What Are the Advantages of Latex Paints?
One of the primary decisions you face for a painting project is the type of paint to use. Latex paint is, in fact, despite the name, an acrylic-based paint. There are many advantages of latex paint over oil-based paints or other varieties. While you may find specific uses for oil-based paint, for beginners or those who do a bit of home renovations on weekends, latex is generally preferable.
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Fumes
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Latex paint has fewer fumes than oil-based paint, so you needn't worry as much about ventilation. This is a big plus for interior jobs. Oil paint has more and stronger fumes, so you should block off areas you are painting with plastic, and use big windows or fans to ventilate. This isn't as much of a concern with latex. You can also find latex paints with low or reduced VOC content, further minimizing any fumes from the latex paint.
Drying Time
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Another big plus for latex paint is drying time. Most latex paints dry to the touch in around 30 minutes or so, depending on conditions. This means fewer delays between coats and a faster job. Often, if it is dry and warm, you may re-coat in as little as an hour, but you should verify this with the manufacturer's instructions.
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Clean Up
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Latex paint has a huge advantage in that you can clean up with water. Soap and water will suffice for brushes, work materials and your hands, eliminating the need for mineral spirits. While waiting to re-coat, you can cover brushes and rollers in plastic by gently wrapping them to keep them moist. Save the plastic that the roller sleeves come in for this purpose.
Environment and Disposal
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Due to reduced fumes, latex paint has less of a deleterious effect on the environment. Some latex paint lines also offer a line of paints that is eco-friendly, further mitigating environmental impact. In addition, it is easier to dispose of the latex-based paints. Generally, they can be thrown out with regular household waste, whereas oil-based paints cannot. Check with your municipality's regulations.
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References
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