The general answer to your question is yes, you can apply one over the other – with a caveat – since oil and water don’t mix you’ll need a sealer coat in between the two. Shellac works well because it binds to water-based and oil-based polyurethanes while keeping the two separated.

Can I use water based polyurethane over oil based polyurethane?

Answer: In most cases, it is OK to use a water-based polyurethane over an oil-based finish in good condition. You should remove grease, dirt and wax by scrubbing the surface with a wood prep/cleaner/de-glosser, or mineral spirits and synthetic steel wool.

Can you use a water based polyurethane over an oil?





Can You Use Water-based Polyurethane over Oil-based Stain? Yes, you can apply water-based polyurethane over oil-based stain. You may be thinking, “But oil and water don’t mix,” and you’ll be right. You won’t be mixing them; you’d just be applying the polyurethane over the stain.

Can you layer oil based and water based polyurethane?

Flooring wholesalers and veteran floor finishers agree that you can recoat water-based poly with oil-based as long as the original coating has completely cured—generally 30 to 60 days. You’ll have to lightly buff the old finish with a power buffer to prepare it for the new polyurethane.

Can you put water based over oil based?

Let’s break it down. You cannot use water-based paint on top of oil-based paint. You can use oil-based paint on top of water-based paint. You can use a water-based primer on top of an oil-based primer.

What happens if you put water based Poly over oil based stain?

Seal Oil-Based Stain





Oil and water don’t mix. Water-based poly can have adhesion problems when applied over an oil-based stain that’s not thoroughly cured. That’s why you should always apply a barrier coat of dewaxed shellac to seal oil-based stain.

Can you apply polyurethane over old polyurethane?

As long as you use the proper steps to prepare the finish, you can put Polyurethane over old Polyurethane. But before you apply the topcoat polyurethane, you might have to sand the surface lightly using a dull 120 to 150 grit abrasive or using a heavy floor buffer.

Which is better water based or oil based polyurethane?

Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable. Today though, water based polyurethane has evolved with better formulations that are equally durable as oil based polyurethane. High quality water based polyurethanes is considered by many homeowners & flooring professionals to be equally durable.

Is water based polyurethane waterproof?

Water-based polyurethane is perfect for floors as it can be applied quickly and dries just as fast. It is also scratch and scuff-resistant, waterproof, and dries just as hard as oil-based poly.

Will water based polyurethane yellow?



Water-based polyurethane rarely turns yellow over time. This is because the polyurethane has a very low level of oils in the coating. Also, water-based polyurethane has a low level of VOCs, paint chemicals, and solvents which means the paint coating is less likely to react or turn yellow.

Can I use water based top coat over oil based undercoat?

Latex paints will not stick to oil based paints. The exception is that an oil based primer may accept any kind of top coat paint. For that reason, an oil based primer is recommended to be applied over any oil based top coat, then a water based paint may be used as a top coat.

Can you put water based gloss over oil based gloss?

Because water-based paint doesn’t bond well with the glossy surface of oil-based paint, remove as much gloss from the surface as possible before repainting. Make a pass over the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper (180- to 220-grit).

Can I paint water based over oil based primer?



Painting over oil-based paints is only possible when the paint is oil-based. Unless this is done, the paint will peel off or blister. Therefore, a primer that is oil-based should be applied over any oil-based top coat, and a water-based paint should be used as a top coat as well.

Can I use water-based gloss on oil based undercoat?

Yes! However, you must follow one simple rule in order to ensure the best possible finish: the underlying finish must be completely dry. Water-based products, such as water-based High Performance Topcoat, should be applied 72 hours after oil-based products, such as oil-based Gel Stain, are applied.

Can you use water-based latex paint over oil based primer?

Can You Use Water-Based Paint Over Oil-based Primer? Yes, you can use water-based paint over an oil-based primer. You can always use oil-based primer over any type of top coat—and water-based paints is that top coat.

What is better oil based or water-based primer?

Water-based primer typically dries faster than an oil-based primer. However, this can vary based on the brand and type. Oil-based primer is better to apply to wood. The oil seals the grains of the wood and prevents the paint from bubbling due to water damage.

When should you use oil based primer?



Oil-based primers are ideal for interior and exterior unfinished or bare wood because they seal the porous surface of wood, enabling the coat of paint to better cover the surface. They stop tannins, released from woods, such as cedar or redwood, from bleeding through the surface of the paint.

Should you sand oil based primer?

Sand Your Primer

I always use oil-based primer on woodwork and cabinets so that I can sand it down to a super smooth feel before beginning my finish painting. Use 220-grit paper or fine sanding sponges to sand everything down once the primer has dried enough that it generates dust when sanded.

What is the difference between oil based and water based sealer?

Unlike water-based driveway sealers, oil-based varieties have a longer cure time and distinct odor that is quite strong and often lingers in the air for days after the sealing is complete. Oil-based sealers also contain VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, which pollute the environment.

Can you put water based sealer over oil based paint?



Yes! ANSWER: Yes! The underlying finish must be absolutely dry, however. If you are using a water-based topcoat over an oil-based stain, allow the oil-based finish, such as Java Gel Stain, to dry for at least 72 hours before coating.

Can you use water based spar urethane over oil based spar urethane?

Yes, you can put a water-based polyurethane over an oil-based paint wood finish in most cases. Prepare the surface first by removing any dirt, grease, and wax before using water-based polyurethane over oil paint.