Painting is a fun job until you’ve to decide whether you should apply latex paint over oil-based primer or not. Most people are used to using oil-based paint over oil-based primer & can’t think of using anything else.
If you’re a homeowner & trying to figure out whether it’s okay to use latex paint over oil-based primer, then this article is for you. Follow this article as you’ll have the complete picture of this query along with a step-by-step painting guide in the end.
Table of Contents
Can You Paint Latex Paint Over Oil-Based Primer?
Yes, you can paint latex paint over oil-based primer & it’s one of the most advised practices from woodworkers. It’s worth mentioning that – Oil-based paint suits oil primers best, but the longer drying period is an irritating issue for some. However, you can go away with latex paint as it works on oil-based primers as well. The plus point of latex paint is the lesser drying time compared to oil paint.
Should You Paint Latex Paint Over Oil-Based Primer?
If you’re in a hurry & want the best paint type for your oil-based primer – go with latex paint. Latex paint will allow you to completely paint a room in less than 16 hours which is impossible with oil-based paint. Besides the drying time, latex paint is also comparatively cost-effective. You won’t feel miserable spending your cash on latex paint & it’s guaranteed from me.
There are three types of latex paint available in the market, such as:
- 100% Acrylic Latex
- Vinyl Acrylic Latex
- Alkyd-Modified Latex
Make sure you’ve purchased the 100% Acrylic Latex as it performs the best with an oil-based primer. The other types are also okay, but they are not that convenient with oil-based primers. With that said, choose your latex paint wisely & follow the next segment, which is a step-by-step latex painting guide.
How To Paint Latex Paint Over Oil-Based Oil-Based Primer?
In this segment, I’ll be sharing my step-by-step guide on painting latex paint over oil-based primer. Before following this guide, make sure you’ve got these pieces of equipment/materials:
- Wood Cleaner
- Tack Cloth
- 180-Grit Sandpaper
- Latex Paint (100% Acrylic Latex)
- Paint Brush/Roller
Considering you’ve already primed the surface with oil-based product, I’ll be starting this guide. Without further ado, let’s get started:
Step 1: Clean The Surface
Preparing the surface is the most crucial task of any painting job. To avoid future regret, make sure you’ve prepared the surface properly. Mainly you’ve to clean the surface thoroughly. Here’s the quick checklist for cleaning the surface area:
- Remove Any Old Gloss Paint
- Remove Dust & Debris
- Finally, Clean The Surface With Tack Cloth
By clearing these tasks, you’ll be preparing an absolutely wonderful surface for further painting works.
Step 2: Sand The Surface
After cleaning the surface, you’ll have to sand it thoroughly. I’d recommend using 180-grit sandpaper & having patience while performing the sanding job. Please keep in mind that – the main purpose of sanding is to make the surface rough enough for the oil paint to adhere. Don’t go too hard while doing this task, as you might ruin the primer coatings.
After sanding, make sure to clean the surface again with liquid cleaner & tack cloth. It’s because sanding will cause lots of wood residue that may harm the painting process.
Step 3: Apply First Coat Of Latex
Now it’s time for painting. Take your 100% Acrylic Latex Paint along with a painting brush or roller. You might be wondering, what’s the best time for using a roller or brush? I’ve given an easy equation below to help you with your decision making:
- Roller Usage: Use a roller on wider surfaces. Mainly these surfaces are easily accessible & the roller makes the painting process faster than a brush.
- Brush Usage: Use a brush on hard-to-reach areas of your cabinets, floors, or furniture. It will take time, but at least you’ll be able to paint with a brush.
At last, apply the fresh coat of your latex paint & wait for two to four hours. You might have to wait longer depending on your weather condition.
Step 5: Apply Second Coat Of Latex
After the waiting period, apply the second coat of latex paint. You may think of sanding the surface again – just don’t. There’s no need to sand the surface after the first coat of paint. If you can’t help but sand the surface, use liquid sandpaper for sanding the surface mildly.
Watch this video for a better understanding on painting latex over oil based primers:
Advantages & Disadvantages Of Painting Latex Paint Oil-Based Primer
Every act of mankind comes with advantages & disadvantages. Painting latex over oil-based primer isn’t an exception. Let’s start with the fun part, the advantages part:
- Latex paint takes less time for drying & accelerates the overall speed
- Compatible with damp environments like bathrooms
- Latex paint is cost-effective compared to oil-based paints
- Latex paint emits a comparatively lesser odor
Now let’s check some of the disadvantages too:
- The oil-based primer releases harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) toxic agents for 24 hours
- Latex paint isn’t that easy to maintain like water-based paint
That was all about the advantages & disadvantages of applying latex paint over oil-based primer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can You Put Water-Based Paint Over Oil-Based Primer?
No, you can’t put water-based paint over oil-based primer. Doing this mixing will cause paint to peel & won’t sustain for a long period. Apply oil-based paint or latex paint over oil-based primer if you want the best & satisfying result.
What Kind Of Paint Can I Use On Oil-Based Primer?
You should use oil-based paint on oil-based primer. Keep in mind – oil for oil & water for water. Don’t try to mix these two types of paint & primers together if you want the welfare of your paint. However, you can use latex paint too on oil-based primer.
Can You Use Water-Based Paint Over KILZ Oil-Based Primer?
No, you can’t use water-based paint over KILZ oil-based primer. Some people might advise you that KILZ is a universal primer & can be used with any paint – wrong. KILZ comes in two variants, Oil-Based & Water-Based. Use the water-based version if you want to use water-based paint.
Is Oil-Based Primer Better Than Water-Based Primer?
Choosing the primer type is completely your decision. Any type of primer (Water-Based & Oil-Based) will perform the best if you choose quality paint products & finely use them. Still, I prefer water-based primers as they don’t emit toxic odors.
How Do You Paint Over Latex?
To paint over latex, follow these four steps:
- Step 1: Sand the area thoroughly
- Step 2: Prepare the area cleaning dust & debris
- Step 3: Apply the primer; one coat is enough
- Step 4: Apply the paint; one or two coats are enough
Conclusion
I hope this article was helpful enough to satisfy your queries regarding painting latex paint over oil-based primer. It’s up to you whether you’ll be painting latex or oil-based quality paints over the oil-based primer.
Still, let me summarize this article – it’s okay to use latex paint over oil-based primer as long as it’s 100% Acrylic Latex. Don’t choose any other type of latex paint & you’ll be fine. Keep in mind, your paint Job is no greater than the arrangement that goes into it.
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