Mixing Paint Types

Edd28704063
by Edd28704063
I painted a spice rack with water based semi-gloss enamel, same paint used on my kitchen walls. However, the surface remains tacky & the jars stick to it. What kind of spray paint can I use to harden the surface? Clear polyurethane? I want it super hard so the jars can slide easily. Thanks.
  11 answers
  • Ken Ken on Oct 04, 2017

    Do you think that there might have been a residue of something on the shelf before you painted? You know, the clear is worth a shot. It may harden the surface and if you have to remove it all you are no worse off.


    But as someone who has messed up more than his share of painting projects I would say that you should remove the sticky stuff first. I'd try a solvent type thinner. I've never heard of this happening with a latex paint.

  • Sharon Sharon on Oct 04, 2017

    I would prime with Zinzeer B-I-N and then paint again. It might have had an oil-based top coat and you used water-based paint that doesn't work unless you use a blocking primer.

  • Ebbjdl Ebbjdl on Oct 05, 2017

    Start by sanding it lightly, and use high-gloss paint. This will avoid the sticky surface, and it can be wiped with a soapy rag, and will not ruin the surface. Make sure it's completely dry. If you feel it needs 2 coats, do so. EJL.

  • Kkl30380296 Kkl30380296 on Oct 05, 2017

    Being in the the paint business for 18 yr.s I would not recommend BIN.Sand off the sticky paint,wipe down with denatured alcohol,(you could also use vinegar & water) repaint like the last person said with a higher gloss paint.A clear coat will not harden whats under it.


    • S S on Oct 05, 2017

      agreed but if the "water based" coating is tacky it won't sand too easy. best off with a stripper and then proceed. The sheen level will help things slide but has zero to do with the tacky problem. It is hard to tell from the photo but it looks like the is an oil or wax contamination showing. (40 yrs)

      btw - this is a lot of work for what appears to be an inexpensive rack, maybe best to start with a fresh one using fresh paint.

  • KAJ KAJ on Oct 05, 2017



  • KAJ KAJ on Oct 05, 2017

    It sounds like you either had old paintor you cleaned surface with a oil base prep. The easiest thing to do is strip off the old stuff and repaint using a water based prep or lightly sand and dust off any residue. Rule of thumb, never mix water base and oil base paints or preps...Good luck

  • Stan Stan on Oct 05, 2017

    I always use 100% acrylic paints on furniture. There's no sticking.

  • 9530106 9530106 on Oct 05, 2017

    Sand to degloss, clean thoroughly. Repaint with THIN coats allowing plenty of dry time in between. Also may take weeks to fully cure.

  • Eleanor Korf Eleanor Korf on Oct 05, 2017

    How sticky is it? If mildly sticky I would try putting a coating or two of wax on it first. Not a liquid wax, but one that is used for floors and needs to be rubbed on and then polished. You might need to apply two coats. If it doesn't work you haven't put a lot of time, money and effort into it and can still sand it off and try some of the remedy's mentioned above.

  • Teresa Teresa on Oct 05, 2017

    Sand First Please it will make all the difference. Some elbow grease now will prep the shelf and make it come out perfect.

    This is from the DIY Channel and I have used there advice before I choose to use Latex on one project and oil base on another and both came out well.

    Hope it helps !Teresa


    Painting walls is one thing, but there are a few different measures you need to take in order to ensure that your furniture-painting project is successful.


    • It is best to prime all painting surfaces to prevent stains from bleeding through the new paint.
    • Primer must match the type of paint you have chosen. For furniture it's best to use a satin or semigloss finish in either a latex or an oil-based paint. Never leave primer unpainted.
    • If you choose a latex paint, a latex primer is an excellent choice for most uses. It goes on easily and blocks most stains, but it doesn't have the odor of an oil-based primer.
    • Although you can use oil-based primers with latex paints, you must use an oil-based primer with oil-based paints. Oil-based primers offer superior adhesion and stain blocking, but they do have a strong odor. When using oil-based primers and paints, make sure you have good room ventilation.
    • When you're painting, start at the top and work down, smoothing paint drips as you work downward.


    Expert Painting Tips: Latex paint comes in a variety of sheen's, including flat, low sheen or satin, semigloss acrylic latex and oil-based enamel. Oil-based paint can be used for both exterior painting and interior trim work; it's also very durable and easy to clean.

    http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/skills-and-know-how/painting/tips-on-painting-furniture


  • Edd28704063 Edd28704063 on Oct 05, 2017

    I've decided to put contact paper on the horizontal surfaces under the jars. I found some with a waxy finish. Thanks everyone for all your suggestions!