How Do You Determine If Paint Is Oil Or Water Based?
To help you best determine whether a painted surface used oil- or water-based paint, there are several tests you can do. Oil-based paints are typically used on exteriors, kitchens and bathrooms–especially cabinets and woodwork. While latex paints (made from a water base) are used more often on basic painting throughout the home–bedrooms, living rooms, etc. Using a latex-based paint over an existing layer of oil-based paint can be tricky–the new layer of latex paint will not properly stick and dry if it is oil-based underneath. Determine which area of the home or wall you would like to paint. Touch the surface to help determine what kind of paint is on the wall. Oil paints are often smooth to the touch while latex paints have a rubbery texture. Select a small area on the wall. Place a small amount of denatured alcohol or paint deglosser on a cotton ball. Rub the surface area with the cotton ball. If the paint currently on the wall is latex, some of the paint may be removed and/or the
