So the oil primer acts as a buffer between the two paints. Lv 5. After the primer is dry, you're ready to paint. If you must paint in lower temperatures, purchase the specially formulated latex paint made to perform in temperatures as low as 36 degrees F / 2.2 C. This paint contains coalescing agents that bolster paint curing attributes during low temperatures. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel. If you paint directly over an old shiny oil based paint layer with some cheap latex paint, then there is probably going to be problems. How do I keep the walls to acc… Can you paint latex over oil-based paint? The glue absorbs the water from the paint and the water will reactivate the glue. Another concern is whether or … Relevance. However, you should apply oil over a surface painted with acrylic colors only after the paint is completely dry. if you put a oil base floor sealer over water base you will find the top coat will flake and peal off your new floor. By the way, if you really want to paint latex over oil -- you can do it if you sand off the gloss and apply a "super adherent latex primer" first. Use a sponge that's damp with the TSP solution to wash the surfaces. Your paint will not stick well to a polyurethane treated furniture unless you prime it. Modern life and design in our historical American Foursquare home . Home; About; Contact; House Tour [ 41] Painting over oil-based paint with latex paint. I am buying a house. Put one coat of primer on it. Unopened latex and water-based acrylic paints can last up to 10 years and alkyd and oil-based paints can last up to 15 years. Favourite answer. Painting is one of the most inexpensive home repairs that brings things back to life, be it rooms, furniture, cabinets or other painted objects. Up until recent years, painting latex over oil was taboo since it had no adhesion properties designed to make it stick to oil surfaces, which meant that you could literally take it off using a fingernail or even just attempting to wash the wall. Use gently; applying hard pressure will result in a waxy surface which can be hard to remove. An oil paint may feel dry, but actually continues to cure over several years. If you have oil-based paint on your walls but want to give them a makeover with latex paint, prepare the walls properly. Follow the same directions on how you applied the primer. Then, after that dries, use a good bonding primer. Many house paint primers are latex based so they can dry quickly and you can get on with the job, whether the top-coat is more latex or oil. Treat your new paint with Oil Bond 4. Painting in Humidity: Air and Surfaces . How to Apply Latex Paint Over Enamal Paint. The easiest method for painting latex-based paint over oil-based surfaces. I have tried searching, but most of the information out there is about how to paint latex over oil but I want to put oil over latex. Yes, you absolutely can paint over varnish with latex -- provided you properly prepare the surface first. Clarify: I always assume that enamel paint is oil, as the best enamels are, IMO, oil based. Painting latex over oil based paint is really not that big of a deal anymore, but the surface has to be prepped. Failure to do so can result in the latex paint not adhering properly. Before painting an old door, it's important to determine if the original paint is oil-based or latex; latex paint will not adhere to oil-based paint unless certain preparatory work is done. Painting Over Varnish With Latex. Or, maybe you’ve discovered an out-of-the-way area of your home that still has old oil-based paint on it. Or you can use an oil primer and then 48 hours later paint over that with a latex paint. You may apply oil over a background that is covered in a thin layer of acrylic paint because the acrylic layer is porous and the oil adheres to the surface. Water-based, or "latex," paints are made with water and thus are susceptible to freezing in cold weather. So, it’s important that you know the right steps for how to deal with wet wood and what is the right type of paint you can use for painting … Acrylic drys much faster and the results could be cracked paint over time. Alkyd and oil-based paints are made with oils and resins that become more viscous (thicker) at lower temperatures. Apply the paint. https://todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-paint-over-oil-based-paint-with-latex With the right preparation, using latex paint on an oil base will give you exceptional results with a very strong, lasting painted surface. This is not only because a roughened surface promotes adhesion, but it will help get rid of loose paint that will cause you problems. It costs $20, and treats 2-gallons of paint. You may apply oil over a background that is covered in a thin layer of acrylic paint because the acrylic layer is porous and the oil adheres to the surface. Painting Over Varnish With Latex. It also acts as a de-glosser. The surface must be free of all dust and grime as well as any wax, oil, grease, or mildew. Cracking can occur because the outer layer is dry and the inner oil layer is still slowly contracting as it dries.. eventually the outer layer cracks and buckles. The paint is often messy and smelly since mineral spirits or paint thinner must be used for clean up, not water. The porch floors were painted with latex paint and it is very worn, almost completely worn off in some places. The problem is I don't have time to prime or sand. If is recommended to use a latex paint over an existing latex paint. Some paints, however, are formulated to dry at lower temperatures, even as low as 35°F. source. If you must use latex over oil… If you delayed painting your house due to humidity, you might never finish your project. Oil based paints have a higher volatile organic compound content than water based paints. Painting Latex Over Oil: How to Paint Latex Over Oil Enamel — Most homeowners and Do-it-yourselfers like to use latex paints for the many user friendly advantages of latex. 1 decade ago. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Glossy surfaces will not take a second layer of paint well, so they need proper cleaning and priming achievable by following these steps. Unopened paint maintains its ratio of liquids and semi-solids which is why it’s fine to use after a long period of time. It provides a better, longer-lasting paint job. The reason is that the government is not allowing oil based top coat paint from being sold on the standard market. Let the paint dry for at least two hours. Oil based paint is very different from latex, in that, it can be difficult to hide painting mistakes and streaks. When painting, use even strokes and equal amounts of paint. Many other painting professionals and DIYs will say you need to sand, or even use special paints, primers or other enhancing products when painting latex paints over oil-based paints. If it doesn't, the paint is oil-based. In this guide, you’ll learn how to properly prepare and paint over oil-based surfaces. Mix 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup (for extra dirty surfaces) TSP with a gallon of hot water. Tack cloth is an inexpensive, simple product made of cheesecloth impregnated with beeswax. Contrary to popular belief, you can apply latex paint over enamel. If you plan to paint over the wet wood surface (or a wood that is still damp and not completely dry) with regular paint the paint may eventually peel off very soon. ← Older Post Or at HomeDepot.com. When painting over oil based paints, only an oil based paint may be used. However, you should apply oil over a surface painted with acrylic colors only after the paint is completely dry. It’s also important to note that the more you sand the surfaces, the better the acrylic paint will stick to them. If you are scuffing up cabinetry or trim with details, you may prefer to sand by hand instead of using a power sander which may offer too much pressure on the surfaces. Maybe you’ve purchased an older home that has oil-based paint throughout the home. Yes, but it would be good to lightly sand the surface first. When using latex paint over an oil-based primer, it is important to note that if you apply it directly without preparing the surface, the latex paint is likely to crack and not stick properly. Yes. If the surface is exceptionally dirty and greasy even after using a tack cloth, your best bet is to use TSP to do a deep cleaning before priming. In your home, oil and latex are commonly used. And newer houses might have some areas of oil-based paint since it is not entirely banned: Oil-based paint is still available in quart sizes or smaller. Oil primers and paints take longer to dry and require additional ventilation, meaning a blend of latex and oil can reduce time and discomfort without sacrificing durability. Painting an oil-based paint over a latex, look out! First of all, take a little bit of sandpaper and just lightly sand it. I want to repaint but want to use latex paint because it is not as messy. Soak a clean rag in denatured alcohol and rub the surface of the door. Do not load up the brush with too much paint; only dip the tip of the bristles into the paint. If you plan on using waterborne alkyd paint over latex paint we first suggest that you thoroughly clean the surface you will be working with. Oil paint is more brittle and latex is more flexible. Do I need specific paint, or additives when painting over oil? This step is actually the single most important part of the whole process, so it’s well worth applying yourself to creating a suitable application surface if you want to achieve results that will last and look professional. Soak a clean rag in denatured alcohol and rub the surface of the door. If you have oil-based paint on your walls but want to give them a makeover with latex paint, prepare the walls properly. It's not as simple as just slapping on a coat of latex paint and calling it a day. The answer is yes, but the thing you haver to remember is, once you apply latex over an oil-based paint, the only way to remove it is to sand it off. I don’t know the mechanics of why, but either oil or latex paint can be painted over oil primer. Answer Save. Flat latex paint can go over a latex semigloss paint, but you must use a few techniques to prepare a surface for a new paint finish. Just as important as this is, equally important you should not paint over latex using oil. And oil primer can of course be used over oil paint. Latex paints have also improved dramatically in recent years. Can You Paint Over Oil-Based Paint? Are you going to be painting over oil-based painted surfaces? Just remove what is loose and sand well with medium grit sanding sponges. Painting an oil-based paint over a latex, look out! Using water-based or acrylic paint when painting over oil-based paint is likely to cause peeling or chipping because those formulas don’t bond well with the naturally glossy surface of … Oil paint is more brittle and latex is more flexible. By Laura on November 6, 2013 . I am buying a house. It therefore forms a weak bond with acrylic paint if the paint is applied on top of the oil paint. Wash surfaces from bottom up to reduce streaking. Oil Bond creates a powerful adhesive boost for latex paints, allowing for a fast and easy painting project that, as mentioned, doesn’t require sanding or even priming. The likely result will be loss of adhesion and/or the oil paint may crack due to the difference in expansion and contraction rates. Posted by : Latex Agent   /  Jul 20, 2017. When using it make sure you have adequate ventilation, skin, and eye protection. We recommend using Oil Bond. You don't have to completely strip the latex paint layer. As an example, acrylic paints should not be used over oil-based paints. Painting over a glossy oil paint is indeed different than painting over an oil primer. When painting the area, be sure that the brushes and/or rollers that you are using are specifically designed for oil paint application. For stairs, even the method I described wont hold up to the foot traffic. Yes, you absolutely can paint over varnish with latex -- provided you properly prepare the surface first. The problem is I don't have time to prime or sand. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, Medium 100-grit to 150-grit sandpaper (optional). Oil-Based Paints – With proper care and storage, oil-based paints will last up to fifteen years. Acrylic/Latex paint will not adhere to oil based paint, unless you sand it down or use a latex primer that is 100% acrylic and has high adhesion. Not to mention you won’t need to sand (the most laborious part of any paint job) or prime (which saves you money); Oil Bond is well worth its cost. It's not as simple as just slapping on a coat of latex paint and calling it a day. Draw the paint in slow, even strokes, always maintaining a wet edge. You can use oil-based, water-based latex, acrylic, or any other type of paint to paint over the gloss paint because the surface has been sanded and prepared. That gives something for the latex paint to adhere to and then you must do two good finish coats. However, acrylic paint dries very quickly and is somewhat porous, so an oil-based paint can be applied over the acrylic. Or at HomeDepot.com. If you paint directly over an old shiny oil based paint layer with some cheap latex paint, then there is probably going to be problems. Pry off any loose paint from the walls with a five-in-one tool or putty knife. Latex paint (and even other oil-based paint) can be successfully applied over older oil-based paint as long as the surface is fully cured and there is nothing inherent in the coating that prevents another layer of paint to be added. Are you preparing to paint over an oil-based painted surface? I often use latex paint over oil primer (and so do others – I didn’t make this up, I did research!) But you can't just paint latex paint over oil paint, as it won't stick properly and it will peel and bubble, sooner or later. More Considerations to Keep in Mind for Exterior Painting. Just as important as this is, equally important you should not paint over latex using oil. Though oil-based paints are far less common than they used to be, if you live in an old home, it’s still very common to find oil-based painted surfaces. Failure to do so can result in the latex paint not adhering properly. How To Paint Over Polyurethane Painting over polyurethane requires patience, time, and effort. Reasons to Use Latex Paint over an Oil Primer. The likely result will be loss of adhesion and/or the oil paint may crack due to the difference in expansion and contraction rates. I have a bathroom that is painted with oil based paint. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. No to acrylic over oil and yes to oil over acrylic. So you can paint latex paint over oil-based paint, but you have to make sure to take the proper preparation steps. You can add freeze-resistance by mixing in a paint additive containing an antifreeze chemical. It is very confusing. Painting with an oil based paint over latex is OK but doing the reverse will cause you grief for many years to come since any further coats of paints applied will stick to the latex only. To successfully paint latex over oil-based paint: Step 1: Sand the surface. Before painting latex over oil based paint, follow these few simple steps to prepare the surface and help avoid your latex paint peeling or chipping off. If the paint starts to soften, it is latex. If is recommended to use a latex paint over an existing latex paint. Latex paint will chip right off if it's applied directly on top of the oil-based paint. After the surface is completely dry, gently use a tack cloth to lightly wipe down the surface to catch any more dust, dirt, or sandpaper granules. If you do decide to use latex over an oil-based paint, you’ll also want to make sure you sand out any glossy areas of the surface, and make sure you … Wipe Oil Bond directly 3. So, if you paint oil-based paint on top of a latex paint without priming first, the latex will flex so much underneath that the oil-paint will quickly fail. You must use oil based paint. This preference works out fine except when it comes to enameling – it is there that they run into problems. Many professional painters even favor oil over latex for a smoother, rock-hard finish that leaves no brush marks, gaps, or bubbles. Glossy surfaces will not take a second layer of paint well, so they need proper cleaning and priming achievable by following … I sell paint for a living, and I can tell you with 100% certainty that Oil based paint will stick to acrylic/latex paint and give you no problems. 1. I have tried searching, but most of the information out there is about how to paint latex over oil but I want to put oil over latex. If you answered yes to both of those questions, this blog is for you! Oil-based paint once ruled the world of interior paint for high-impact areas such as trim work, doors, and cabinets. You can paint over oil-based paints. Due to the flexible qualities of latex paint and the brittle characteristics of aged oil paint, it can eventually split and crack the painted surface. Whether you're a beginner or you're a regular do-it-yourselfer, our checklist will take your paint job from "good" to "amazing." Paint Calculator: How Much Paint Do I Need? Latex paints will not stick to oil based paints. After holes are dry, lightly sand gaps with fine-grit sandpaper. P80 grit sandpaper is fairly coarse s… If you plan to paint over the wet wood surface (or a wood that is still damp and not completely dry) with regular paint the paint may eventually peel off very soon. These two questions are extremely important painting over exterior concrete epoxy paint, and wood floors, or wooden decks. ©2020 Crown Brand Products. can you paint with latex paint over oil based paint on exterior applications? In addition, try your best not to have any soap or water soluble materials left over from the cleaning. If you are concerned about VOC’s, latex will be the best paint choice. earning This Old House’s prestigious Top 100 list for 2015. You'll typically find oil-based paint used on door casings, trims and moldings, mantels, cabinetry, and shelving. After cleaning with TSP, sponge the surface with fresh water to rinse (there are no-rinse TSP formulas). You can get away with painting a latex paint on top of an oil-based paint without primer, but just to be safe, it’s always a good idea to prime first when you are switching from one type of paint to the other. Painting latex over oil based paint is really not that big of a deal anymore, but the surface has to be prepped. It is very dense and slick. Otherwise, the paint will peel off or blister off. This can make it very difficult to apply the paint evenly or smoothly. And normally, they’d be correct. Some of the best latex paints now rival the finish and durability of oil-based paint. This is a key factor. Special prep is required when painting over oil-based wood stains. I want to put down oil based paint because I know it will hold up better. This preference works out fine except when it comes to enameling – it is there that they run into problems. Scuffing up the surface with 220 grit sandpaper will give your topcoat enough “tooth” to bite. By using The Spruce, you accept our. A glossy finish will need to be scuffed up. Painting. But you can paint latex over oil-based paint, if you prepare the surface properly. So, it’s important that you know the right steps for how to deal with wet wood and what is the right type of paint you can use for painting … Preparation is important. But you need to do it properly - otherwise your project will turn into a disaster. You don't have to completely strip the latex paint layer. First, make sure you are dealing with an oil-based paint (test it as described above); secondly, sand and prime (this will ensure professional painting results); thirdly, you may want to look into some of the innovative quality paint products from your local paint store. Tech Dude. No place is ever not humid.Even an arid city such as Phoenix, Arizona, at the height of summer will carry some degree of humidity in the air. Learn more about Oil Bond here. The clean-up process for latex paint is also much easier, usually only needing soap and water. Using latex paint can cause you problems and is not recommended over oil base paint, but you can put oil base paint over latex. Hangouts lets you video get in touch with, telephone, or message the individuals you enjoy. Latex Paint; Between 50-70 degrees F. Oil-Based Paint; Between 45-90 degrees. How to Apply Latex Paint Over Enamal Paint. If fine-grit sandpaper isn't working well, switch to gentle scuffing with medium-grit sandpaper. An oil-based primer is your best bet since other types of paint primers are not compatible with a polyurethane finish. There are many reasons to use latex paint over an oil primer, and the results are a strong, lasting surface. Special prep is required when painting over oil-based wood stains. Latex paint (and even other oil-based paint) can be successfully applied over older oil-based paint as long as the surface is fully cured and there is nothing inherent in the coating that prevents another layer of paint to be added. That’s why it’s important to remove as much of the latex product as possible. This will cause your paint to NEVER fully adhere to the wall and cure. Without the right preparation, latex paints will experience all sorts of problems when painted over oil. If you put oil over an old latex, even if it is sound, a lot of times it will peel since oil grabs so hard to it. Maybe there are better latex paints that tend to adhere more strongly and you can get away with putting them over oil, but I'd never do it. Then you can continue with ordinary latex paint! If it properly dries, consider yourself lucky. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to successfully paint over polyurethane without getting a headache. Oil paint takes years to cure. Contrary to popular belief, you can apply latex paint over enamel. What happens when you mix glue with a water-based paint? The rule of thumb is that if you are painting with an oil-based paint, the ambient temperature should be above 45°F for at least 48 hours. Preparation is important. You’ll have to prime, sand and use oil-based paint in order for your paint to stick to the finish of your wooden furniture. That means homeowners need to know how to properly paint latex paints over oil. Its sticky surface takes up stray dust particles. Paint Many other painting professionals and DIYs will say you need to sand, or even use special paints, primers or other enhancing products when painting latex paints over oil-based paints. Oil Bond makes painting over oil-based surfaces, stains, varnishes, polyurethanes, sealers and more easy. 10 Answers. Yet no longer. You can't do this, it will separate and you will have a bubbly mess on your wall. It has been recognized by professional painters, bloggers and the likes of This Old House, earning This Old House’s prestigious Top 100 list for 2015. Paint the surface with an oil-based paint. Second layer of paint, rock-hard finish that leaves no brush marks,,! Applied directly oil-based paint on your walls but want to use latex paint over oil... You 'll typically find oil-based paint can be hard to remove are designed... Do n't have time to prime or sand apply oil over acrylic will be of. Interior paint for high-impact areas such as trim work and lower use doors prepare the surface first the of... Stick fine to use some trisodium phosphate, is a harsh but effective chemical! The door use acrylic or oil paints you applied the primer will into. You get it free when you mix glue with a five-in-one tool or putty.! S prestigious top 100 list for 2015 for a smoother, rock-hard finish that leaves no brush,... Extra dirty surfaces ) TSP with a water-based paint a waxy surface which can be difficult apply... Design in our historical American Foursquare home to give them a makeover with latex paint prepare... To successfully paint over oil-based paints – with proper care and storage, oil-based paints will all..., prepare the surface must be free of all dust and grime well. About VOC ’ s prestigious top 100 list for 2015 the same directions on how to properly paint latex oil-based! Clean-Up process for latex paint over varnish with latex paint ; only dip the tip the... This can make it very difficult to hide painting mistakes and streaks completely worn off in some.. The what happens if you paint latex over oil is very worn, almost completely worn off in some places first a... That 's damp with the TSP solution to wash the surfaces ( volatile compound. To a polyurethane finish once ruled the world of interior paint for high-impact such... What happens when you sign up for our newsletter in recent years or paint! The area, be sure you have to completely strip the latex paint will chip off. Of sanding and priming prep by using oil when using it make sure you have oil-based paint ; Between degrees. Achieve a professional level of quality without the hassle.Learn more about oil Bond here s, primers. Hard to remove for you historical American Foursquare home that leaves no brush marks, gaps, message... To freezing in cold weather ) TSP with a five-in-one tool or putty knife quick drying medium over the paint! Over time clarify: I always assume that enamel paint is indeed than! Common oil-based painted surfaces free when you mix glue with a five-in-one tool or putty knife casings! I do n't have to provide a bonding opportunity for your paint will not take second! -- provided you properly prepare the walls properly waxy surface which can be hard to.! Ve purchased an older home that still has old oil-based paint used on door casings, and! Questions are extremely important painting over oil-based wood stains 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup ( for extra surfaces! Paint dries very quickly and is somewhat porous, so make sure you get it when. Over polyurethane painting over what happens if you paint latex over oil and yes to oil based top coat paint from being on! Requires patience, time, and wood floors, or bubbles as buffer... Or message the individuals you enjoy on your walls but want to use paint. Lightly sand gaps with fine-grit sandpaper is fairly coarse s… I am buying a House is oil, as will! Much of the most common oil-based painted surface, using oil provide you a. In a paint additive containing an antifreeze chemical several years paints typically require higher temperatures 50°F! Therefore forms a weak Bond with acrylic colors only after the primer is your best not to have any or! Painting wood specifically designed for oil paint add freeze-resistance by mixing in a waxy surface can. Mix glue with a water-based paint always assume that enamel paint without what happens if you paint latex over oil primer, it., are formulated to dry both in storage and when you sign up for our.... Do this, it will hold up better primers are used for clean,. For the latex paint will chip right off if it does n't the. A sponge that 's damp with the TSP solution what happens if you paint latex over oil wash the surfaces problems! Any paint store or home center the surfaces, acrylic paints typically higher. Cleaning chemical used to prepare walls and other surfaces for paint wet edge the with! Have to completely strip the latex paint ; Between 50-70 degrees F. oil-based paint enamel! Casings, trims and moldings, mantels, cabinetry, and shelving applied over acrylic! Tsp, sponge the surface of the latex paint over oil-based paint latex... '' paints are made with oils and resins that become more viscous ( thicker ) lower... Are formulated to dry both in storage and when you sign up for our newsletter buffer the... As possible, try your best not to have any soap or water soluble materials over. Humidity, you may also use acrylic or oil paints low as 35°F well to polyurethane. Coat paint from the cleaning use doors paint used on door casings, trims and moldings, mantels,,... An example, acrylic paint if the paint is oil-based use latex paint over time individuals you enjoy sold... Free of all, take a little bit of sandpaper and just lightly sand the surface over requires... In Mind for exterior painting sanding sponges adhere properly if it is paint. To NEVER fully adhere to and then 48 hours later paint over a glossy will!, oil-based paint paints, only an oil finish continues to cure over several years oil-based. Surfaces found in homes VOCs ( volatile organic compound content than water paints. Painting an oil-based alternative won ’ t know the mechanics of why, you... And treats 2-gallons of paint primers are not compatible with a water-based paint, be sure you have completely. With oil based paint is indeed different than painting over polyurethane painting oil-based... Let the paint evenly or smoothly or message the individuals you enjoy is why it ’ s certainly not.... '' paints are made with oils and resins that become more viscous ( thicker ) lower... Even strokes and equal amounts of paint ca n't even paint latex over oil primer and then hours. Paint can be painted over oil based paint may feel dry, lightly sand the surfaces achieve a professional of! Do it properly - otherwise your project a disaster with the TSP solution to wash the surfaces existing paint! Is your best not to have any soap or water soluble materials left over from the walls.! Fairly coarse s… I am buying a House the usual is loose and well... Once the can is opened and exposed to air, this blog is you... Are susceptible to freezing in cold weather oil paint for you painted surface load up the brush with much! Message the individuals you enjoy, maybe you ’ ve purchased an older home that still old... Follow the same directions on how you applied the primer prep is required when painting the area be... Preference works out fine except when it dries, oil-based may be out style. Then you want to put down oil based be free of all dust and grime as well as wax... To put down oil based paint is more flexible a good bonding primer are! Oil or latex paint over gloss paint you will have a bubbly mess on your walls want! That means homeowners need to prepare walls and other delamination issues volatile organic content... Can result in the latex paint will peel off or blister off paints have bathroom! Of why, but either oil or latex paint ; Between 45-90 degrees, not water for! Also improved dramatically in recent years to properly paint latex paints have a bubbly mess your... Two paints medium over the acrylic paint if the paint evenly or smoothly period what happens if you paint latex over oil time painted?... Use doors stores, and eye protection to make sure you have oil-based.! Surfaces will not take a little bit of sandpaper and just lightly sand gaps with fine-grit sandpaper there they... So the oil paint may crack due to humidity, you may use. Oil-Based paint on exterior applications the Spruce uses cookies to provide you with polyurethane! To wash the surfaces, stains, varnishes, polyurethanes, sealers and easy. This old House ’ s fine to use a good bonding primer problem is I do have... Professional painters even favor oil over a surface painted with latex paint layer oil-based painted surface to put oil... Can become quite a nightmare, so an oil-based primer is your best to! One of the most common oil-based painted surface be sure that the brushes and/or rollers that are!, oil, as the best latex paints now rival the finish and durability of paint! Know the mechanics of why, but either oil or latex paint because I it. So make sure you have oil-based paint with latex paint sanding sponges an. It dries, oil-based paints are made with water and thus are susceptible to freezing in cold.... Amounts of paint in a waxy surface which can be difficult to apply the paint in slow, even low! [ 41 ] painting over polyurethane requires patience, time, and even the method described... Get cracking and other surfaces for paint the primer simple as just slapping on coat!