About Paint: Latex vs Oil by Baton Rouge Handyman

When you or your handyman applies a fresh coat of paint to the new home you just purchased, you probably prefer to use a latex or water-based paint.  There are certain rules painting contractors use when preparing the pre-painted surface before applying fresh paint, to ensure proper adhesion, good coverage and a long-lasting finished project that will look great for years.  When applying fresh paint to an already painted surface, a good handyman will determine whether it was previously painted with latex or oil-based paint.  You could experience problems when painting with latex, if you’re painting over a surface with oil-based paint, without first using a primer.  Most people just go ahead and prime when in doubt, however, painting contractors advise that it is better to have as few total coats of paint on a surface as possible.

One way a handyman or painting contractor can tell if existing paint is latex or oil is by the feel of it.  Oil paints tend to be smooth while latex paints have a more rubbery feel.  The difference is easier to see with glossier paints than with flat finish paint.  This method is easier for a professional painting contractor than the average homeowner.  A better method for homeowners to use is to rub an area of the painted surface with alcohol or a paint deglosser, also known as liquid sandpaper.  If the paint is latex a small amount may be removed or the painted surface may become slightly tacky; neither of these should happen with oil-based paint.

Before painting on a surface previously painted with latex paint, use a deglosser or liquid sandpaper to remove the gloss and clean the surface.  This will make the next coat of paint adhere more firmly to the surface with minimal, if any, sanding required.  The tackiness will normally disappear within an hour.  Oil-based paints should be lightly sanded or primed with a quality primer like Kilz, before applying a fresh coat of latex paint.

If there are holes to be filled, the handyman should use proper filler.  The old-time spackle is fine for walls of plaster, but today’s softer walls of paper-coated drywall are better filled with a softer product.  Spackle works best when the container is new; it dries over time and attempting to renew it by adding moist spackle to it is like adding sand.  It also causes it to lose strength, go on the wall lumpy and it’s hard to smooth with the trowel.  A newer, lightweight spackle is a workable product that dries quickly and can be painted over within 30 minutes.  This is great if you’re in the middle of painting and you notice a small hole that was missed in preparation. 

It is important to have a properly prepared surface before applying a fresh coat of paint; an unprepared surface will result in an unsatisfactory finished project.  The rewards of a durable finish that will look good for years are well worth the extra effort in proper preparation of the surface.  Remember the three rules when painting over a pre-painted surface, especially when you’re unsure of the type of paint previously used.  Thoroughly sand the surface, then clean it and prime it with a good quality primer for best results.  Homeowners following these guidelines will be proud to have a freshly painted room that looks like it was done by a professional painting contractor.

This article was written by Carl Ravey of HandyPro Handyman Services.  HandyPro specializes in home repairs and commercial facility services.  Their painting contractors will properly prepare and freshly paint a room or home so it looks great for years.   The handyman sent to do all jobs is licensed and bonded, experienced and customer friendly.  Our handyman will provide 100% customer satisfaction in doing quality work and cleaning up when the job is complete.  http://www.handypro.com services Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Port Allen, Addis, East Baton Rouge Parish, Zachary, Baker, Ascension Parish, Gonzales, Sorrento, Donaldsonville, Livingston Parish, Denham Springs, Walker, and neighboring cities and communities.