I’m repainting my house, but I’m not sure what kind of paint was originally used. Is it okay to put latex paint over oil-based, or is it the other way around?
– Howard
In order for your new paint to form a good bond with the existing paint, it’s important that the two paints are compatible. Don’t apply oil-based paint over latex; but you can put latex paint over oil-based, as long as you prepare the surface properly first.
Start by finding out if the existing paint is oil or latex by rubbing the surface with denatured alcohol on a rag. If some of the paint comes off on the rag, it’s latex. If not, the existing paint is oil-based.
To apply latex paint over oil-based:
- Lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper (180 to 220 grit) to remove the gloss.
- Clean the surface with a sponge dipped in a solution of TSP (trisodium phosphate) mixed with water.
- Remove the cleaner with a sponge and clean water, then allow the surface to dry.
- Apply a coat of a quality bonding primer (oil-based or latex), and allow the primer to dry.
- Topcoat with two coats of high quality latex paint.
Watch this video to find out more.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Howard asks: I’m repainting my house, but I’m not sure what kind of paint was originally used. Can I use latex over oil, or should it be the other way around?
Danny Lipford: Now, that’s a great question. But before we answer the question, we have to determine exactly what kind of paint you have on your woodwork right now. Here’s an easy way to determine that. First of all, take some denatured alcohol, put it on a rag, wipe the woodwork, and if any paint comes off on the rag, then you have latex paint.
Now, you never want to paint oil over latex. It just won’t stick. But you can paint latex over oil-based paint, if you prepare the surface properly. First of all, take a little bit of sandpaper and just lightly sand it. Then you want to use some trisodium phosphate, or TSP, you can find it in any paint store or home center. Then, after that dries, use a good bonding primer. Put one coat of primer on it. After that dries, you’re ready to finish up the paint job, and you’ll know that it’ll last.
Further Information
- Applying Latex Paint Over Oil-Based Paint (video)
- Homeowner’s Guide to Paint Primer (article)
- When to Prime Before You Paint (article)
Editorial Contributors
Danny Lipford
Founder
Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.
I'm Danny Lipford, a seasoned home improvement expert and television personality with a profound understanding of various aspects related to home maintenance and renovation. With over two decades of experience in the field, I've not only hosted a nationally syndicated television show, "Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford," but also established my remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21.
Now, let's delve into the specifics of the article regarding repainting a house and the compatibility of latex and oil-based paints. The provided information offers valuable insights into maintaining a strong bond between new and existing paint layers. Here's a breakdown of the concepts discussed:
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Identifying Paint Type:
- The first step involves determining the type of existing paint (latex or oil-based).
- Method: Rub the surface with denatured alcohol on a rag. If paint comes off, it's latex; if not, it's oil-based.
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Compatibility of Latex and Oil-Based Paints:
- Do not apply oil-based paint over latex paint.
- Latex paint can be applied over oil-based paint with proper surface preparation.
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Surface Preparation for Latex Over Oil-Based:
- Lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper (180 to 220 grit) to remove gloss.
- Clean the surface with a TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution.
- Rinse with clean water and allow the surface to dry.
- Apply a coat of quality bonding primer (oil-based or latex) and let it dry.
- Topcoat with two coats of high-quality latex paint.
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Additional Information:
- A video transcript provides visual guidance and additional details.
- Recommendations for products such as TSP and bonding primer are included.
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Expert Contributor:
- Danny Lipford provides expert advice and practical tips based on his extensive experience in the home improvement industry.
For those considering repainting their house, following these guidelines ensures a durable and long-lasting finish. Remember, proper surface preparation is key to achieving a successful paint job, especially when dealing with different paint types. If you have any further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask.
