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

Author: Prof. Cletus Frami  |  Last update: Sunday, July 20, 2025

Covering with water-based paint: You can't paint over oil-based paint with water-based paint directly, but you can after some crucial prep. Doing the correct prep: Always sand the glossy surface of oil-based paint before applying water-based paint. This step ensures better adhesion and a smooth finish.

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

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.

What paint can go 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 you paint over oil-based 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 latex over oil?

As a general Rule, YOU CAN PAINT OIL PAINT OVER WATER BASED PAINT (LATEX), BUT YOU CAN NOT PAINT LATEX PAINT OVER OIL. While there can be exceptions to the rule, if you did put Latex paint over oil, you would find that it will peel over after it has dried.

How to Paint Over Oil Based Paint With Water Based Paint

What is the best primer to cover oil-based paint?

Ideal Primers and Topcoats for Painting Over Oil-Based Paint
  • BEHR® Multi-Surface Stain-Blocking Primer & Sealer. ...
  • BEHR® Bonding Primer. ...
  • BEHR® Acrylic-Alkyd Enamel Undercoater. ...
  • BEHR MARQUEE® Exterior Paint & Primer.

How to get latex paint to stick to oil-based paint?

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.

Is it OK to paint over old oil painting?

The most concerning risk is that the old painting will suck all of the oil out of the new painting and cause it to crack. You have to ask yourself if the risk is worth saving a few bucks. I think this issue can be reduced or eliminated by choosing thinner paintings to paint over.

Why is my latex paint peeling?

High Exposure to Sunlight. Exposure to intense sunlight makes oil-based paints vulnerable to cracking. Elastic and latex paints tend to contract and expand when exposed to direct sunlight, which weakens their adhesive bonds.

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.

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.

Do painters still use oil-based paint?

Painting with oil based enamel paints is still a popular choice among painters because they produce a hard, glossy, and smooth finish once they have been dried. In this case, they make a great choice for high-traffic areas like doors, windows, and trim, since they are extremely durable.

How to tell if paint is water or oil based?

Do I have water-based or oil-based paint in my house? 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.

How to paint water-based paint on top of oil-based paint?

How to Paint Over Oil-Based Paint with Water-Based Pai
  1. Step 1: Sand Away the Coating. Using fine sandpaper, between 180 and 220 grit, rub away the glossy top coat of the oil-based paint. ...
  2. Step 2: Clean with TSP. ...
  3. Step 3: Prime the Surface. ...
  4. Step 4: Add Two Coats of Paint.

What paint can I use 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.

Why is water based paint better than oil based?

Low Odour - water based paint smells much less than oil based. Quicker Drying - most water-based paints are dry within a couple of hours where as oil based paints often take a minimum of 16 hours to dry. Non Yellowing - oil-based paints can start to yellow over time, which is not the case with water-based paint.

What is the best paint that won't peel?

Sherwin-Williams Duration is the longest-lasting exterior paint brand, according to Consumer Reports. This wonderful 100% acrylic latex paint resists fading, cracking, and peeling while offering the added benefit of being self-priming.

Will primer work over peeling paint?

A bonding primer or an oil-based primer is recommended for surfaces with peeling paint issues. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific primer you're using. If there are any visible cracks, holes, or imperfections on the surface, use a suitable filler or spackling compound to repair them.

Can I paint over bad paint?

Scrape off all loose and flaking paint and ensure the surface is dry. If you are unsure, we recommend that you contact a qualified painter. If there is poor adhesion, you may need to strip the paint off the surface before proceeding. Stripping can be by sanding and scraping, or with chemical strippers.

Do I need to remove oil-based paint before painting?

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. Otherwise, the new paint doesn't adhere properly and eventually starts peeling as well.

How to paint over oil-based paint without sanding?

How Oil Bond Works on Oil Based Surfaces
  1. Step 1: Wipe Oil Bond Directly. Oil Bond creates a powerful adhesive bond to oil-based painted surfaces without having to sand or prime. ...
  2. Step 2: Mix Oil Bond Into the Paint. Now, it's time to create the top layer of velcro-like adhesion using Oil Bond. ...
  3. Step 3: Paint.

What happens if you use acrylic paint over oil paint?

In any case, the acrylic will definitely flake off at some point. So in short, you can use both oil paints and acrylic paints in your painting - just be sure to use oil over acrylic, and not acrylic over oil - and don't mix the two on your palette!

What happens if you paint latex or water based paint over oil-based paint?

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.

What is kilz paint?

Interior | Premium Stainblocking | Paint and Primer in One. Our most technologically advanced paint and primer in one, KILZ® Tribute® is 100% acrylic, low VOC, and offers both excellent stain-blocking performance and exceptional durability.

What is the best bonding primer?

They are Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer, and Behr Bonding Primer. These top two primers were the very best at bonding in both the 24 hour test and the 38 day test.

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