Can you mix different paint types for interior paints?

Question

I have a can of white latex paint and a dark beige enamel paint. I want to lighten the beige a little bit. Can I mix the latex with the enamel paint? They are both interior paints.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Not suggested unless your not doing anything really important. The two types of finishes will change how the final finish dries. Also if one is a water based paint and the other is not, you will be in for a big mess to clean up. Try a small amount of both in a Dixie cup mix and see what the results are. But I would only suggest that you mix paints of same type and finish.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Wouldn't go there. Happened to me by mistake. The resulting paint was awful to try to apply.

Karen Gray-Plaisted · Answer

No you can not. Even if you painted enamel first then want to paint with latex the two will not adhere to each other.

Opal · Answer

I'm sorry to say it, but no. You can however get what is called 'tints-all'. It's a small tube of colorant that you add to paint. I know it can be used for latex but I don't know if they make an enamel version. It's about $3.00 at a specialty paint store or amazon. Another way to go would be to call Lowes , Home depot or wherever you purchased it and ask if they will tint your latex for you and how much it would be. I have read that most paint stores will do this for free but have no first hand experience on it. Other places like Wal mart may also tint it for you. Good luck.

Tina Kelly · Answer

if I put flat paint on first and then enamel, would that work?

Janice · Answer

Mixing latex and enamel paints won't work well together, rather you could take your dark paint (latex) and add white latex to it to get the lighter paint you desire. Mixing the two you have now may result in an uneven finish, poor adhesion and other issues like blotchy finish.

Dee · Answer

The two are totally different kinds of paint. Oil and water does not mix.

Betsy · Answer

Hi Lisa: No, unfortunately it's not recommended. Latex and enamel are both types of paint, but they are not compatible with each other. If you try to mix them, the latex will start to break down the enamel, and it will not dry properly. Latex is a water-based paint, while enamel is an oil-based paint. They have different properties and uses, so it’s important to know which type of paint you’re using before you start painting.

Chloe Crabtree · Answer

No, you cannot mix latex and enamel together.

Can you mix different paint types for interior paints?

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Can you mix different paint types for interior paints?

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