Can I Add White Latex Paint to Rustoleum Counter Paint?

Painting your counter tops can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom.

Rust-Oleum counter paint is oil- or alkyd-based paint and latex paint is water-based, so you cannot add white latex paint to Rust-Oleum counter paint. The home improvement store can mix the counter paint with white oil-based paint if you would like to make the color lighter, or you can add a white oil-based paint to Rust-Oleum counter paint yourself.

Things You'll Need

• White oil-based paint
• Empty paint cans
• Paint stirrer

Instructions

1. Purchase white oil-based paint. Look for the words "oil-based" or "alkyd" on the front of the can.

2. Buy empty paint cans. Many home improvement stores sell empty paint cans with lids. If you don't have any luck there, you can try your local hobby or craft store. You will be mixing and storing the white oil-based paint and counter paint in these cans.

3. Pour the counter paint into the empty paint can. The amount of counter paint you pour into the empty can depends on how much white paint you want to add to it later. If you aren't sure, fill the can halfway. This leaves you plenty of room to add and stir the white paint.

4. Add white oil-based paint. Add a little bit of white paint at a time and then stir the colors thoroughly together. Keep adding white paint until you reach your desired color.

Tips & Warnings

• Always lay down a tarp. A tarp protects your mixing surface from spills or splashes.

• Always work in a well-ventilated area. Oil-based paint fumes can lead to dizziness, nausea and vomiting, so be sure to open a window.

• Purchase white Rust-Oleum counter paint to mix with your colored counter paint.

• Never mix paints around open flames. Oil-based paint fumes are flammable. Be sure to mix these paints in an area that does have any open flames such as pilot lights.

References

• Rust-Oleum: Specialty Countertop Coating Paint Label
• Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations: General Questions