How to Tell Whether Wall Paint Is Latex or Oil

Test Paint in the Can

• 1

  Test wall paint in an unlabeled can by feeling the texture of it between your fingertips. In most cases, latex will have a more rubbery texture when compared to the more silky feel of oil.

• 2

  Remove the lid of the can of paint you wish to test. Allow it to sit in a well-ventilated room overnight.

• 3

  Look at the surface of the paint once it has settled. An oil-based paint will have a thin layer of oil floating at the top of the paint surface, while a latex paint will have a watery layer at the top.

Test for Latex Paint on the Wall

• 4

  Apply a small amount of denatured alcohol to a cotton ball or swab. The tip of a cloth rag can also be used for this purpose.

• 5

  Rub the alcohol-dipped cloth or swab onto the painted surface. You should use small circular motions when testing the painted area.

• 6

  Observe the area treated and notice whether any paint has been removed. In most cases, the denatured alcohol will remove a small amount of latex paint, leaving oil-based paints intact.

• 7

  Test the area treated with your fingertips. If it feels tacky, this indicates that the paint is latex and not oil-based.

• 8

  Apply a small amount of liquid sand paper or deglosser to tell whether a wall has been painted with latex paint. If it has, the area treated will appear less glossy.