How to Use Water Based Paint Over Oil Based

When you want to change the colour of your walls, woodwork, or other elements in your home, you may need to know how to paint on top of oil paint. Painting over oil-based paints can present a challenge, but these tips will help you get the smoothest and most colourfast surface possible. No matter what room in your house needs a new look, you can upgrade out of date colours, create a new mood, or simply resurface in style. Follow the steps outlined below to paint over oil paint and get professional quality results.

SUPPLIES NEEDED TO PAINT ON TOP OF OIL PAINT

If you want to change the colour of your walls, spruce up your woodwork, or cover an old and ugly fireplace surround painted with oil paint, you need the right tools for the job. Of course, they will change slightly depending on what you are painting. For example, if you are doing a large wall, you can use a broad roller. However, if you want to paint window trim, a small paintbrush will work better.

• Rollers and brushes
• Paint tray or other containers
• Tarp or drop-cloth to protect floors and furniture
• Masking or painters’ tape
• Fine or medium grit sandpaper
• Scrubbers, sponge, and cleaning solution
• Optional putty knife and crack filler

 

 

1 – PREPARE THE SURFACE FOR NEW PAINT

There are several things you should do before painting over any painted surface. These include cleaning everything, making sure there is no mildew or dust, removing loose or rough paint, and filling in any cracks and holes. When you want to paint on top of oil paint, however, it is also important to remove the glossy surface as much as possible. This is usually done with sandpaper or by scrubbing with a wall-approved cleanser and a stiff bristled brush. Professionals use handheld power tools to make this process faster and easier. At the same time, prepare the room for your painting project as well. Open up windows and set up fans to maximise ventilation. Even today’s low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint is not something you want to inhale in an enclosed space. Proper airflow makes the whole painting process more pleasant and helps drive to paint quickly too.

2 – CHOOSE THE BEST PAINT FOR FULL COVERAGE

Unless you remove most of the old oil-based paint or strip the walls and woodwork completely, it makes sense to use new oil paint to cover up the old. This helps prevent peeling, bubbling, and chipping that can ruin the whole look of your room. It is possible to cover paint with latex or water-based paint if you take the time to sand and prime the old surfaces completely. When in doubt, call in the professionals. They can help transform your living room with an Outback red accent wall or perfectly match Cairns marina blue for a restful bedroom. Best of all, they have knowledge of the most reputable brands that give the best results for long-term home use and value.

3 – THE PAINTING PROCESS EXPLAINED

Your walls, woodwork, fireplace surround, or other in-home feature has been washed and sanded, until it is smooth and de-glossed completely. The oil paint is no longer slick or shiny and is perfectly dry and ready for the next step. One of the most important parts of the process of painting over oil paint is to prime the wall with an appropriate primer. This drastically helps prevent future problems with chipping or peeling paint that can absolutely ruin the look of your home. It is especially vital if you intend to use a water-based paint over the old oil-based product.

Pay attention to the directions on the primer can and give one or two coats of complete coverage. Make sure to let it dry completely between them. Just as you would for any other home interior painting project, lay down tarps or drop-cloths to protect floors and furniture. Use painters tape or masking tape to edge walls or woodwork that you do not want to paint, and then grab a brush or roller to get started. Always remember to stir the new paint thoroughly so it goes on smoothly and gives the best finished project possible.

Before you get started, make sure you have all your tools and enough paint on hand to finish everything easily. For walls, begin painting on one side or in one corner and move across the room as you finish the first coat. Use smaller brushes or foam brushes for the edges around windows, trim, and other elements. The painters tape will help keep you in line as long as you do not splatter paint beyond its borders. Always let the paint dry completely before starting another layer. When you are painting over oil paint or using a lighter colour than the original tone on the wall, it always makes sense to apply at least two coats even if you use top-quality primer.

4 – FINISHING THE JOB AND CLEANING UP

While the paint new paint on your walls or woodwork dries, you need to clean up the mess you left behind. Wash out all rollers and brushes completely if you want to use them again in the future. You will need a solvent of some kind if you used in oil-based paint for the new surface. Pick up and put away your tarps and drop-cloths when they are 100% dry. The final steps include carefully removing the masking tape to reveal the smooth clean edges of your new painting project. It will take a couple of days for the surfaces to dry completely and the paint to cure until the room is ready for your enjoyment once again. If you are not a do-it-yourself expert or lack the time and tools to paint over oil paint successfully, you have another great option. Call a top renovation specialist team in Australia and have the professionals take care of your renovation or remodelling project instead.