ADHESION – How Well Does Your Paint Stick?
Let’s tackle a sticky subject: adhesion. In the simplest terms, adhesion is all about how well paint sticks to the surface it’s being applied to. Sounds straightforward, right? Well, not always. Let me explain.
A Blast from the Past: Oil vs. Latex
Back in the day, when oil-based paints were more common, compatibility problems were a big deal. A lot of people would paint latex (water-based) paint over oil-based paint, and… disaster would strike. The latex paint wouldn’t “grab” onto the slick surface of the oil paint, leading to peeling, chipping, and general paint failure.
Thankfully, this isn’t as much of an issue anymore because most of us don’t use oil-based paints indoors – latex paint reigns supreme for interior projects. But if you’re working on an older home, it’s worth checking to see if the existing paint is oil-based before diving in.
How to Tell If It’s Oil or Latex
Here’s a simple trick to figure out what you’re dealing with:
- Grab some nail polish remover with acetone (the regular stuff, not the fancy acetone-free version).
- Dab it on the wall with a rag or cotton ball.
- If the paint comes off, it’s latex.
- If it doesn’t budge, it’s oil.
This method works about 95% of the time, so it’s a quick and easy way to check before you start painting.
Prepping Glossy Walls
Even if your walls are latex, glossy surfaces can still cause adhesion issues. Paint doesn’t like to stick to shiny surfaces, so you’ll need to dull them up a bit before painting.
Here’s how:
- Give the walls a quick sanding. You don’t need to go all out with a power sander (no need to channel your inner demolition expert!). A light sanding with a pole sander will do the trick.
- The goal is to scuff up the surface just enough to help the new paint grab on.
Pro Tip: Even if your walls aren’t glossy, pole sanding is always a good idea. It helps smooth the surface and removes any dirt or debris that might interfere with adhesion. Plus, it’s a great arm workout!
Final Thoughts
Adhesion might not be the most glamorous part of painting, but it’s one of the most important. If your paint doesn’t stick properly, it doesn’t matter how beautiful the color is – it’s going to fail.
So, take a little extra time to check your surfaces and prep them correctly. Whether it’s determining if the old paint is oil-based or giving your glossy walls a quick sanding, these small steps will make a big difference in the longevity and success of your paint job.
Happy prepping and painting!