Can I use latex paint over oil-based paint?

Yes! First of all, to determine whether the existing paint is latex or oil-based, put some rubbing alcohol on a cloth and rub it firmly on a small area of the paint. If the paint rubs off on the cloth, it is latex. If I’m testing a dark color of paint, I use a light colored cloth, and vice versa.

If the paint doesn’t rub off on the cloth, then it’s oil-based, and I use this process. First, lightly sand to remove the sheen from the oil-based paint and roughen up the surface. Then, apply at least one coat of oil-based primer. And then, apply two coats of high-quality latex paint. While latex paint will not adhere well directly over oil-based paint, it will adhere to an oil-based primer.