I read the thread by Prowallguy on determing whether its latex or oil based paint and have a couple of questions:

Plan on repainting the whole linen closet with latex based but it looks like the doors have an oil based or semi-gloss paint. So I will do the test with the denatured alcohol.

Say it is oil then I guess I have 2 choices to strip the paint off - either sand or paint stripper? I believe you need to remove all the oil based paint or the latex wont adhere to the surface, correct? I know stripping can be very messy so not sure on whether Ill strip or sand. Any reccommendations for a quality or less messy stripper?

Also - My fiance wanted the closet to be semi-gloss so it would pop against the walls so I bought a gallon of semi-gloss to use for the whole closet including the inside. But then I realized the inside may look stupid because its gloss also. Afterall the whole purpose of using gloss is for the outside to pop. Although, it would be alot easier to use one type of paint. What do pros typically use in this situation? Appreciate all knowledgeable comments.

 

Oil based primer over oil based paint will allow you to switch to latex paint. Also never hurts to do a light scuff sand on the existing paint first (as long as you know there's no lead in it).

Semigloss on trim is fine but I can't envision a situation where I would ever use that on a wall.

 

While I'm not sure if I've ever used semi-gloss on an entire closet, I painted a lot of them with eggshell/satin enamel on walls, shelves and all. IMO semi-gloss wouldn't be all that bad on the inside of a linen closet - it's mostly shelves and the door is shut more times than not. Not something I'd want on the walls of a room but a closet normally stays cluttered up with the door shut ...... and semi-gloss might give you longer between paint jobs.

 

Thanks

Mitch - how would I know about the lead? I have a heavy duty breathing mask. Will that prevent the inhalation?

 

How old is the house? Lead based paints have been banned from residential work since the late 70's. About the only way to know for sure is to have it tested. Lead is only in some oil base paints, never in latex. A respirator may protect you while you are sanding but what about the sanding dust that is left behind?

 

Yes...have no idea about the lead dust that is airborne. House was built in 56. Im thinking this closet was painted in the late 80s early 90s. Im thinking just go over with an oil based primer(if the door is actually oil in the first place) then do the latex and avoid sanding. And the current paint is still in tact and not cracked or peeling.

 

It wouldn't hurt to wipe the non sanded oil paint down with a liquid deglosser [like Liquid Sandpaper] before applying the oil primer. It will both clean and soften the existing oil enamel insuring good adhesion.

 

thanks Marksr....this is a great alternative --- NO DUST!! No more sanding here.