With emerging environmental concerns affecting every corner of our existence, the type of paint you apply to your home is a major concern when painting your residence. Of course, the fact that many states and municipalities are phasing out the use of oil based painting products, in favor of water based paints, has forced homeowners and painting contractors to come to grips with this decision.

A common question I hear all the time is: How do you paint over alkyd, or oil based paint, with water based acrylic paint? Also: What are the main differences of water based VS oil based paints? The 2 questions above are most common when dealing with exterior walls and woodwork, interior kitchens, cabinets, woodwork, and bathrooms.

The preparation needed to paint your home with water based paint, and cover the oil based material is our specialty; we offer expert labor, craftsmanship, and know-how to make your paint job last longer. For a free estimate, use our contact form or give us a call at (626) 488 6885

The gist of painting with water based paint over oil, is this:

The most important thing when applying water based paint over oil paint is to remember that the water based paint will not really adhere when installed directly on top of oil based paint. You can check this out for yourself, since it’s a very common occurrence. I’m sure you’ve seen paint that came off with the barest touch of a fingernail; this is a famous problem with homeowner re-painted kitchens and bathrooms.

When applying water based paint over oil, you must install a primer coat first, before painting with water based paint. The painting sequence is the following: old oil paint --> primer coat --> water based paint
If you stick to this way of painting, your finished result will have excellent substrate adhesion and long-lasting durability.

Of special consideration: Painting over varnished surfaces, such as cabinets and woodwork:

Varnished surfaces present special challenges when repainting, no matter if you are thinking of repainting them with water or oil based paint. Varnish is one of the slickest and glossiest surfaces to paint over. The same tough and slick finish that a deep varnish imparts on woodwork and cabinets is the reason that other paints – be it water or oil based – have trouble adhering to a previously varnished surface: it’s just simply too hard and slick.

To properly prepare your varnished cabinets and woodwork and recoat with water or oil based paint, follow these steps:

• Sand every square inch and then clean with a good household formula – such as diluted ammonia or TSP, rinse well.
   
• Contact your local paint supplier and ask them for the primer to use. Varnished surfaces need a very good primer, such as primers that will adhere to glass surfaces. Don’t skimp on this step because it’s the most crucial, since not just any primer will do, it must be a very specific formula.
   
• Once you have applied the primer, install as many finish coats – either water or oil based – as you need to get good hiding and coverage.