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I'm in a time crunch. I have to get this storm door painted before the installer comes. I primed it with oil based primer, but don't have time to get oil based paint. Can I use the water based exterior paint that was used on my house?

This is the paint I have.

I don't understand the difference latex, acrylic etc. and I am at work now.

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  • You might be able to. But you'd need to do a test first, and that will take more time than running to the store and getting an oil paint.
    – Chris Cudmore
    Jun 5, 2013 at 13:05
  • What kind of test?
    – mmcglynn
    Jun 5, 2013 at 13:49
  • Your link is for the interior, I assume you meant the exterior version. An enamel should be a better choice for the door (harder finish, more scrubbable).
    – HerrBag
    Jun 5, 2013 at 14:06
  • You're not doing the installer any favors by painting just before installation, unless you have 3 days to dry. You're asking for a smudged finish.
    – HerrBag
    Jun 5, 2013 at 14:09
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    Even if it's hung it is a piece of cake to knock out the hinge pins and lay the door down on some saw horses. That kind of thing is done all the time.
    – Michael Karas ♦
    Jun 5, 2013 at 15:51

1 Answer 1

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Primers (of either base) can be top coated with either latex or oil. Double check your primer label.

What doesn't work is an oil based topcoat (brittle film) over a latex topcoat (softer, flexible film).

An oil based primer is a good undercoat for exterior (or baths), due to its greater degree of waterproofing.

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  • Thank you for that, I will check the label when I get home.
    – mmcglynn
    Jun 5, 2013 at 14:04
  • Painted the door, all seems well.
    – mmcglynn
    Jun 6, 2013 at 15:38
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    Painted with what? Tell us the gory details!
    – Bryce
    Nov 4, 2013 at 6:18

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