Painting over an existing oil-based paint job requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth, durable finish. Here's how to do it:
Preparing the Oil-Painted Wall
Before applying any new paint, proper surface preparation is crucial. This involves several key steps:
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Ensure the existing oil paint is fully cured: This is vital. New paint won't adhere properly to uncured oil-based paint. The Behr article emphasizes this as the first step. (https://www.behr.com/pro/onthejob/blog/tips-on-painting-over-oil-based-paint/)
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Lightly sand the surface: Use fine-grit sandpaper (180-220 grit) to remove any gloss from the existing oil paint. This creates a better surface for the new paint to adhere to. The Behr article specifically recommends this step. (https://www.behr.com/pro/onthejob/blog/tips-on-painting-over-oil-based-paint/)
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Fill any imperfections: If there are holes or cracks in the wall, fill them with a suitable filler. Once the filler is completely dry, sand it smooth with the fine-grit sandpaper. The Behr article mentions sanding the filler smooth. (https://www.behr.com/pro/onthejob/blog/tips-on-painting-over-oil-based-paint/)
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Clean the surface: Remove all sanding dust using a tack cloth. This ensures a clean surface for painting and prevents dust from affecting the final finish. The Behr article highlights the importance of removing dust with a tack cloth. (https://www.behr.com/pro/onthejob/blog/tips-on-painting-over-oil-based-paint/)
Painting the Wall
After the preparation, you can proceed with painting using your chosen paint and appropriate tools. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific paint.
