Are you ready to tackle your next home painting project? Before you get started, it’s important to know what type of base paint you already have. Whether you’re painting an interior wall, cabinets, or a piece of furniture, it’s important to know how to identify oil-based paint as well as how to paint over oil-based paint for a beautiful, long-lasting finish. In this blog post, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about painting over oil-based paint vs. water-based paint.
In This Post
Oil Based Paint vs. Water-Based Paint
Oil-based paints were once the go-to choice by homeowners and painters due to their durability and smooth, even finish. However, with the rise of environmental concerns from the chemicals in paints and more awareness of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), water-based paints have become the most popular choice. They are safer, more user-friendly, easier to clean up, and they dry faster than oil-based paints.
Due to the rise in popularity of water-based paints, oil-based paints can be tough to find these days. This makes it tricky when it comes to touching up oil-based paint or painting over it.
Water and oil don’t mix, and water-based and oil-based paints are no different. Therefore, you can’t just go in with water-based acrylic latex paint over oil-based paint and expect great results. It requires proper preparation and a few simple steps to help you get a smooth, professional looking finish.
How To Identify Oil Based Paint
Before you start your painting project, you need to determine if you currently have oil-based paint on the surface or water-based paint.
If you painted the surface yourself, you may already know that you used oil-based paint. You can look at the paint can to see for sure if it is oil-based paint. However, if you don’t have the paint can anymore or you didn’t paint the surface yourself, you’ll need to do a quick denatured alcohol test to know for sure.
How To Do a Denatured Alcohol Test
To complete a denatured alcohol test to determine if you have oil-based vs. water-based paint, take a clean rag (preferably not the same color as the paint) and dampen it with denatured alcohol. Rub it over a small, inconspicuous area of the painted surface.
If you notice the paint starting to come off on the rag, then you have water-based paint on the surface.
If the denatured alcohol dampened rag simply cleans the surface without removing any paint, then you have oil-based paint on the surface.
This simple test will help you determine the best method for repainting.
If your test results in water-based paint on the surface, you can skip the extra steps and go right to repainting the surface. We recommend using 1-2 coats of a water-based paint for the best, most even finish.
How To Paint Over Oil Based Paint
While painting over oil-based paint will require some extra preparation and steps, there are a few different options that will lend to long-lasting results.
How to Paint Over Oil Based Paint Without Sanding
If you are looking to paint over oil-based paint without sanding and you have another oil-based paint on hand, you can repaint the surface with 1-2 coats of the oil-based paint. Just make sure the current finish is fully cured to ensure proper adhesion of the new coating.
How To Use Latex Over Oil Based Paint
Another option is to repaint the surface using an acrylic latex water-based paint over the oil-based paint. Since latex paint won’t adhere directly to oil-based paint because of its slick, glossy finish, you’ll have to do a bit of prep beforehand to avoid chipping or peeling.
Step 1: Sand
First, use a fine sandpaper to scuff down and de-gloss the surface of the oil-based paint. Don’t try to remove the paint altogether, just the top glossy surface so the primer and new paint will adhere.
Step 2: Clean
After sanding, clean the surface with a tack cloth. If the surface is still dirty, use a solution such as TSP (trisodium phosphate) to remove any dirt or grease still lingering on the surface.
Step 3: Prime
Once the surface is clean and free of dirt and grime, use a high-quality oil-based primer. This will help the latex water-based paint go on smooth and dry evenly.
Step 4: Paint
After the primer is dry, apply 1-2 coats of the water-based paint for a fresh, clean finish.
Painter’s Tip: In the future if you want to repaint the surface, you will no longer need to prime the surface since the water-based paint is on top. You can simply go straight to painting with your water-based paint.
Painting over oil-based paint can seem like a daunting DIY task, but with proper surface preparation, the right high-quality primer and paint products, and a little bit of patience, you can ensure a smooth, professional looking finish that lasts for years to come.
If you are in the Triangle and are looking to partner with a team of professionals to help you freshen up your space with the best products and techniques, we’d love to work with you.
Visit our contact page to book your free estimate today!
