Is it possible to refresh your current walls with their water-based paint with an oil-based paint? Oil paint does have some characteristics that might make it more ideal for environments like bathrooms or factories, where the humidity levels might be high. This can also be a very appealing option in work areas that tend to be messy or for pre-schools because the walls are easier to clean and less likely to absorb grease.
While oil paint can be a good option, you need to be very careful when making the switch from water to oil-based paint. If the right steps are not taken, you can end up with ruined walls that flake and peel all over.
Let’s take a look at how to make the switch from water-based paint to oil-based wall paint.
What is Water-Based Paint
Water-based wall paint is the most common type used in properties and is also referred to as latex or acrylic paint. This type of paint uses water as the main solvent. Water solvent can be used to dilute the paint or to clean up spills and painting equipment.
This type of paint is very popular for walls because it dries quickly, doesn’t produce as many toxic fumes or odours, and it offers the building walls good protection from the elements.
What is Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint is a bit less common for building walls because it isn’t as easy to work with. This type of paint also tends to be glossy, which can draw more attention to wall imperfections like bumps, lumps, or unevenness.
Despite these drawbacks, it is still used as wall paint because these paints tend to be more durable, are more moisture resistant, and can be easier to keep clean. The application also tends to be smoother because the paint is self-levelling and doesn’t produce as many brush strokes.
Oil-based paint is also referred to as alkyd paint and is designed with an oil solvent. Mineral spirits or turpentine is required to dilute the paint or to clean up brushes and spills. These paints take a long time to dry, and they produce a strong odor when the paint is wet.
Why Do These Paint Types Matter?
The paint types matter a lot because if one paint solvent type is applied over the next, the bond or adhesion might be affected. As a result, your walls can start to flake, crack, bubble, or peel off. This can occur within just a few days or weeks.
Restoring your walls after the paint starts to come off can also be a nightmare. All old paint will first need to be stripped off the walls before repainting, or it will only continue peeling and cracking.
This type of scenario is also completely preventable by simply preparing your walls properly before applying oil paint.
How To Prepare Walls for the Conversion
Before you apply oil paint over a water-based wall paint, you need to properly prepare the wall surface. Here are some of the steps required.
Step 1 – Cleaning
First, the walls need to be properly washed to remove any residue or dust. Next, use a degreaser to clear away grease or oil. Remember to rinse your walls properly.
Step 2 – Sanding
The entire wall surface should be sanded. This is usually done with 120 to 150 grit sandpaper. Sanding is only required for glossy water paint surfaces and might not be necessary if you have a matte wall.
Step 3 – Primer
It is very important to coat the wall with a good bonding primer. This primer will create a strong bond between the two different paint coats and will keep the new coat from peeling.
Step 4 – Apply Paint
Once the primer has dried, you can start applying the oil-based paint. Two coats are usually required to properly coat the wall.
Professional Wall Painters in Melbourne
Switching from water-based paint to oil-based paint is a process that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you want to ensure good adhesion for your new paint coat and a professional finish, then it is best to contact We Fix Walls. Our skilled painters will properly prepare your walls and ensure that the new coat is applied correctly. With our skilled painters, your walls will come out brilliantly glossy and they will last a long time.
