How to Make a Flat Latex Paint Repair

Pour 1 tsp. of denatured alcohol onto a cloth. Rub the alcohol onto an inconspicuous part of the paint for 10 to 15 seconds. Look at the rag to see if any of the paint color rubbed off, which would indicate that the paint is indeed latex paint.

Locate a leftover can of the original paint color. Read the can to determine the manufacturer's recommended paint thinner, which is called a reducer. Reduce the remaining paint in the can by 10 to 15 percent by adding the reducer into it and then mixing well with a paint stirrer.

Apply the paint using the same type of applicator that you used on the original paint finish. If the paint was brushed on, which is usually done on trim, apply the repair with a brush. If the paint was originally applied with a paint roller, use a paint roller for the repair.

Determine whether you can simply paint the damaged area or whether you will need to paint a larger section. Generally, if the damage is in an inconspicuous area, you can simply repair the damaged area. If the damaged area is at eye level, such as the middle of a wall, you will need to paint the whole wall so that it does not stand out.

Start at one end and work your way across to the other end, if you are painting a large area such as a wall. If you are touching up a small section, apply the paint in the middle of the damaged area and feather it outward into the undamaged area of paint to disguise the repair.

Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.