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Okay to use water-based paint over oil-based primer?

11 years ago

I think the answer is yes, but wondered if someone with some experience doing this could confirm...I've made a mess of mixing latex and oil paints in the past but I think the primer is a special case, yes?

We have a lot of leftover oil-based primer (Kilz and Zinsser brands) from some older projects that I'd love to use up, but will need to cover the primer with BM water-based Satin Impervo. Will this work? If it matters, we're painting a wooden door that was last painted in BM oil-based Satin Impervo (one side) and some ancient paint circa 1920 that has now been sanded down (side that had been boarded up). I want a good primer that is going to seal that (presumably) lead-based paint in nicely since this is the door to a pantry in a house with small children, so we're wary of anything that is going to lead to a lot of peeling.

Is it safe to use the oil-based primer topped with the water-based latex in this scenario? If not, other recommendations? Thanks!

Featured Answer

paintguy22

5 years ago

Paint can take a month or more to fully cure, and during this time the paint will adhere better and better each day. If you paint and then the paint comes off easily the next day, don't freak out. Give it some time to stick. Prep is also important though, especially if you are painting over oil with water based. The surfaces should be sanded until the sheen is dull, which usually takes two or three passes with a good medium grit sanding block.

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Comments (7)

tinker_2006
11 years ago
Yes, using latex over an oil based primer is fine! Sounds like you have preped the previous painted surface well, so over it up with your oil base primer and you're good to go.. with you BM Impervo!
artemis78
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks!!
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Michael
11 years ago
It's always safe to use waterborne paints over alkyd primers.

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cos39402
5 years ago
I have moved into an older house. I was told that water-based enamel is fine to use. However, if you touch it it rolls up. I was using Behr paint.
PRO
Christopher Nelson Wallcovering and Painting
5 years ago
I was using Behr paint. and right there is the problem
PRO
Paint sales at Home Depot
5 years ago
I agree with paintguy. Acrylics increase their adhesion with time. What scraps off after 2 hours may well be adhered after 2 days.

As to Behr paints, I have personally made test samples of Behr Ultra, Marquee and WB Alkyd over sections of hard, slick, high gloss oil paint. I hand these to customers and defy them to scratch it off with their fingernails. They are wearing thin with literally hundreds of tries, but they are still intact!

Wanting to see the worst case scenario, I did not sand or de-gloss the oil paint. I am an old school painter, raised on oil pains and somewhat of a doubting Thomas. I have become a believer. If someone's paint is "balling up", I would wonder what is on that surface? Was it cleaned of oils from hands or other pollutants?

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