How to paint over oil-based paint on walls?

I think the paint on the walls in my new house is oil-based. I tried painting over with matt emulsion but it wouldn't adhere in all areas. I tried sanding which helped a little, but patchy. If I wipe the area with white spirit the paint does not budge. I've read that you can use a super-grip primer to paint oil-based/gloss surfaces. However, when I look to buy some, they all tend to say suitable for use on wood/metal/ceramic etc. I'm scared to put it on the walls. Would this primer be suitable for a wall? If not, how on earth do I paint my walls!? Would I need to put new lining paper up and paint over that?

38 Answers

Greenlands Gardenscapes
2 Reviews, 100% Positive
Hi
If patches are minor, you could possibly use an aerosol spray stain block and then apply paint.
If more serious than minor patching and if a suitable key coat primer can not adhere to the patching, then the oil paint in the patching areas may need to be stripped back, patch repair carried out and re-painted.

20th Mar 2023
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Jack of all blades
0 Reviews
I would first send down the wall and use tsd mixed with water wash the wall down leave to dry then use latex bonding primer it has to be bonding primer cause it's the only thing which works and actually covers over the oil based paint and I'll do 2 coats of that and leave to dry.
6th Mar 2023
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TNK building works ltd
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
I would recommend zinsser 123 bulls eye
Which bone to any surface and is water based
So once it drys you will then be able to paint straight over it with any water based emulation you’d like
I hope this helps
22nd Mar 2023
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Kj painting
0 Reviews
If its only a little part of the wall that has the oil based paint I would of sanded down wiped and then done a white wash the matt paint would of went over
21st Feb 2023
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C L COATINGS
0 Reviews
Unfortunately water based products will not adhere to a oil based surface as water and oil don't mix I would recommend first lightly sand wash with tsp and then a latex bonding primer let it dry and paint preferably with a latex emultion like Leyland super latex
6th Mar 2023
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Hi there you must use under coat
16th Feb 2023
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Most acrylic primers (ie leylands/johnstones acrylic primer/undercoat to be more specific) are ok to put on walls. A good key of surface with fine grit sand paper, dust down and a coat of acrylic primer will adhere to gloss surface. Then after acrylic primer is dry ok to go over with emulsion of choice. Hope this helps
20th Feb 2023
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Bell Decorators
0 Reviews
I recommend coating the walls with a Zinsser primer.
27th Feb 2023
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Your best choice is to rough sand most likely with a sander to remove as much as you can and get it rough enough to grip the new paint .

Then base coat/undercoat

Then 2coats of dulux Matt
6th Mar 2023
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Use primer then undercoat and then the final coat. .
6th Mar 2023
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Hi.
I can recommend sand wall using P120 sanding paper and use DULUX TRADE ALKALI RESISTING PRIMER.

Ernest Rolnik Painting Services
6th Mar 2023
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EssexDecor
0 Reviews
Paint walls in zinsser B.I.N primer first
20th Mar 2023
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Steve's
0 Reviews
First prep the surface, lightly sanding it. Then you would need to use a sponge and trisodium phosphate mixed with water on the walls first to remove any existing oils. Let the walls dry. Then coat the walls with a latex or oil bonding primer. Allow to dry then then two coats of latex paint.
27th Mar 2023
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P&H
0 Reviews
Sand the wall slightly and then apply trisodium phosphate using a roller and then go ahead and apply primer
20th Feb 2023
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Maxconstruct
0 Reviews
First sand the area to be painted, than clean the area to remove grease and smoke with Trisodium Phosfate an efficient cleaner , after the surface is dry put a coat of oil base primer, when primer is dry apply two coats of oil base paint.
6th Mar 2023
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Use paint striper solution and the you begin to apply the new paint
12th May 2023
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ZAFIROFF 91
0 Reviews
1 Deep clean with TSP before using water-based over oil-based paint
2 Always prime when using water-based over oil-based paint.
3 Apply at least two coats of water-based paint over oil-based paint.
13th Mar 2023
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Primer is useable
27th Feb 2023
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Hi,
Whilst lining paper would do the job, a good quality primer such as Zinser Bin would suffice as a base for new good quality paint.
Hope this helps
Dave
3rd Apr 2023
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First, lightly sand the surface and clean it with a sponge dipped in TSP (trisodium phosphate) mixed with water.
Use the bonding primer
Bonding primers are best because they are formulated to adhere to glossy surfaces, such as oil-based painted finishes. If you use a very high-quality bonding primer, you might be able to paint over oil-based paint without sanding, but always read the primer's instructions.
5th Apr 2023
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First, lightly sand the surface and clean it with a sponge dipped in TSP (trisodium phosphate) mixed with water.
Allow the surface to dry.
Coat it with an oil or latex bonding primer. ...
Allow the primer to dry.
Coat with two coats of high-quality latex paint.
5th Apr 2023
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Tecni-Decor
2 Reviews, 100% Positive
If you would have to give a first coat of primer and then finish it with emulsion paint
30th Mar 2023
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AKON BUILDING COMPANY
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
Water based acrylic latex paint and other oil based paints
10th Apr 2023
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Use Nitromors it works a dream on removing any type of paint.
Apply a coat, Leave it for 40 minutes. Do not allow to dry out. 2. Remove blistered/softened point with scraper or shavehook.
Use protective gloves do not get it on your skin
15th Jun 2023
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It's unusual that oil-based paints are used on walls! Zisser stain-block primer paint may do the job.
26th Apr 2023
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If you want to paint over oil paint, you don't always have to remove the oil paint. If the old oil paint has hardened well and is still intact over the entire surface, you can simply paint over it with a new colour. In this case, the old oil paint will not come off. Paint the area as usual.
30th May 2023
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House services and maintenance
1 Reviews, 100% Positive

If you suspect that the existing paint on your walls is oil-based, it can be challenging to paint over with water-based paint like emulsion. However, you can successfully paint over oil-based paint with the right preparation and primer. Here's how to proceed:

Materials and Tools:

Oil-Based Primer: Look for a high-quality oil-based primer that is suitable for interior use. This type of primer is excellent for adhering to oil-based paints and creating a surface for water-based paint to adhere to.
Paint: Choose the water-based paint (like your matt emulsion) that you want to use for the walls.
Sandpaper: Medium-grit sandpaper (around 120-150 grit) for sanding the walls.
Painter's Tape: To protect trim, windows, and other areas you don't want to paint.
Drop Cloths or Plastic Sheeting: To protect the floor and surrounding areas.
Paintbrushes and Rollers: For applying primer and paint.
Safety Gear: Gloves, eye protection, and a mask.
Steps:

Prepare the Room: Remove furniture or cover it with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect it from paint splatter. Also, use painter's tape to mask off areas you don't want to paint, like trim and windows.

Clean the Walls: Ensure the walls are clean and free of dust, dirt, and grease. You can use a mild detergent and water to wash the walls if needed. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry completely.

Sand the Walls: Lightly sand the walls with medium-grit sandpaper. This helps scuff up the existing oil-based paint to create a better surface for the primer to adhere to. Wipe away the dust with a clean, damp cloth.

Apply the Oil-Based Primer: Apply a coat of oil-based primer to the entire wall surface. Be sure to use proper ventilation and follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time. Oil-based primers are excellent for promoting adhesion to oil-based paints.

Paint with Water-Based Paint: Once the primer is fully dry, you can paint over it with your chosen water-based paint (e.g., matt emulsion). Apply two coats for good coverage, allowing each coat to dry according to the paint manufacturer's recommendations.

Inspect and Touch Up: After the paint has dried, inspect the walls for any imperfections or areas that may need touch-up. Water-based paint typically dries faster and is easier to work with, but it's essential to ensure even coverage.

Using an oil-based primer specifically designed for interior use is a safe and effective way to ensure that your water-based paint adheres well to the existing oil-based paint on your walls. You do not need to put up new lining paper unless the walls have significant imperfections that you want to hide or if you prefer the textured look lining paper provides.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully paint your walls and achieve a smooth and durable finish over the existing oil-based paint.
18th Sep 2023
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Plastering
0 Reviews
You can use a latex primer over oil-based paint as long as it is a bonding primer. Bonding primers are best because they are formulated to adhere to glossy surfaces, such as oil-based painted finishes.
15th May 2023
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CC Builders
0 Reviews
sand wall down good and make sure you get a good sand down al over wall or it start to peel ..
Then after acrylic primer is dry ok to go over with emulsion .. best best to go an look would be deluxe B&Qs spectacled place s like that

ALKALI RESISTING PRIMER
Zinsser Bin
24th Jul 2023
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Firstly give a light sanding then clean and apply a primer. Allow to dry then apply two coats of emulsion paint.
17th Aug 2023
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First we're to going to sand it, then add a normal water base undercoat. Then re-coat it.
26th Sep 2023
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Michal
0 Reviews
Easiest way plain wallpaper than paint
2nd Oct 2023
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Dab Hand
0 Reviews
recommend sanding the sheen off your oil-based surface, then applying an oil-based primer to serve as a bridge or buffer between the old paint and the new.
19th Feb 2024
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ATIF painter
0 Reviews
Painting over oil-based paint on walls can be tricky, but it's definitely possible with the right approach. Here's what you can do:

1. **Clean the Surface:** Before doing anything else, make sure the walls are clean and free of dust, grease, and any other contaminants. You can use a mild detergent and water solution for this purpose.

2. **Sand the Surface:** Lightly sand the walls to roughen up the surface and improve adhesion. This will help the new paint grip onto the old oil-based paint.

3. **Test for Adhesion:** As you've already tried, wiping the surface with white spirit can help determine if the paint is oil-based. If the paint doesn't budge, it's likely oil-based.

4. **Use a Bonding Primer:** A super-grip or bonding primer is indeed the best option for painting over oil-based paint. While many of these primers are labeled for use on wood, metal, and ceramic, they can also be used on walls. Look for a bonding primer that explicitly mentions it's suitable for use on walls or all surfaces.

5. **Apply the Primer:** Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the bonding primer. Typically, you'll need to apply one or two coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before proceeding.

6. **Paint with Latex Paint:** Once the primer is dry, you can paint over it with your desired latex or water-based paint. Make sure to choose a high-quality paint suitable for walls and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

7. **Consider Lining Paper:** If you're still experiencing adhesion issues or if the walls are in poor condition, you can consider putting up new lining paper and painting over that. This can provide a fresh, smooth surface for painting.

8. **Test in an Inconspicuous Area:** Before priming or painting the entire wall, it's a good idea to test the adhesion of the primer and paint in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure satisfactory results.

By following these steps and using the appropriate bonding primer and paint, you should be able to successfully paint over oil-based paint on your walls. If you're unsure or hesitant, consider consulting with a professional painter for advice or assistance.
4th Mar 2024
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dsfsdf
0 Reviews
You can use Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer, which is suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces, including walls previously painted with oil-based paint. It's a versatile primer that adheres well to various surfaces, providing a strong base for your topcoat. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times. Once the primer is dry, you can paint over it with your desired emulsion paint. This should help you achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish on your walls without the need for lining paper.
12th Mar 2024
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Lining is in my opinion the best option, you can buy a sealer but expensive and not always successful
28th Mar 2024
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Robs Papering & Painting
2 Reviews, 100% Positive
Sand the wall using a light sand finish.
Apply an undercoat to the complete wall
Apply your Matt paint.
4th Apr 2024
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You can use it on wall just and like a dust coat let it full dry the add a next based coat and you should be okay from there on
8th Apr 2024
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