It is likely that you have heard in your experience that oil-based paints are not able to be mixed with other kinds of paint. However you might have heard that you could use latex paint in conjunction with the oil-based primer. Both are valid, and may initially sound confusing. When they are separated, are simpler than they seem.
Why Oil Paints Do Not Mix
Paints made of oil have been used for centuries. Despite numerous advancements, a few aspects have remained a prominent part of the art world. One of them is the fact that oil paints require an extended time to dry. Contemporary oil paints cure quicker, but they do dry at a different speed as acrylics or latex.
Additionally in the event that you apply an oil-based paint on top of latex, the paint can expand and shrink at a slower speed that the layer beneath it which causes it to crack. Latex is not able to stick when it is applied directly over an oil-based layer that is not prepared or preparation. It is also susceptible to cracking or peel.
Utilizing Latex on an oil-based primer
There are numerous reasons to choose latex paint instead of an oil primer. And the result is a durable lasting, durable surface. In general the use of latex primers is for soft and drywall but there are some distinct variations. Paints and oil primers are more difficult to dry and require airflow, so a mix of latex and oils can minimize discomfort and time, without compromising longevity.
The reasons to choose an oil-based Primer
While certain brands of primer can be used using both latex and oil paints. However, there’s situations when oil-based primers are more effective than the latex primer. This includes:
- Unfinished or varnished wood
- woods that are prone to bleeding tannins, like cedar and redwood
- painting over chalky or damaged paint
- wood that has been thoroughly weathered
- humid environments like bathrooms
- You can tint it in the paint store if you are using dark or light colors.
The process of determining if your walls are Oil-Based Paint
There are some crucial steps to be taken in the event of adding latex paint to an existing wall. The most important of which is to determine whether or not you’ll be painting over the oil paint. In order to prepare for painting, you must follow the steps below:
- Take a look at the wall. Oil is glossy and smooth, whereas latex tends to be more matte and is more rubbery in its finish.
- Swirl a cotton ball in Acetone, and then examine the painted surface. The latex will begin to dissolve, but the oil remains unaffected.
- If you’ve determined that the current paint is oil-based, you’ll have to roughen the surface with sandpaper of 100-grit until the gloss is gone and then clean the surface and let the surface to air dry. Then, you will be able to apply to the primer for bonding.
Applying Latex Over the Oil Primer
The primers made of oil require minimum of eight days to fully dry. It is possible to sand your primer over smooth surfaces of wood using 180-grit sandpaper for an easier surface for bonding. Make sure you wash off any dust that was created by the sanding process and allow the area to dry before applying the paint. In general two equally applied layers of latex paint are needed over your primer. It will take the time between 2 and 4 hours to allow each coat to fully dry.
A room can take about 16 hours to dry with two layers of latex. This is not including the drying time following cleaning or the time needed to paint. You can, however, divide the project into the course of a few days insofar as the work completes within two weeks after application of the primer.
Additional Resources
Today’s Homeowner provides a detailed guide that explains the distinctions between latex, oil, and primers made from shellac.
