How to Correct Oil Paint Over Latex Paint
Because latex paint is water-based, it is incompatible with oil-based coatings. When applied directly over latex finishes, oil-based paints will ultimately chip and peel. If you need to correct oil paint that has been inappropriately applied over latex paint, use correct paint stripping techniques, or you may end up damaging the underlying surface. In addition, you need to know the appropriate way to treat the latex paint so it will accept oil-paint, or you will have a recurrence of the problem.
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Things You'll Need
- Pressure washer
- Plastic putty knife
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Heavy-duty fabric drop cloths
- Professional painter's tape
- Oil-based primer
- 2- to 4-inch oil-based paintbrush
- Mineral spirits
- Oil-based paint
- Roller frame
- Nap roller cover
- Respirator
Instructions
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1
Remove as much paint as possible using a pressure washer equipped with a low-pressure tip. Wait 2 to 4 hours for the surface to dry. Skip this step if the surface is located indoors.
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2
Cover the floor beneath the surface with heavy-duty fabric drop cloths.
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3
Scrape away as much of the oil-based paint as possible, using a plastic putty knife. Remove stubborn bits of paint, using 120-grit sandpaper.
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4
Cover portions of the surface you do not want painted with professional painter's tape.
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5
Coat the exposed latex paint with an oil-based primer that's manufactured for use with oil-based coatings. Use a paintbrush to apply the paint and wait 2 hours for the primed surface to dry.
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6
Wash the brush with mineral spirits.
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7
Coat the primed surface with oil-based paint, using the clean paintbrush. Wait 2 hours for the primed surface to dry. Add another coat if the primer bleeds through.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a roller to prime and paint larger areas.
Wear a respirator if you are working in a poorly-ventilated area.
Ensure that the pressure washer is equipped with a low-pressure tip, or you may damage the surface.
Don't use a metallic putty knife, or you may damage the underlying surface.
Do not apply oil-based paint over latex paint unless you have applied an oil-based primer first.
Resources
- Photo Credit red paint peeling image by Ragne Kabanova from Fotolia.com
