Oil-based paint is best applied using a natural bristle brush. These brushes are made from the hairs of hogs, oxen or other animals. Since the hair is naturally tapered at the end it has the quality required for the tip of the brush. Quick and easy way to keep your oil brushes from drying out.As long as your brush is not exposed to the air it will not dry out.Make sure the water only goes. In this video I will be showing you how I clean oil based paint off my paint brushes - using a simple technique that uses very little white spirit - and AMAZ. These types of quality paint brush are usually made from black China bristle and are very well suited to oil painted surfaces. Apply at least two coats of water-based paint over oil-based paint. Using a brush, roller, or paint sprayer, apply at least two coats of a high-quality water-based latex or acrylic paint (e.g.
Use these tips to avoid cracking and peeling when you paint over oil-based paint.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Q: I’d like to repaint my kitchen cabinets, which had been done with oil-based paint. Must I use oil-based paint for the project, or can I use up some water-based paint I have left over from another job?
A: You’re correct to assume that it’s generally best to use more oil-based paint—in either an alkyd (made with a synthetic resin binder) or natural oil (such as linseed) formula—to refresh surfaces already coated with oil-based paint. Using water-based or acrylic paint when painting over oil-based paint is likely to cause peeling or chipping because those formulas don’t bond well with the naturally glossy surface of oil-based paint.
Yet it’s easy to understand why you’d want to go with water-based paint—it boasts lower volatile organic compound content (and less smelly fumes), faster drying time, and better resistance to discoloration from sunlight. Fortunately, with the proper approach, you can successfully use water-based paint over oil-based paint. Ahead, you’ll find pointers for using whatever paint products you like over oil-based paint.
Using Oil-Based Paint Over Oil-Based Paint
- Paint cured oil-based paint with either type of oil-based paint. If oil-based paint (either an alkyd or natural oil formula) has fully cured, it can be repainted with either alkyd- or natural oil-based paint. Oil-based paint is considered fully cured when it has hardened to the point that it can be scrubbed or washed without affecting the finish, which can take seven to 30 days.
- But avoid painting alkyd over uncured natural oil-based paint coats. If dealing with natural oil-based paint that hasn’t yet cured, only repaint with natural oil-based paint. If you were to apply alkyd paint, the natural oil-based coat below would continue to harden after the alkyd coat has cured, causing the top coat to crack. Alkyd paint that hasn’t yet cured, on the other hand, can safely be painted with either alkyd or natural oil-based paint without fear of cracking the top coat.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Using Water-Based Paint Over Oil-Based Paint
- De-gloss prior to putting water-based paint over oil-based paint. Because water-based paint doesn’t bond well with the glossy surface of oil-based paint, remove as much gloss from the surface as possible before repainting. Make a pass over the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper (180- to 220-grit). You’re not seeking to remove all the paint, just sanding the surface until it’s level and no longer slick. Then wipe the surface down with a tack cloth to pick up any sanding dust.
- Deep clean with TSP before using water-based over oil-based paint. After sanding, banish dirt and grime, which can also reduce the adhesion of water-based paint, from the oil-painted surface. Donning gloves and safety glasses for splatter protection, dilute a quarter-cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) in one gallon of warm water in a large bucket. Saturate a soft sponge in the TSP solution, lightly wring it out, and wipe down the sanded surface to pick up dirt, debris, and grime. Make a second pass over the cleaned surface with a sponge dampened in fresh water, then let the surface air-dry.
- Always prime when using water-based over oil-based paint. To prevent peeling and chipping in the drying and curing phase, use bonding primer—formulated to stick to glossy and other hard-to-paint surfaces—over the old oil-based coat for optimal paint adherence. Apply one to two coats of an oil-or water-based bonding primer and dry according to product directions. You’ll know the surface is adequately primed when the former paint color, stains, and other surface imperfections are no longer visible.
- Apply at least two coats of water-based paint over oil-based paint. Using a brush, roller, or paint sprayer, apply at least two coats of a high-quality water-based latex or acrylic paint (e.g., Glidden Premium, available at The Home Depot) over the primed surface, allowing ample drying according to the product directions between coats. If painting interior features (e.g., kitchen cabinets), choose a paint labeled for “interior” use. Paints labeled “interior/exterior” hold up better to rot and extreme weather, so are desirable for painting exterior features (e.g., the front door). If you’re painting molding or other trim, choose a complementary color and a semi-gloss sheen to accentuate the details on the trim.
There are paint brushes made for oil based products and brushes for water-based products. Brushes come in a variety sizes, shapes, handle types and of course, different qualities. Choosing the right brush will make your work easier, faster and better.
Bristle Type
Natural bristles typically are made with animal hair. Chinese bristle is usually made with hog's hair or ox hair. They are best for oil based paints, varnishes, shellacs, and other finishes. Natural bristles should never be used with water based (latex) paints. The water is absorbed by the natural bristle and causes the brush to swell up. Natural bristles develop splits in the tip (flagging) which results in smoother application of the paint and thus fewer brush strokes.
Synthetic bristles include nylon, polyester and nylon/polyester blend. A synthetic bristle is the proper choice for water based (latex) paints. Nylon and nylon/poly blend brushes can be used for oil or water based paints, but a polyester brush is best suited only for latex paints.
Foam brushes can be used for oil or water based paints. They work best with thin products, like stain and polyurethane finishes. They wear out quickly and are best used as throw away task brushes. Extended use of a foam brush can result in bits of the foam breaking off and sticking to the finish.
Brush Size
Choose a brush that matches the size of what you are painting. Wide brushes hold a lot of paint and cover more area and so are the best choice for painting walls. A small brush (1 to 2 inches) should always be used for painting narrow trim and small surfaces. Don't turn a wide brush sideways to use the narrow edge, that will damage the brush.
Brush Task
Brush size is a factor in the selection of the right brush, but the cut and tips of the bristles are also a factor. A sash brush is sized for fine work on window sashes and trim. An angled sash brush cuts the bristles across the width at an angle, allowing more control in delicate, close-in work.
The tips of some brushes are beveled across the thickness of the brush. The bevel allows more control for 'cutting-in' paint; for example, cutting-in the line between a wall and the ceiling.
Brush Quality
The quality of a brush is reflected in the price. A quality brush has more bristles, properly sized-sized spacers between the bristles, a rust-resistant ferrule to secure the bristles and uses top-quality bristles. A quality brush will hold more paint, will provide smoother, brush mark free results and, with care, will last a lifetime.
Cheap brushes will rust, lose bristles and typically have a large spacer that reduces the number of bristles. Fewer and low quality bristles means more dipping into the paint can and more work in trying to get a smooth, brush-mark free finish.
Handle Type
Handles come in bare wood, plastic or lacquered wood. Most professional painters choose an unfinished wood handle because they are easy to hold and are more comfortable.
Handle shapes also vary. Beaver-tail handles bulge in the middle, helping you grip it in your palm. Rat-tail handles are long and straight making them easier to hold for fine detail work. Many other shapes are available and your selection should be made based upon comfort.
Oil Based Paint Brush Clean Up Or Freeze