You can paint older oil-based paint without sanding, but it's not always the best idea. 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.
Latex paint (and even other oil-based paint) can be successfully applied over older oil-based paint as long as the surface is fully cured and there is nothing inherent in the coating that prevents another layer of paint to be added.
Take the primer you have...and dispose of it appropriately, then go get a Shellac based primer like Zinsser Bullseye. Shellac primers are better for older oil based paints and I've had great success with them. The key here becomes patience. Let the primer cure for 48 hours. This will give you the best results.
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. This will help the new primer and water-based or latex paint adhere to the surface without cracking or peeling.
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.
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.
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.
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" .
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.
Oil based Paint Drying Time
After application, it will typically take 2-4 hours until the paint is dry to the touch. However, you'll have to wait a minimum of 24 hours until you can apply a second coat.
Yes, you can paint right over old painted furniture without sanding. You will need something called a DEGLOSSER and you can use this on OLD KITCHEN CABINETS to prep for new paint as well!
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.
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.
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.
Oil-based paints allow for greater open-time (or length of time the paint may be brushed before it sets), exceptional flow & leveling (finish smoothness) and resistance to abrasion, once cured.
The good news is that you can paint old furniture, without sanding, and it comes out beautifully. I've painted about 8 or 9 pieces of furniture, and I've gotten better results with each one. Here is my simple step-by-step guide to painting furniture without sanding.
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.
However, it is important to note that skipping this step can result in a less refined finish and may compromise the durability of the paint job. Ultimately, the decision to sand between coats should be based on the specific condition of the surface and desired outcome.
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.
Brush Care
Avoid dipping a dry brush into oil paint. For natural hair brushes, first, dip the brush into painting medium. This distributes the natural oils of the brush hairs and allows each hair to load properly with paint. Different levels of the painting require different types of brush hair.
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.
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.
Oil-based paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including known carcinogens like benzene, released into the air as you use them.
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.