Can I use oil based paint over the top of latex paint?

I am about to repaint my kitchen cabinets. We made the huge miskake of using latex paint the first time. Will oil based paint stick to latex or do we need to remove the latex?Can I use oil based paint over the top of latex paint?
It depends on what is under the latex--if there's a layer of oil-based paint or varnish as a base coat, then the latex, and you put oil-base over the top of that, you'll likely have problems. Also, what is the problem with the latex? If it's failing (paint peeling, chipping, etc) putting more paint (of any sort) on top won't solve the problem--in fact, more paint on top of failing paint usually just makes it fail faster.





IF your cabinets were properly primed, IF you don't have a ';sandwich'; of oil-latex-oil, and IF the latex isn't failing, but was a mistake for some other reason, you can probably re-paint w/out problems. But make sure before you waste more paint and labor and have to strip the cabinets anyway. You can always paint one door, wait a couple weeks, and see what happens.





Added: If the paint rubs off from ordinary cleaning, it isn't adhered well to layer underneath. Another layer of paint will only stick to the latex, so it won't be adhered well either. You need to strip the cabinets to do a good job. Fortunately, is sounds like the latex is a pretty thin layer, so it won't be too awful. Use Citristrip and steel wool or scotchbrite, open windows for good ventilation (Citristrip is ';less toxic'; not ';non-toxic';). Make sure everything is clean, dry and degreased, then prime with quality oil-based primer made for your application (ask for info at a good paint store). Top coat with semi-gloss oil enamel. Again, if you're unsure of potential results, do a door or cabinet side first, wait for the paint to cure, and test by cleaning as you normally would. If it fails again, at least you won't have spent the time painting all the cabinets.Can I use oil based paint over the top of latex paint?
Take MrKnowItAll's advice. His is best of all, I know, my Dad was a Master Carpenter, meaning he could build a house from pre-foundation to the last coat of paint inside or out. Your paint is doing what is called ';chalking'; the powdery substance on your fingers. Paint also cracks, chips,peels, and alligators, thats when there are numerous areas of raise paint that resembles the rough back of the alligator hence the name. Do be sure to clean surfaces thoroughly and use a tack cloth to remove any traces of residue. Be sure to use drop cloths ( the big plastic sheets ) to protect surfaces you don't want painted by possible drips. Don't like the smell of the paint? A drop or two of vanilla will take the odor out of it.Also remember to let your base coat have plenty of time to dry, or speed it up with a window fan to move the air and speed drying time. Let each coat of color dry before the next coat. And if the previous paint is a dark color be sure to clean the surface as well as prepping it for a lighter color. You might need two coats of sealer for really dark colors that bleed through like dark red, or wine colored paints tend to do. When in doubt about wood on the outside of your home, sand or clean and prime before painting. A neighbor of mine wasted 9 gallons of expensive paint on the exterior of their house before I learned of it. When I asked if they had primed the surface first they stared with blank eyes at me. They had no idea about priming before painting on unfinished or pourous surfaces at all.


But do as he has reccommended and you will be tired but a lot happier with the resulting work.
If you are up for the extra work, I would strip the cabinets and do a oil based primer and oil based enamel. This is what I think you will be the happiest with.





I don't like latex on cabinets but since you are all ready there, you could give the cabinets a very good cleaning with TCP, some light sanding and repaint with a good latex enamel.
Some times cheep way became expansive !


I don't think it merge....
Yes, you can. Sand it. Apply an undercoat just for that purpose and paint away. I did it in the bathroom and it works just fine.
oil over latex is ok...just give a slight sanding b4 painting...


so it sticks better..
The oil will stick to the latex, but if the latex is peeling off and not sticking well then whatever you put on top will peel off as well. If you did not prime your cabinets with a high-adhesive primer the first time I don't think you have any choice but to strip off the paint that you already have on them before painting something else overtop.
try a good primer under the paint first