# How to Tell If Paint Is Oil
When you're going to paint over a wall, you need to know if you're painting over oil-based or latex paint. If you're painting over oil-based paint, you need an oil-based primer before applying a new coat of latex. Fortunately, there's an easy test that does not involve sniffing or tasting paint chips.
Things You'll Need
- Soapy water
- Wash rag
- Towel
- Cotton ball
- Denatured alcohol
Instructions
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1
Wash the wall well with mild detergent in an inconspicuous spot. Rinse it with clean water, then dry with a towel. You don't want to get a false result with a dirty wall.
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2
Soak a cotton ball in denatured alcohol. Rubbing alcohol works fine.
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3
Rub the cotton ball over the clean spot.
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4
Look at the cotton ball. If you see paint on the cotton ball, it's latex. You can paint over it with a latex paint. If there's no paint on the cotton ball, it's oil based. You'll need to use an oil-based primer to cover the paint. You can then follow with an oil-based or latex paint.
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Indoor House Painting
- How to Paint a Firebox
- How to Paint Oil on Wood
- How to Get Paint off Boots
- How to Make Paint for Marbling
- How to Paint on Cork
- How to Paint Beams
- How to Paint Spindles
- How to Get Rid of an Oil Paint Odor
- How to Paint an Awning
- How to Paint a Radiator
- How to Tell Whether Wall Paint Is Latex or Oil
- How to Tell Latex Vs. Oil Paint
