Can I just paint over oil-based paint?

Author: Philip Grant  |  Last update: Monday, February 2, 2026

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.

Can you paint directly over oil-based paint?

If you want to paint over oil paint, you don't always have to remove the oil paint. If the old oil paint has hardened well and is still intact over the entire surface, you can simply paint over it with a new colour. In this case, the old oil paint will not come off. Paint the area as usual.

What is the best paint to paint over oil-based paint?

Oil based primer is about as universal a product as exists. Latex, acrylic and alkyd regardless of sheen are all fine on top of it.

Can I paint over oil paint without sanding?

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. You risk having your water based paint start to flake off within a week or two. Thank you for asking me.

What happens if you paint over oil-based paint with water-based?

The glossy surface of oil-based paint makes it difficult for any other paint to bond. If you apply water-based paint directly over oil-based paint, it will flake and crack as the water-based paint pulls away.

HOW TO PAINT LATEX OVER OIL based paint

What primer will stick to oil-based paint?

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.

Why use oil-based paint instead of water based?

Durability. Typically, oil-based paints dry harder which provides excellent resistance to wear and tear.

What mediums can you use over oil paint?

The general or most commonly used oil painting mediums include Linseed Oil, Liquin and Walnut Oil. You can also get meglips, burnt plate oils, stand oils, blending and glazing mediums, impasto and cold wax mediums, solvent-free gels, damar varnishes and a product called Maroger Painting Medium.

What happens if you don't sand before repainting?

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.

What is a good bonding primer?

If you have various stains, shellac Bonding primer is the ideal choice. It can be used to cover rough surfaces and old varnish as well as metal and ceramic.

Why is oil-based paint illegal?

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.

Can I use Kilz over oil-based paint?

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.

Why is oil-based paint being phased out?

As Moon mentioned, water-based paints have improved greatly and are much more durable, so the need for oil-based paint is virtually nonexistent. Because water-based is now the industry standard, there's a much wider range of products and colors.

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" .

Do oil-based paints need two coats?

As you likely know, there are two major types of paint: oil-based paint and water-based (latex) paint. While specific rules may vary a bit based on situation and surface (more on that later), you typically want to use two coats of paint regardless of whether you are using oil-based or water-based paint.

Does latex paint adhere to oil paint?

Latex cannot cure and “stick” when applied over an oil-based layer. People who make this mistake quickly discover this as the latex paint cracks, bubbles, and peels. With that said, quality latex paint can cover oil-based paints if the surface is properly prepared.

Do I need to sand off all the old paint before repainting?

Remember you do not need to remove all of the paint, just the damaged and flaking portions of it. Any paint that can just be peeled off needs to be removed as it is not bonded to the underlying layers sufficiently.

Do deglossers really work?

Liquid sandpaper, a.k.a. deglosser, is a chemical that can be used to rough up existing paint on walls and other surfaces by removing the gloss, making it possible to paint over what's left on the wall after use. This is good for hard to reach places or an object that you may feel would be awkward to sand.

What is an alternative to sanding?

Instead of sanding, use a liquid deglosser to dull the existing finish. This product helps you prepare the surface for new stain or paint without the need to strip or sand.

Can I paint over oil-based paint?

The answer is “yes”. But you can't treat it like latex or water-based surfaces. If you put latex paint over oil, you'll 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.

Can you paint over oil paint with water 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.

Do painters use oil-based paint anymore?

Over the last 15 years, oil paint has been phased out of the painting world and replaced with latex and acrylic paints. Here are a couple of reasons why oil paint isn't preferred anymore: First off, oil paint releases fumes called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can smell like rotten fish.

What are the disadvantages of oil-based paint?

One disadvantage is their strong odor. Oil paints also take longer than latex paints to dry compared, which can be a significant inconvenience for anyone on a strict timeline. Finally, oil-based paints tend to cost more than latex paints upfront, making them less ideal for anyone on a budget.

Which paints work best for hiding imperfections?

Matt. Matt or flat finish paint isn't reflective and has a smooth surface. It doesn't reflect light so is good for hiding imperfections on the wall. This paint type is usually used where a non-shiny or simple look is wanted.

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