4 Tips for Applying Water Based Paint Over Existing Oil Based Paint

In present modern world water based paint is used more often in houses than the oil based paint, which was commonly used in olden times where the houses had at least one layer of oil based paint on the walls. Water based paints are a type of oil paint that can be thinned using water or turpentine while pure oil paints are paints that do not contain any water content but contain natural or synthetic resins. 

If you try to put water based paint over oil based painted surface, it will not adhere to the surface. The glossy surface created by oil based paint stops the water based paint to stick to the wall. Moreover, even with a touch of a fingernail the water-based paint would come out. Though it is not impossible to apply water-based paint on oil painted surface, the article lists some tips that may make the process easier. 

Tip #1 -  Dirt-Free and Clean

The wall that has to be painted must be dirt free and clean. Use paper towels with some detergent to clean the wall. Ensure the water does not go into any hole or crack in the wall. Next, use paint prep cleaner to de-gloss the wall. Make sure the gloss on the wall is completely removed otherwise the water based paint will not stay on the wall. 

Tip #2 -  Usage of Sandpaper

Use a sandpaper to remove the extra gloss from the surface. You may also consider using an electric sander to do the work. Ensure you are fully covered and protected with a dust mask, eye protection, and gloves. Use the sand paper to create a smooth surface and if there are any imperfect spots on the wall like holes or cracks, fill them with a spackle paste to level out the surface.

Tip #3 - Use a Primer

Use a primer and apply a thick coat of the primer on the surface. Dip a small paintbrush into the primer and shake off the excess. Use this dipped brush and paint the surface consistently, particularly on the door and window corners. Put the primer in a bucket and use a paint roller to apply the paint to the surface. Remember to paint in one direction only.

Tip #4 -  Ensure Safety

Today in the modern world all paints come without lead, but in the earlier times there used to be some lead mixed in the paint. So make sure your old painted wall is lead free otherwise applying the above procedure with a sandpaper would create a lead dust which is harmful both for the environment and for our health. There are various qualified contractors for lead assessment and its removal. Infact, more than 80% of the world use the water based paints and various efforts are taken to remove the lead from the paint to keep the environment pollution free.

Once the above three steps are completed, apply the water-based paint on the surface with the help of a paint roller. Use a paintbrush to cover edges and corners. Let the paint sit for sometime. Once dry, it would stick over the oil-based paint.