1. the act or process of painting over an existing layer of paint or artwork
Usage: commonly used in art and restoration contexts
2. a painting that has been painted over or covered with additional layers of paint
Usage: art history term

1. to paint over or cover with paint; to apply paint excessively or repeatedly to a surface
Usage: present participle or gerund form of 'overpaint'

Examples

• The artist discovered an earlier portrait beneath the overpainting when examining the canvas with X-rays.
• Overpainting the old wall required three coats to completely hide the previous color.
• The restoration team carefully removed the overpainting to reveal the original fresco underneath.
• She was overpainting the fence when she realized she had missed several spots.
• The museum's conservators studied the overpainting technique used by Renaissance masters.
• Overpainting with too much product can lead to drips and an uneven finish.