Can i paint latex paint over enamel paint without stripping and prime?

Becky Turri
by Becky Turri
It is on door facings and wain scotting. I was not sure how to go about cleaning it up.

  7 answers
  • Mary Oberg Mary Oberg on Jul 11, 2017

    Ask them at the paint store. Paints have so many new ingredients these days and some may specifically adhere to enamel.

  • Melissa Travis Thompson Melissa Travis Thompson on Jul 11, 2017

    you can use etching primer and it will be fine. the primer will etch the existing paint enough for it to adhere to the new paint.

  • William William on Jul 11, 2017

    Contrary to popular belief, you can apply latex paint over enamel. But you must do the required preparation work first to avoid peeling paint in the future. Clean, dry, light sand, and prime the enamel surface before you paint.

  • Emily Emily on Jul 11, 2017

    You can use latex over oil paint, but not the other way around.

  • A A on Jul 12, 2017

    I'm not a fan of prep work either, but in this situation, it is crucial. If not properly prepped, the latex will not grab the surface beneath, resulting in peeled paint looking worse than when you started.

  • You can use it but be sure to scuff the surface before applying the new paint.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Dec 25, 2022

    Scuff it up with 220 grit sand paper so the new primer has something to cling to, then apply the primer and then the latex.