How to Tell Whether Paint on the Wall Is Latex or Oil-Based

Before you paint over a wall, it's important to find out if the previous layer is oil-based (alkyd) or water-based (latex). You need to know what type you are painting over in order to prepare the wall properly. You cannot use latex paint over an alkyd unless you sand or use the proper primer; otherwise, the paint won't adhere to the surface properly. But if you are painting latex over latex, those steps won't be necessary. Luckily, there is a very quick and simple test to help you differentiate between the two.

Household cleaner
Towel
Cotton ball or soft rag
Denatured alcohol, shellac thinner or non-acetone-based nail polish remover

Instructions

- 1
  Clean off a small area of the wall with household detergent and water. If you don't plan on painting the wall soon, choose an area in an inconspicuous location, such as behind the couch as this test may alter the paint slightly. Rinse the area with water and dry it with a towel.
- 2
  Soak a cotton ball or soft rag in denatured alcohol, shellac thinner or non-acetone-based nail polish remover. The rag needs to be a different color than the wall.
- 3
  Rub the cleaned off surface of the wall vigorously in a circular motion with the cotton ball for about a minute. You only need to rub a small area about the size of a quarter.
- 4
  Touch the area with your hand. If the paint feels soft, slightly tacky or comes off, it is most likely latex paint. If the surface remains shiny, it is probably oil-based paint.
- 5
  Look at the cotton ball or rag. If some of the paint has come off, it is probably latex paint. The paint may look thick or gummy.

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