Over the next few weeks we are featuring our “Ask Sam” series with Sam Burns, the Paint Manager in our Benjamin Moore Signature Paint Store.

Q. How can I tell if I have latex or oil based paint on the trim in my home?

A. You can test your trim with some denatured alcohol and a rag. Select an inconspicuous spot on the trim to test. Pour a small amount of denatured alcohol on a rag and rub the trim in a circular motion. If the surface turns soft and sticky, you are probably dealing with Latex. If it appears to clean and polish without any paint removal your paint is probably an oil base.