painting wood trim

[hillclimber]

Well, I've got a couple of windows to paint (interior trim) and I'm wondering if I should use latex or oil based paint. I scraped off the many years buildup of paint and whatnot, got down to bare wood, and then primered them with latex primer. That primer doesn't seem to have raised the grain any so I'm wondering if I can use latex paint over the primer. Can I even think of mixing latex primer with oil-based paint? I don't know. As I'm selling the place, I guess I'll just slap some glossy latex paint up there and be done with it.

I guess that's what I'll do but any thoughts / warnings appreciated.

 

[Pablo]

Latex all the way.

 

[drm7]

The guys that painted my new home used oil. When I finished my family room and basement I personally use latex. Problem is, you can put latex on oil as it will peel (from what I know). So, in the future I'll have to remember which trim has which kind of paint. I've heard you can go oil over latex but not the other way around. I don't know for sure.

 

[tom slick]

latex will work fine.

 

[hillclimber]

The consensus is latex, thanks.

 

[TooManyWheels]

Latex can go over oil primer, oil finish can not go over latex primer.

The reason is that the behavior of latex is to skim or scab over the surface. Oil sinks in. Since oil can not sink in to the scabbed surface of latex, it peels.

 

[hillclimber]

Quote:

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Latex can go over oil primer, oil finish can not go over latex primer.

The reason is that the behavior of latex is to skim or scab over the surface. Oil sinks in. Since oil can not sink in to the scabbed surface of latex, it peels.

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That is actually good to know, I'll have to remember that for future reference. Reason is, I just got back from sifting through the offers with the realtor and I just sold the house 'as is'. So I guess I'm finished painting!

 

[Amkeer]

Latex is good for interior walls, exterior walls and exterior trim as long as its acrylic. To do trim properly it should be done with oil base such as Benjamin Moore Impervo enamel. You would prime it with the enamel underbody.

You can put oil over a latex primer.

 

[Slick 55]

Sherwin Williams Pro-Classic is the answer. It is a latex trim paint that flows like oil. Not cheap, but the results are excellent.

 

[mechtech2]

I also am a professional painter. Water based enamels are superb. They dry to a tough finish. Perfect for trim. No odors and easy clean up.
For large areas [like doors], a smoother finish will probably be obtained with oil based enamels [for an amateur].
Benjamin Moore Aqua Glow in satin or semi-gloss is wonderful for trim [as are many other brands].
Remember that automobiles are painted with water based paints now, and are better than ever.

 

[Amkeer]

Mech,

Its funny since all the professional painters that I know use Benjamin Moore Impervo Enamel. Impervo is spec'd by architects almost always. When its brushed on it flows out like its been sprayed. It sands great between coats to give you a nice, durable finish.

I use both latex and oils, but if you want the best job use the Impervo Enamel.