I want to cover oil based paint with latex. The paint is faded but in good condition. Will I need a primer?

Answer 1

A light sanding is the most important thing to do , so the fresh paint has something to adhere to.
Some latex's don't adhere well to oil base so you may need to sand and primer.

Answer 2

If you don't want to use a primer, look for a waterbourne paint instead of a latex product. Waterbourne paints are oil molecules forced into emulsion by high speed mixing. These products tend to be stronger and have better adhesion qualities to old oils, and still be soap and water clean up. These products are a little more difficult to work with, but all you would have to do is scuff sand, clean, and paint.

If you still want to use latex, then plan on using a water based bonding primer first.

Good luck

Answer 3

A barrier primer coat is always a good idea. Its not the oil in oil paint that repels the water-based latex--its usually the gloss level. Light sanding is always recommended, albeit a pain in the neck. If you are dealing with an indoor situation that is not high moisture--(as in bathroom)-use a shellac based primer like Zinser makes. Dries very fast and sticks really well.. Otherwise a good oil based primer such as Benjamin Moore's Moorewhite (Tint it if using under a deep colour) and then a high quality acrylic. There are many acrylic based barrier type primers but I have yet to see one that is really good. And of course--prepare well--especially de-greasing. Wash surfaces with TSP solution and rinse well. Or use the new TSP type organic degreasers that don't require rinsing. (Home Depot) Good luck.

Answer 4

Absolutely---latex won't adhere properly to an oil-base paint, and you don't want your hard work to be for naught.
Kilz is just the thing; it's available in a water-base formula, but will work over an oil base paint. It works for me!