How Is Water Based Paint Different Than Oil Based Paint?
Purchasing paint for your home involves a choice between oil-based or water-based. Understanding the differences and the qualities of each type will help you decide which is preferable for your project. About 80 percent of paint purchased for use on and in residential buildings is water-based, according to the Paint Quality Institute. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Water-Based Paint
-
Water-based paint, also called latex or acrylic, has developed significantly over the past few years. Formerly quite fragile and only suitable for walls, it now has many applications and can be used on wood and metal. It has a low odor and the color is less likely to fade over time.
Oil-Based Paint
-
Oil-based paint, also known as alkyd or solvent-based paint, has a strong, distinctive smell. It is hard-wearing and able to withstand knocks well because it penetrates deeper and adheres better than water-based paint. Oil paint takes longer to dry than latex, which is advantageous when creating faux finishes. It is waterproof and primarily is used on wood and metal, both indoors and out. Some oil paint will fade when exposed to sunlight.
-
Alkyd or Latex?
-
The way to tell the difference, even if it is not obvious from the paint can label, is by the clean-up instructions. If they say that brushes should be washed in warm, soapy water, then the paint is water-based latex. If it advises that brushes should be cleaned with mineral spirits or other solvent, then it is alkyd.
Previously Painted Surfaces
-
Before repainting a surface, you need to establish what kind of paint is on it. Remove a little of the old paint. If it is flexible with a plastic texture, it is likely latex; if it is brittle, then it is oil-based. Another way to tell is to apply heat to the surface. If it bubbles and melts, the paint is oil-based; if nothing happens then it is water-based. The general rule is that you cannot paint latex over oil because it won't stick. However, there are now some latex paints that allow you to do just that.
Applications
-
Latex paint is now available for almost every application. Manufacturers are taking heed of the movement toward eco-friendly materials so that water-based paint, sealants and varnishes are as hard-wearing as their oil and solvent counterparts. But always check labels for suitability for purpose. There are still some instances, however, when oil-based paint is preferable. When creating a special finish, such as marbling, or where a very hard-wearing surface is required, oil-based paints are the best choice.
Safety
-
Latex paints are safer than oil-based, although basic precautions should always be taken when painting. Oil paint gives off fumes that can be dangerous, so ventilate the area when painting and while paint is drying. Oil-based paint also is flammable. Some old oil paint may contain lead, so take care when disposing of it. Contact your local waste management service for advice.
-
References
- Photo Credit Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images
