How to Tell if Paint is Oil Based or Water Based- Latex Acrylic

Being able to determine if a paint is oil base can be important. Especially if you plan on painting over it. Here is an easy, inexpensive way to determine the difference between oil based and water based paints.

Things You'll Need

• Denautred alcohol
• Rag

Instructions

1. Go to your local hardware store and purchase a small can of denatured alcohol. It normally comes in a metal tin with a plastic safety lid. Denatured alcohol is also used in some fuel stoves. It is essentially the same thing as Sterno.

2. Find an old rag. If the paint is light, use a dark colored rag. If the paint is dark, use a light colored rag. This will help you see the paint on the cloth.

3. Dip a small portion of the rag into the tin. Slowly rub the alcohol on a small portion of the paint. If the paint becomes soft and begins to come off on the cloth, the paint is water based (latex acrylic).

Tips & Warnings

• Denatured alcohol is extremely flamable. Do not use around an open flame.