paint straight from the can. Quickly coat the surface with a loaded paint brush.
Painting over dirty walls, excess moisture, improper prep, and using latex paint on top of oil paint can all affect the paint's adhesion and cause it to eventually begin flaking off. To solve the problem, you'll need to remove the peeling areas and start over with fresh coats of primer and paint.
Before painting, dip a cotton ball/pad or a cotton swab into a small amount of denatured alcohol. Rub the damp cotton ball/pad or cotton swab over a small area on the surface. If the paint does not rub off, it is oil-based paint and you will need to prime the surface.
What you should not do is paint a layer of oils and then paint over it with acrylics. Here's why: the acrylic paint will be unable to stick to the oil paint, so it will flake off. This can sometimes happen very quickly, almost as soon as the acrylics dry, or sometimes it can take weeks.
Can I wait a week to paint after priming?
Most water-based primers dry relatively fast, in 3 or 4 hours. After that, they will be good to use for the next 30 days. As long as you paint your surfaces in that time period, your paint will stick with no problems.
Oil-Based. Oil-based primers are better than latex primers at sealing nail heads, covering knots in bare wood, and blocking tannin bleeding and other stains. They are also better for sealing bare window muntins that will be covered with oil-based window putty.
Too much moisture or too cold – Paint and primer react differently in abnormal environmental conditions. Working the paint or primer too often – There is no need to continue running your roller or brush over the same area, which can result in the paint balling up or clumping.
Never mix alkyds with latex or stains with paints. “You'll get something that looks like cottage cheese,” Brawn says. Though not impossible, oil-based paints can also be tricky to blend. Feel free, however, to throw together latex-based interiors with exteriors and glossies with flats.
Oil-based primer is typically used for projects that require a tight seal. Water-based primer works well for indoor areas that are less likely to contact water. Oil-based paint off-gases more VOCs than water-based paint, making oil-based less idea for indoor use.
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.
There are a couple of reasons we don't use oil-based paint anymore: It emits a host of harmful VOCs (volatile organic content) that's harmful to the environment. Cleanup is messy since you have to use paint thinner. Latex paints are more flexible than oil-based paints and modern formulas are just as durable.
Painters should use an oil-based paint for any surface where they want the finish to last for a long time, and they are not planning to change the color often.” Oil-based paints are extremely durable and can withstand routine contact, making them ideal for moldings and trims.
Oil-based paint - dry to the touch in 6–8 hours and ready to recoat in 24 hours. Latex paint - dry to the touch in about 1 hour, and you can safely recoat in 4 hours.
The main reason people sand between coats of paint is to achieve a perfect, silky smooth layer of paint. For most drywall interior painting projects, sanding is not necessary.
Should you wet your paint brush before painting with latex paint?
Cutting in when painting a wall
Before use, flick the bristles back and forth to remove dust. Then moisten the brush in water if you are about to use water-based paint, or mineral turpentine if you are about to use an oil-based paint. Make sure you remove excess liquid before painting.
Floetrol is a latex and acrylic paint additive used as a conditioner to help reduce build up on paint brushes, eliminate brush marks, reduces wear and tear on spray guns and it extends drying time.
If you're looking for a quick and easy application process, you can opt to use a roller to get the job done. However, if you want to achieve a high-quality final product, you'll want to use a brush instead. It will take more time to finish, but you'll be able to guarantee complete and smooth coverage of your trim.
They emit fewer odors, clean up with water and are not flammable. Latex paint takes a shorter amount of time to dry than oil paint. Oil-based paints offer superior one-coat hiding and better adhesion to difficult surfaces (such as those not thoroughly cleaned).
The Alcohol Test – First, gently wash a section of your wall with a light detergent mixed in warm water, then dry the spot with a clean towel. Finally, rub a cotton ball soaked with rubbing alcohol over the area. If the paint comes off, you have latex-based paint.
Water-based paint dries significantly more quickly than oil-based paint. It may take 6-8 hours for the paint to dry to the touch, and you may need to wait up to 24 hours before applying a second layer.
The best stain-blocking primer depends on the surface and the stains you need to block. Oil-based stain killers work the best on water stains and for spot-priming. Latex stain-blocking primers work better on large areas and hold up better on exterior surfaces.
Cons of oil-based paint. The main disadvantage of oil-based paint is the strong odour, which is quite invasive, and the paint does take significantly longer to dry, so care is required with any dusty work, and ensuring that nothing is likely to make contact with the wet surface.
Oil-based paints have a glossy finish whereas latex paints are available both in a glossy and matt finish. One disadvantage of a glossy finish is that imperfections are easily visible.
Oil-based paints are considered more durable as compared to water-based paint. But oil-based paints take longer to dry, these paints are made of alkyd (synthetic) or linseed (natural) oils. More frequently used paint is Alkyd paints, because it is low in price and tougher.
What happens if you paint over 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.
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.
If you're wondering whether or not you can apply oil-based paint over latex, it really isn't a smart decision, but it is possible. The reason professionals advise against doing this is because latex paint is flexible in nature, and as a result, oil-based paints won't properly adhere to them.
However, it is extremely difficult to work with if you're using it to paint over another oil paint. Conversely, if you're painting over old linseed oil paint with new oil or latex, it might still be too slick, even when the surface is primed.
Can You Use Latex Paint Over Oil Based Primer. Yes, you can use latex paint over oil primer, but you cannot apply an oil-based paint over latex. For the latex paint over oil primer to be successful, you need to first ensure that your painted surface is properly dry.
The test to determine whether your paint is oil-based or water-based is pretty easy. Simply put some methylated spirits on a rag and wipe at a small section of your wall. If the cloth is stained with the wall colour, it is water-based.
Acrylics dry faster, but they are water-soluble and may not last as long. Oil paints take longer to dry, but once they do, they are very durable.
There's absolutely no reason why you can't put a water-based acrylic paint on to of an oil-based primer. It hiss hold up perfectly well and the layers won't bleed into one another.
Oil over acrylic is fine with certain caveats, but acrylics over oil paints and oil grounds should be avoided. Oil paints form tight, water-resistant films that provide poor adhesion when acrylics are painted on top of them. We recommend avoiding this combination.
References
- https://thecraftsmanblog.com/how-to-prevent-brush-marks/
- https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-paint-wood-like-a-pro-1822379
- https://www.allamericanpaintingplus.com/difference-oil-latex-paint-exterior-painting/
- https://www.dulux.com.au/how-to/general/how-to-use-a-paint-brush
- https://www.bhg.com/decorating/paint/how-tos/how-to-fix-peeling-paint/
- https://www.thecitypainters.com/best-paintbrush-trim
- https://www.milanartinstitute.com/blog/how-to-start-over-on-an-oil-painting
- https://www.hillisbrothers.com/post/can-you-paint-latex-over-oil
- https://www.soundpaintingsolutions.com/paint-incompatibility/
- https://ahomecrafter.com/2020/01/what-is-floetrol/
- https://mypropainters.com/blog/painting-over-alkyd-paint/
- https://www.goldenpaints.com/technicalinfo/technicalinfo_oil_over_acrylic
- https://newlifepainting.com/blog/2014-11-14-how-can-you-tell-if-your-interior-paint-is-oil-or-latex-based/
- https://www.ehow.com/info_7831750_painting-brush-strokes-oilbased-paint.html
- https://www.truevalue.com/diy-projects/post/paint-and-stain/choose-the-right-primer
- https://www.hamiltondecoratingtools.co.uk/knowledge-room/guides/the-pros-cons-of-water-oil-based-paint/
- https://www.paintworld.com.au/blogs/diy-area/difference-between-oil-based-water-based-paint
- https://thediyplan.com/oil-based-primer-vs-water-based-primer/
- https://www.pipsisland.com/how-long-can-primer-sit-before-painting/
- https://www.kilz.com/primer/kilz-2
- https://crafts.stackexchange.com/questions/3887/is-there-any-way-to-paint-with-acrylics-over-oil
- https://hobbspaintingandconcreteflooring.com/about/resources/5-painting-mistakes-you-dont-want-to-make/
- https://www.goldenboyspainting.com/blog/alkyd-paint-what-is-it
- https://craftknights.com/how-to-paint-latex-paint-over-oil-paint-without-paint-peeling/
- https://www.behr.com/pro/products/interior-products/interior-primers-sealers-and-undercoaters/primers-sealers-and-undercoaters/kilz-2-all-purpose
- http://www.sherwin-williams.com.jm/training-center/faqs/whats-the-drying-difference-between-alkyd-and-latex/
- https://gardnerlaboratories.com/2013/12/09/problems-paint-adhesion-primer-professional-painters/
- https://www.behr.com/pro/onthejob/blog/tips-on-painting-over-oil-based-paint/
- https://mypropainters.com/blog/oil-over-latex-or-latex-over-oil/
- http://www.sherwin-williams.com.jm/training-center/faqs/can-i-apply-latex-paint-over-a-surface-finished-with-an-oil-based-product/
- https://www.nixsensor.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-its-oil-or-latex-paint/
- https://todayshomeowner.com/painting/video/applying-latex-paint-over-oil-based-paint/
- https://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/email/newsletter/1410862369
- https://www.lowes.com/n/buying-guide/primer-buying-guide
- https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a27729301/water-based-paint-vs-oil-based-paint/
- https://www.quora.com/How-can-you-paint-latex-over-an-oil-based-primer
- https://thecraftsmanblog.com/6-secrets-to-silky-smooth-paint/
- https://www.inspirationspaint.com.au/articleview/230/whats-the-difference-between-oil-and-water-based-paint
- https://www.thespruce.com/can-you-use-latex-paint-over-oil-based-paint-1822386
- https://www.art-is-fun.com/using-oils-and-acrylics-in-the-same-painting
- https://todayshomeowner.com/painting/video/how-to-paint-over-oil-based-paint-with-latex/
- https://www.diffen.com/difference/Latex_Paint_vs_Oil_Based_Paint
- https://craft-art.com/latex-paint-over-oil-based-primer/
- https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/painting/whats-the-difference-primers
- https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-long-does-it-take-paint-to-dry/
- https://that1painter.com/oil-based-vs-water-based-paint/
- https://www.schedulefred.com/blog/painting-oil-based-paints/
- http://www.paintinfo.com/cn/cnp-018.shtml
- https://www.quora.com/Can-you-use-acrylic-paint-on-top-of-oil-based-primer-or-sealer-for-painting-walls
- https://themarshallgallery.com/post/4966-is-oil-or-acrylic-paint-better-for-canvas
- https://www.bobvila.com/articles/painting-over-oil-based-paint/
- https://www.glidden.com/advice/how-many-coats-of-primer-do-i-need
- https://www.paintworld.com.au/blogs/diy-area/how-to-paint-over-water-based-paint
- https://www.fivestarpainting.com/blog/2021/november/should-i-sand-between-coats-of-paint-/
- https://www.glidden.com/advice/how-long-does-paint-take-to-dry-cure
- https://freelandpainting.com/tips-for-painting-over-oil-based-paint/
- https://www.zinsseruk.com/core/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Bulls-Eye-123.pdf
- https://homegadesign.com/2018/04/28/best-ways-to-take-care-of-your-house/
- https://www.glidden.com/advice/when-should-you-use-latex-or-oil-based-pain
- https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/painting/time-for-paint-to-dry/
- https://www.glidden.com/advice/painting-over-oil-based-paint
- https://www.h2ouse.org/oil-based-paint-over-latex/
- https://paintingdrive.com/water-based-or-oil-based-paint/
- https://www.imageworkspainting.com/blog/bid/228138/primer-before-paint-when-is-it-necessary-when-is-it-a-waste
- https://www.thisoldhouse.com/painting/21015167/blending-old-paints
- https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-many-coats-of-primer/