Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years...Read more
You’re ready to refresh that old wall but wonder if you can top water-based paint with something oil-based. Good news: it’s totally doable and can add some shine to your space! Our guide will walk you through turning that worry into a successful painting project.
Yes, one can use oil paint over water paint. However, while oil-based paint dries significantly more slowly than water paintand can be applied over any water paint, oil paint dries slowly and cracks water-based paint. Therefore, it is hardly possible for it towork in reverse.
Contents of Oil and Water-Based Paints
While trying to achieve the best painting experience, it is essential to know and understand how both paints work, and this will require knowing the ingredients or contents of each paint.
A quick look at the content of oil and water-based paint will be of immense help to anyone looking for how to use oil-based paint over water-based paint, and they are as follows;
Oil paint comprises one or more pigments, a binder (oil), and a thinner (such as turpentine). The thinner makes the paints simpler to apply to surfaces with a brush, while the oil acts as a carrier to hold and apply the pigments. Linseed oil is the most commonly used ingredient in this artistic oil paint since it dries faster and has more flexibility than other oils.
While in water-based paints, water is used to transport pigments. The paint is mixed with water and applied with a brush to any suitable surface. The paint is bound to the painting’s surface as the water dries.
Application of Oil Paints on Water-Based Paints
One essential guideline should be followed to achieve the greatest possible result; the underneath finish has to be fully dry. Oil-based paints are much harder to be applied thanwater-based paints because they tendto stick moreand aredenser in texture. In addition, the odor following thepainting is no longeras intense as it used to be since water-based paints comprisemuch less VOCs.
Prepping the Surface for Oil-Based Paint Application
Before applying oil-based paint over water-based paint, it’s crucial to properly clean and prime the surface for optimal adhesion. This step is essential in ensuring a smooth and long-lasting finish for your paint job.
Cleaning and Priming Strategies
To make sure oil-based paint sticks well to a surface that has water-based paint, you need to clean and get it ready first. Dirty or oily areas won’t hold the new paint. So, use TSP (trisodium phosphate) for a tough clean on really dirty spots.
This will help the new oil paint go on smooth and stay there.
After cleaning, grab a tack cloth to wipe off any leftover dust or bits. Now comes priming, which is super key! Use a bonding primer made for sticking to surfaces with old paint. It helps the new oil-based paint stay put without peeling or chipping later on.
A good primer makes painting easier and your work last longer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Oil Over Water-Based Paint
To successfully paint oil over water-based paint, follow these steps carefully. Begin by cleaning the surface and applying a primer suited for both oil and water-based paints. Then, apply the oil-based paint in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding another coat.
Best Practices for a Smooth Transition
Make sure the old water-based paint is fully dry. Use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface. This helps the new oil-based paint stick better. After sanding, clean off all dust with a damp cloth and let it dry again.
Apply a good primer before painting with oil-based paints. The primer makes for a smooth base and helps avoid problems later on. Wait for the primer to dry completely, then you can start putting on your oil paint.
Go slow, take your time, and paint in thin layers for the best look.
The Most Common Mistake!
Due to a lot of uncertainty regarding applying oil-based paint on water-based primer, a range of customers are seeking help on how to get around and avoid frequent errors that are typically seenall the time. The difference between usinga water-based primer with oil-basedpaints is that individuals seem to make readily avoidable mistakes while doing so, even though it is pretty uncomplicated and straightforward.
The mistakes commonly made are highlighted below:
- Applying oil-based paints in a moist environment is not suitable as higher moisture prevents it from sticking to the surface and from drying completely.
- Failure to check for adhesion before commencing a job
- The inability to close containers with oil-based paint prevents them from spoiling.
- Inadequate preparation and application can contribute to peeling.
Comparison between Oil-Based Paint and Water-Based Paint
Difference | Oil-based Paint | Water-based Paint |
Marketing | They are cost more in the market due to the content used in making them. | They are cheaper to obtain and use |
Preference & usage | It is preferred its color & texture and mainly used as a finish | It is chosen for its easy applicability. |
Effectiveness | It is preferably used for interior, exterior, and wood finish coatings. | It is preferably used for exterior, interior, mental, and wood surface coatings. |
Can You Use Oil-Based Paint over Water-Based Paint?
Oil paint can be applied over water paint because the latter dries much faster. However, slow-drying oil paint causes cracking in water-based paint; thus, it does not reverse. Therefore, it was highly typical for Old Masters to use oil paint to cover upwater-based oneson wood panels.
Water-based or acrylic paint may peel or chip when painted over oil-based paint since these formulas do not mix well with the glossy coating of oil paint. However, water paint can also be used over oil paint with the proper method.
Painting water-based paintsover oil-based paints are only feasible using oil-based paints or oil-based primers. As a result, an oil-based primer should be placed over any oil-based topcoat, and a water-based paint should also be used as a topcoat. In addition, because oil paints attach easily to one another, we can coat old oil-based colors with fresh oil paints. As a result, oil-based paints appearmore beautiful, straightforward, and better than water-based paints.
Always prime with water paint if you’re using oil paint. One to two layers of bonding primer should be used and cured according to the product specifications. The surface has been thoroughly primed if the previous paint stains, color,and other surface flaws are no longer evident.
Read More:Can You Use Acrylic Paint on Guitar?
Benefits & Setbacks of Water and Oil-Based Paints
Both paints have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. They differ depending on the task at hand; knowing the advantages and disadvantages can aid in determining the appropriate paint that is ideal for the job.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros of Water-Based Paints” cons_title=”Cons of Water-Based Paints” ][i2pros]It is much easier to apply and has a faster drying period, with a pleasant experience with zero smell.
Cleaning rollers and paintbrushes or after paint stains or spills is simpler; all that is required is detergent and water to wash off the stains.
Presence of very low Volatile Organic Compound
Resistant to cracking
Water-based paints do not fade quickly.[/i2pros][i2cons]It gets damaged easily
Performs poorly in moist environments
It usually performs poorly in giving a shiny finish; most times comes out dull.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros of Oil-Based Paints” cons_title=”Cons of Oil-Based Paints” ][i2pros]Achieving a smooth high gloss with minimal brush strokes.
Surfaces that are discolored, chalky, or unclean can be painted with oil-based paint.
It has the potential to last a reasonable amount of time.
Oil paints are excellent for hiding tiny flaws or slightly damaged spots.
It can withstand harsh weather conditions
oil-based paints are considered richer in texture and color.
[/i2pros][i2cons]It Is tough to clean up after painting and requires extra efforts to make paintbrushes and rollers free of oil-based paint
The amount of time consumed by oil paint in drying is too long
They become yellow or darken with age.
There is a high presence of Volatile Organic compounds in oil paints.
It loses color quickly.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Some Tips for Applying oil-based paint over water-based paint
- Using oil paint on a water primer is advisable to obtain good results. This can be done by letting the water-based primer dry completely before applying the oil-based paint.
- The Sandpaper to Fix certain Imperfections on the surface before the painting takes place is a requirement for a good outcome.
- Improved air circulation is required to ensure the adhesion of the paint.
- Ensure the use of protection gears while painting, e.g., gloves and protection goggles
Final Thoughts
The procedure is not complicated when applying oil-based paints over water-based paints, and the best possible results can be achieved. However, with due regards to the tricky nature of oil-based paints and the simple nature, one has to constantly keep in mind the do’s and don’t and take the necessary precautions, and the best outcomes would be achieved.
Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years of experience in the painting industry, Randy has become an expert in the field and is passionate about helping others learn more about painting. He has written numerous articles on the subject and is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information to his readers.
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