Yes, under specific conditions, particularly when dealing with previously applied Epoxy paint that is confirmed to be stable and well-adhered.
Painting Over Old Floor Paint: Key Considerations
Painting over old floor paint can be attempted, but it's not always the recommended approach. The success and durability of the new paint layer heavily depend on the condition and type of the existing paint.
Based on the information available:
- Specific Possibility (Epoxy): You can paint over old floor paint, specifically "yes for previously Epoxy painted floors," provided you are certain that the paint will never lift from the surface. This means the existing Epoxy layer must be incredibly stable, with no signs of peeling, chipping, or poor adhesion.
- General Recommendation: As a rule, you should always aim to "get back to the original surface to ensure a good key for the new paint." Stripping away the old paint layer provides the best possible base for new paint to bond securely, ensuring maximum durability.
Essentially, while painting over stable Epoxy is cited as a possibility, the standard practice to guarantee optimal results and adhesion is to prepare the floor back to its bare surface.
Why Stability is Crucial
Applying new paint over old, unstable paint is a recipe for failure. If the old paint is peeling, cracking, or not well-bonded to the floor surface, the new paint layer will also fail relatively quickly by lifting or peeling off along with the underlying old paint. Ensuring the old paint "will never lift" is a critical prerequisite if you choose to paint over it.
The General Rule: Back to the Original Surface
The reason the general rule is to return to the original surface is to create a proper "key" – a surface profile that the new paint can physically grip onto. Old, smooth, or poorly prepared surfaces don't offer this grip, leading to poor adhesion. Prepping back to the bare concrete or wood allows for proper cleaning, etching (if concrete), or sanding (if wood) to create this essential bonding surface.
While painting over certain old finishes like stable Epoxy might save time, thoroughly preparing the floor back to the original surface offers the most reliable foundation for a lasting paint job.
