When you get started with home repairs, there are quite a few things that you will need to know.
Sometimes things as simple as paint have to be carefully calculated and planned out if you want them to last.
With the different types of paint on the market, including latex, acrylic, and oil based, understanding the differences and what will stick to what really does matter.
One common question that we see a lot is, “Will epoxy stick to latex paint?”
We will fill you in on the answer to this question and several others regarding latex paint.
Will Epoxy Stick to Latex Paint?
Epoxy will stick to latex paint.
You may have a hard time finding information on the epoxy container that will specifically state this.
This is because there are certain conditions in which epoxy is not going to be the best choice over latex paint.
Let’s take, for instance, a painted floor.
If you have painted a floor with latex, and then you cover it with epoxy, the epoxy will stick, but such a finish on this floor may not hold up.
The latex is going to be weaker than the epoxy, so there is a chance that it can crack and break over time.
Since the epoxy is sitting on top of the latex, it will, in turn, crack and break.
You will end up having quite a bit of work on your hands with the need to replace both the epoxy and the latex that it is laying on top of.
Essentially, you will hear mixed information about whether or not epoxy will stick to latex because, in some situations, it is not a great idea.
However, in a normal area where there won’t be heavy traffic or wear and tear on the epoxy, it will have no problem sticking.
Will Epoxy Stick to Oil Based Paint?
As we mentioned, getting epoxy to stick to latex paint is going to be rather easy.
There are areas in which it is not the smartest idea to use epoxy, yet it can still be done.
When you talk about oil based paint, however, things are a bit different.
With oil-based paint, the epoxy is not going to stick to the surface.
The oil interacts with the epoxy, and you will be left with it completely falling off the oil-based paint.
If, however, you are putting together something like a bar top, and you already have the area covered with oil-based paint, there is a way around this.
You will first have to seal the oil-based paint.
This will help to make sure that the epoxy and the oil do not come into contact with each other.
You should use at least two coats of an oil-based polyurethane on top of the oil-based paint.
The epoxy will stick when you apply it to the polyurethane.
This is the only way to get it to work.
Otherwise, you will be aimlessly applying epoxy with no end in sight.
What Is Epoxy Used For?
If you are unsure of why you want to use epoxy for something, there are actually several good reasons.
Let’s take a look at why people use epoxy and how you may be able to use it in your home today.
1. Adhesive
Most commonly, epoxy is known for being an adhesive.
Epoxy is used to glue things on a boat or in an aircraft.
You may notice that epoxy is also used on things like sporting equipment.
There are lots of ways you can use epoxy resin as an adhesive.
It is generally very easy to work with, and it usually dries clear or transparent so that you won’t change the overall look of the piece you are working on.
Epoxy resin tends to hold up quite well even in situations where it is exposed to the elements.
Overall, you will find that this is a great solution when you need an adhesive.
2. Electronics
A less common use for epoxy resin is in electronics.
This is typically something the average consumer is not getting to see or pay much attention to.
However, inside a circuit board, transformer, and even a motor, you will likely find that epoxy resin was used.
The reason epoxy is used is that it works as an excellent protector.
This protection can keep products from getting too hot or short circuiting as well.
Essentially, electronics are able to last for longer periods of time with the epoxy in place.
3. Painting
Epoxy can be used as paint.
Although this probably won’t look like your typical paint job, epoxy can make a good protective covering.
When something is coated with an epoxy type paint, it is often called powder coating.
This coating is used in most commercial settings to give a very durable finish to an appliance.
The epoxy paint works well on different types of metal surfaces, and it sticks without a problem.
Another great thing about epoxy paint is that it will be effortless to clean and wipe down when the finish is complete.
4. Epoxy Seal
Since epoxy can be such a good covering, it has very often been known to be used as a seal or a coating on projects.
Epoxy will not rust, and therefore, it can be a good choice on products that are known for rusting.
Things like metal containers and even metal furniture can benefit from an epoxy seal at times.
The epoxy coating or sealant is simple to put on, and it sticks to most surfaces.
Some people will use an epoxy sealant on their floor if they have an aggregate type flooring option in their home.
Epoxy floors are getting more and more popular because of their ease of use and the way you can customize them.
5. Fragile Items
If you have broken your favorite glass or ceramic vase, you might be able to use epoxy resin to fix it.
Many people will use these products around the house to make repairs and return broken items back to their original conditions.
Since the epoxy will dry clear most of the time, you should have no issue with it standing out or looking odd on your finished piece.
You can get the epoxy to dry very thinly as long as you put a thin layer on to begin with.
You should not need to clamp epoxy down too hard as it tends to spread out relatively evenly on its own.
Remember that, if the item you are trying to fix is covered with an oil based paint, you will not have much luck with the process.
Conclusion
It is a smart idea to keep some epoxy around the house.
With the number of uses and how easy it is to apply, epoxy is a great choice to consider for several household repairs and projects.
Remember that epoxy is a versatile substance which will stick to many things.
However, if you try to put it directly on an oil based paint, you will end up with a bit of a mess on your hands.
Remember to follow our process of first sealing the oil based paint with polyurethane and then putting the epoxy on top of that.
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