One of the main and most important general rules of painting is that the surface needs to be just right. This usually includes having the surface be smooth and even, as well as it is 100% dry.
Any moisture or dampness on the surface can stop paint from adhering properly, and will then lead to the paint cracking or peeling after not too long.
But what about adhesive residue? Can you paint over that or do you have to remove it first?

Depending on the type of paint and on the surface you might be able to just paint over the adhesive residue, and nothing will go wrong.
However, with most types of paint, it is vital that the surface is completely clean and dry, and this includes removing any adhesive residue, as it will just interfere with the painting process and disrupt the end result.
So basically, the default answer and recommendation to this is no. You should not paint over adhesive residue, and in most cases, adhesive residue will negatively interfere with the painting process, and with the adhesion of the paint to the surface.
There are plenty of tools and products that can be used to remove adhesive residue from any type of surface, and you should do as such during the preparation stage of the surface you are wanting to paint.
Can you paint over adhesive residue on the concrete floor?
So, with most types of paints and surfaces, you can’t and should not paint over adhesive residue, as it will interfere with the painting process and it will just prevent you from achieving smooth and professional results.
But that’s not the case for absolutely every single surface and paint.
So what about the concrete floor? Can you paint over adhesive residue that is on this type of surface? Well, technically, yes. But also, you shouldn’t really.
Basically, it is highly recommended that you first remove the adhesive residue, as the painting process will be a lot better if the surface is fully clean and dry, and there is nothing there to interfere or disrupt.
Painting over the adhesive residue on a concrete floor is possible, but the results might not be as smooth and as professional as they would have been if you had just removed the adhesive beforehand.
But as we mentioned, it is technically possible. A solution to painting over adhesive residue on a concrete floor would be to use Epoxy Paint, as this will be able to go over the adhesive residue without any issues whatsoever, and it can offer some pretty good end results.
Here is how to do it:
- Start by cleaning the surface, removing all dirt and debris with the help of a brush or similar.
- Remove as much of the adhesive residue as possible. You don’t have to remove it all, but the bigger chunks of it can disrupt the painting process so it’s best to remove them beforehand.
- Clean the surface once more and then leave to dry completely.
- Prime the surface with the adhesive residue by applying the epoxy. This will be able to adhere to the adhesive residue, and it will create a good surface for the actual paint.
- Once the primer has fully dried, apply a suitable type of paint!
Can you paint over asbestos adhesive?
The asbestos adhesive is a type of adhesive product most commonly used in floorings for hardwood or tiles, although it is also used in some sealers.
Removing the residue from asbestos adhesive can be quite a challenge, so it’s always best if you can avoid doing so.
But what if you need to repaint the surface? Can you paint over asbestos adhesive?
The answer is no. Or at the very least, it is not recommended that you do. In order to be able to paint a surface properly, you should first remove any residue from the asbestos adhesive, so that you have a clean, smooth, and dry surface to work with.
However, when treating with asbestos adhesive it is important to be careful, as it can become quite dangerous.
So if the asbestos adhesive is undisturbed, and won’t be much of an issue for painting over, then it is recommended that you cover it with the new coatings of paint.
This will not be possible with all types of paint, but you might be able to use a suitable primer to pave the way beforehand.