How to Determine Latex From Oil Paint

Identify a can of mystery paint before you use it.

It's difficult -- and sometimes impossible -- to tell the difference between water-based latex paint and oil paint just by looking at the paint in question. While oil paint often has a stronger odor than latex paint, sniffing paint isn't a definitive way to tell them apart and it can be harmful to your health. Fortunately, you can quickly determine if you're dealing with latex or oil paint by performing an easy test with plain water.

Things You'll Need

• Small plastic cup
• 1 tbsp. water
• Plastic spoon

Instructions

1. Pour 1 tbsp. paint into a small plastic cup.

2. Add 1 tbsp. water to the cup.

3. Stir the paint and water together with a plastic spoon or a chopstick.

4. Evaluate the paint and water mixture. If the paint and water blend together, the paint is latex or water-based. If the paint and water separate, the paint is oil-based.

References

• "Paint Saves the Day"; Lucianna Samu; 2009