When you are painting a large piece, sometimes it makes sense to use a spray paint for your base color because it applies quickly and dries quickly. If you are wondering whether you can use oil paint on top of a base like this, you’re not the only one. It is a very common question!
So, will oil paint stick to spray paint? Yes. Oil paint can be applied on top of spray paint. You want to make sure you use a matte spray paint instead of a gloss, because the oil paint will have an easier time sticking to the matte surface. Matte finishes are considered to be toothy, so the oil paint will adhere nicely to that type of paint.
While oil paints can be used on top of spray paints, it is important to remember that it won’t work the other way around. You can’t use spray paint on top of oil paint because the paint will not adhere to the surface. When you use oil paint over spray paint, it is essential that the spray paint is all the way dry first.
What Paint Will Stick to Spray Paint?
If you are wanting to paint over spray paint, you need to make sure you are using a paint that will stick to the surface. Acrylic paint and oil paint are the two main types of paints that will stick to spray paint.
Spray paint is solvent based, so conditions need to be right for any type of paint to properly stick. It is best to use a primer on top of the spray paint that is made for the type of paint you are using.
My favorite and top pick is always Arteza Oil Paints. They have so many different colors, and the quality is amazing! I usually use Arteza Paints for all my projects.
For acrylic paint, you can use an acrylic primer. For oil paint, you can use an oil primer. If you want to use both, you can use a gesso primer. Gesso has been proven to increase adhesion of both acrylic paint and oil paint to a surface.
Can You Brush Paint Over Spray Paint?
It is possible to brush paint over spray paint if you do so correctly. The very first thing you need to do is make sure the spray paint is completely dry before you do anything. If the spray paint is old, then you don’t need to worry about waiting for it to dry.
Next, you will need to lightly sand the surface of the spray paint. Grab a 100-grit sandpaper and very gently sand the surface where you are planning to brush the paint on. This will help give the paint something to stick to.
After you are finished sanding, clean the surface with a damp cloth. Wipe down the entire surface, even the areas you didn’t sand. This will get rid of any residue that is still on the surface of the spray paint after you finish sanding. Make sure you give the surface plenty of time to dry as you don’t want to work over a damp surface.
You will then want to add a primer to the surface. This will guarantee that you are working with an even surface, and it will enhance the adhesion of the paint to the surface. It is best to apply at least two thin, even layers of primer to your project. Let each layer dry thoroughly before working on the next.
My top recommendation is Mont Marte Gesso Primer. This primer works great with acrylic paint, as well as oil paints. It offers great coverage, and its also super affordable!
As soon as the primer is dry, you can apply the brush paint. You will get the best results by using a high-quality brush that is at an angle. Apply thin coats of your chosen paint and let each coat completely dry before you add the next.
You should get plenty of coverage with two coats of paint, but you can add more if you feel like the project needs more coverage. Let the paint completely dry and cure before you try to move your project.
Will Acrylic Paint Stay on Spray Paint?
Acrylic paint will stay on spray paint, but you need to follow a certain procedure to ensure that it does. You are going to start by sanding the surface of the spray paint with a 100-grit sandpaper. The purpose of doing this isn’t to get rid of the spray paint, so be very careful.
You will also want to make sure you are applying even pressure across the entire surface of the spray paint. If not, you can end up with noticeable patches that show through the acrylic. You only want to remove the shine from the spray paint.
Next, you are going to clean the surface so it’s free of any dust, dirt, and debris from when you were sanding the surface. You can use some warm soapy water and a clean rag to gently wipe off the surface. Make sure it is completely dry before you add the primer. If the surface is damp, there is a huge chance of the acrylic peeling in the future.
Apply the primer when you are positive that the surface is dry. It is highly recommended that you use a gesso primer for the best results. This is because gesso adheres to solvent based paints and water-based paints, so it will easily adhere to both the spray paint and acrylic paint.
Paint with the acrylic paint in thin, even layers. It is best to apply at least two layers of acrylic because one layer will be too transparent. If you want an opaquer look, you can add more than two layers.
Finally, you will need to seal the acrylic paint. Use an acrylic sealer after the acrylic paint has dried completely. The sealant will protect your painting from damage and debris, keeping it looking good as new for as long as possible.
Can I Put Latex Paint Over Spray Paint?
You can also use latex paint over spray paint if you follow the same instructions used with acrylic paint. You will need to sand the spray paint, use a primer, and add a sealant when you are finished to protect the surface.
Best Oil Paints
When you are looking for new oil paints, you are going to want to use the best quality. However, budget is probably a huge factor as well. The best oil paint you can get for the money is going to be Winsor and Newton.
Winsor and Newton has a few different lines of oil paints. They have a student grade quality and a professional grade quality. You will love the vibrant colors and the ease of use you get with these paints.
This brand has been around for years and is known for its quality. They have a very wide range of color options, so you will have no problems finding what you are looking for. Winsor and Newton is also considered a great brand for beginners.
Another great brand that I personally use is Arteza. They have artists quality oil paints, as well as over 1,000 other products. This brand is also affordable, and offers student and artists quality paints.
Final Thoughts
If you are wondering whether you can paint over spray paint, you definitely can. You can paint over spray paint with oil paints and acrylic paints as long as you prepare the surface properly. You need to start by sanding the spray paint, using a primer, and adding a sealant to protect the painting.
When searching for the best oil paint to use for this type of project, you should consider Winsor and Newton. This brand is known as one of the best for the money because it is good quality and easy to use.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your oil and spray paint project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!
