How to Paint Oil Over Latex
Most newer homes will have latex paint on their walls. Not sure if the current paint on your walls is latex or not? Find an spot where you can test a painted area that won't be noticed.
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Instructions
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1
Clean your test area with a mild cleaner or detergent. Dry the area well.
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Dab rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or rag and rub the test area. If the paint comes off, it's latex paint.
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3
Sand your latex walls to buff them up a bit so that the oil paint will adhere better. Then you are ready to prepare for adding oil paint to your walls.
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Place drop cloths down to protect the floor covering from any drips. Mask areas that you don't wish to paint that you will be painting around. Light switches, power/cable outlets and light fixtures are the usual items that need to be masked or taped.
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Paint the top and bottom 8-inches of the wall with a paint brush, using a back and forth motion. This is called your "cut in" line. The other area that needs to be "cut in" are the corners of any wall. Dip your brush in the wet paint, position your arm above your head, apply the brush to the wall inside the corner and pull it down, leaving sufficient paint on either wall, which can be rolled with a roller.
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Push your roller down into the wet paint in your tray. Roll it back and forth to ensure adequate coverage on the roller. Roll paint off the round applicator by pushing it around on the upper end of the paint tray. This will remove most of the excess paint. Position your roller onto the wall and apply paint in up and down rolling strokes.
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Pause at the end of the first coat of paint to allow sufficient drying time. Then apply a second coat in the same manner.
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Tips & Warnings
Paint only over a flat finish.
If you're unsure if you have oil or latex paint on your wall it's best to apply a primer to your wall before applying any paint. The primer should be in the same grouping of your top coat of paint (oil or latex) and applied in the same manner as applying the actual paint.
Paint during the coolest time of day and time of year. The hotter it is the faster the paint will dry. You want to avoid your paint drying before you are finished the complete area you are painting.
