How to Change Oil Base Paints to Latex

Change oil base paint to latex

If you have oil base paint in your home and would like to freshen up with a new coat of paint but do not want the hassle of using messy oil base paint, relax. You can change oil base paint to latex paint if you do the proper surface preparation. Oil base paint is shiny and slippery. Latex, water based paint, will not adhere to the surface without preparation. For a bubble, crack free paint surface put the time into surface preparation when changing from oil base to latex paint.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Soapy water
• Sponge
• Towel
• Oil based primer
• Brush
• Tape

Instructions

1. Vacuum the walls to remove any dust if you are painting the interior. Wash the area you want to paint with warm soapy water to remove all dirt and grime whether you are painting the interior or exterior. It is important to have a thoroughly clean surface prior to applying any new coats of paint or primer.

2. Dry the area you washed with a towel or cloth. Let the area stand for several hours to be sure it is thoroughly dry.

3. Apply an oil based primer to a small area as a test and let it dry overnight. You need to make sure the primer adheres to the oil based paint surfaces prior to painting with latex.

4. Take a piece of tape or other adhesive and place it over the primed area. Remove the tape quickly and see if any primer is stuck to the tape. If any primer came off you will need to clean your surface again and repeat the test. The tape should be free and clear of any specks of primer. The primer needs to adhere to the surface prior to painting with the latex paint or else your paint job may end up cracking or bubbling.

5. Prime the entire surface once you are sure the primer is adhering with no pieces coming off on the tape.

6. Let your primer dry and apply your latex paint as you normally would. Apply as many coats as needed to cover the surface.

Tips & Warnings

• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends having any home built before the 1980s tested for lead paint. Lead paint can be extremely dangerous. If you have any chipping paint in your older home do not sand and remove the paint. Have the paint tested for lead first.

References

• True Value Paint: Answered Questions
• University of Wisconsin - Extension: About the House
• Consumer Product Safety Commission: Publications