Latex Paint over Oil Paint?

Question

I have an interior door that was painted with an oil based paint. The paint has lead in it so I don't want to sand it and create dust. I bought a primer that adheres to glossy paint. Is that enough for me to use in order to paint over the door with a latex paint? The primer I bought is Zinsser Cover Stain. Also do I need 2 coats of primer or just 1?

Answer 1

Zinsser was a great choice and you only need one coat. So just do it. But clean the existing surface first.
Water and whatever cleaner is handy.

Asker's rating & comment

Answer 2

Always 2 coats of primer, although if you have not yet started, then you should take back the primer and simply buy a 2 in 1 paint that has the primer actually in the paint. You're just making more work for yourself by doing the primer separately. Both Valspar (Lowe's) and Behr (Home Depot) have 2 in 1 paint that works perfectly for the job you are doing.

Paint type aside, you are going to need to rough up the door surface whether you use primer or not. Any time you have a glossy surface you need to dull it with sandpaper. Simply painting primer on over top of the glossy surface will do nothing to penetrate the old surface, which is what needs to happen in order for the new paint to "stick" properly.

Just a light sanding of the surface by hand (much less dust) wearing a dust mask and make sure you thoroughly vacuum the dust particles. You do not need to completely remove the shiny surface you just need to dull it everywhere and then the new latex 2 in 1 paint will bond just perfectly.

Answer 3

I usually go with two coats of primer for these types of cover-ups. Most of the time there are no issues but every once in a while, it doesn't work for whatever reason, Good luck

Answer 4

Paint remover to take off the lead paint-liquefies it so no dust or take it off the hinges and sand it outside. If theres too many coats it will probably stick or not close at all-especially in the summertime

Answer 5

Lead based paint has not been used in 40 years. Even if there WAS lead based paint on your walls, there isn't enough lead to be anywhere near as unhealthy as inhaling lead free dust.