How To Identify Latex Paint

A. There are a number of ways to determine if your paint is latex or oil based.

Take denatured alcohol or Liquid Sandpaper and rub it on latex and some paint will be removed and the surface will get tacky and sticky -- but on oil it won't take off paint or get tacky. Also, latex paint will mark easily with a silver coin, oil paint will be harder to mark.

Latex paint will soften with a solvent like lacquer thinner or Goof Off as well. Latex paint will probably not be as smooth; brush marks or roller stipple will be more evident. Latex paint may scratch off easier or even chip off, it will also soften in high humidity.

Peel Away® 1 will remove lead and oil based paints from the following: Plaster, concrete, brass, copper, brick, steel, cast iron, fiberglass, stucco, wood, marble, T-111 siding. When using the Peel Away® 1 on wood, it will raise the grain and discolor the wood. If you are planning to repaint and the initial coat of paint is oil based, you can use Peel Away® 1. Be sure to use Peel Away® Neutralizer after you are done so that the next coat of paint will adhere properly.

Peel Away® 7 will remove lead and oil based paints from wood, brick, stone, plaster, metal, fiberglass, graphite and steel. If you are removing lead and oil based paints from wood and want to keep the wood it's natural color without harming the wood, Peel Away® 7 or Smart Strip® is the product to use.