Can You Paint Enamel Over Acrylic?

Yes, you can paint enamel over acrylic, although under certain conditions.

Therefore there is no definite answer to this question.

Enamel paint can be able to withstand different surfaces, including metal.

In this blog post, I will take you through how to paint enamel over acrylic.

Enamel Paint over Acrylic

If you want to paint enamel over acrylic, you will need to determine if the surface is sealed or not.

You will also need to take into consideration if the previous painting is still intact or damaged.

These factors will guide you in knowing whether it will be possible or not.

Remember these are DIY activities and certain factors you need to be aware because you may be alone at home and therefore, you lack no one to consult.

I love engaging myself in DIY activities whenever I am at home with my family around.

These activities usually keep me busy, and I also get to engage my family members.

It gives us a chance to spend time together and become creative.

Painting enamel over acrylic will only be possible if the acrylic paint does not have a topcoat as the seal.

I usually research before I embark on any DIY project so that I can have enough information and details that are necessary for success.

To confirm if there is a topcoat, sprinkle a few droplets of water on the painted surface.

If the water is absorbed, then it does not have a topcoat.

If the water runs off or stays on top of the surface, it has a topcoat.

For the enamel paint to the last longer, apply a basic primer on the acrylic surface.

Do not worry if you do not have the primer. You can easily purchase one from the local hardware store.

There are different varieties of primers that you can use. If you do not stay near a hardware store, you can order from Amazon.

Alternatively, you can paint on the surface without applying anything to it.

If the acrylic surface is sealed, you will need to get rid of the topcoat by sanding the surface thoroughly.

After you are done, you will need to apply a primer.

It is not a must that you apply a primer, but it is necessary if you want the painting to last longer.

Only apply the enamel paint once the primer has dried.

Types of Enamel Paint

Enamel paint comes in two variants.

There is oil-based and water-based enamel paint. Initially, only oil-based paint was available, but recently, water-based paint is also available.

1. Water-based Enamel Paint

You may want to make this your choice as it dries faster when you compare it to the oil-based paint.

For it to dry completely, it only takes less than eight hours.

You can easily clean it and also, when you want to apply a different colour or when you want to apply a different type of paint, you can wash it off with water.

It is moisture-resistant and ideal for surfaces that need to be washed frequently.

2. Oil-based Enamel Paint

It takes longer to dry, roughly eight to twenty-four hours.

Unlike water-based paint, it starts drying from inside to outside. If you are using it inside the house, ensure that it is properly ventilated since the oil-based paint has a strong odour and emits poisonous fumes.

Is It Possible To Paint Enamel Over Acrylic?

Yes, you can paint enamel over acrylic once you decide if you want the painting to last long or not.

I would advise that you use primers for durability.

Again, you can either choose an oil-based paint or water-based paint. It all depends on you.