Interior Paint Type Questions, Please

[Robert11]

Hello:

A few geral paint type questions, please:

a. is there any practical way to determine if the existing paint on an interior wall is latex or oil based ?

b. Is latex and oil still the primary two types for interior usage ?

c. Do I have this right: Latex can go over Oil, but not vice versa ? (If so, any way around this ?)

d. For a batroom wall that see a lot of moisture from the shower:

What would be the "best" type and brand of paint to re-paint the wall with, as they are peeling a little ?

Would the recommended paint go over the existing oil OR latex ?

If not, is there some kind of primer or intermediate paint that can be applied to eliminate this "latex over oil, but not vice-versa" type of problem ?

Much thanks, Bob

[m Ransley]

a, alcohol will soften and remove latex not oil b yes c As long as the surface is not shiney and clean dont worry, latex does not bond to gloss oil, sand it. d why is it peeling, is original coat dirty or gloss, if it was improperly done no matter what you do it may still peel, Oil may seal it better if latex is alowing moisture through. Is it an exterior wall that gets cold.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Oil, due to VOC's has been phased out of many markets. Latex has been the primry interior wall paint for about 50 years now.

Yes

Some of the primers are shellac based, like Kilz. Acts as an intermediary and you can then paint over most anything. I happen to like Pittsburgh paint for two reasons. It is good quality, and my local dealer is excellent. Talk to a good local paint dealer for good advice, not some kid at the big box store.

[nj_dilettante]

With EPA required reformulations, interior oil isn't the superior product it used to be. Also, latex has improved considerably. Go for latex. If you have any worries about application, sand and prime with a GOOD product.