Oil and latex paints are the most popular paints in the industry. They have their strengths and weaknesses, pros and cons, and their unique uses. Both types of paints have peculiar characteristics and finish that make them suitable for different projects.
Before choosing oil-based or latex paint, it is important to consider the type of project, the surface to be painted, the finish expected, and cost implication. Read on for what need to know about oil-based and latest paints, it will help you decide the right paint to choose for your project.
Before choosing oil-based or latex paint, it is important to consider the type of project, the surface to be painted, the finish expected, and cost implication. Read on for what need to know about oil-based and latest paints, it will help you decide the right paint to choose for your project.
Oil Paint
The coating of oil paint consists of a drying oil like poppy or linseed oil; which dries through oxidation and not evaporation.
Oil paint or oil-based paint is also called “alkyd.” It used to be the most popular paint in history. It is made from mineral spirits and petrochemical solvents.
Oil paint is mostly used to paint furniture, cabinets, and molding. Its composition makes it suitable to provide a protective coating and a smooth finish. When completely dry, it mimics a hard shell like characteristics.
The coating of oil paint consists of a drying oil like poppy or linseed oil; which dries through oxidation and not evaporation.
Oil paint or oil-based paint is also called “alkyd.” It used to be the most popular paint in history. It is made from mineral spirits and petrochemical solvents.
Oil paint is mostly used to paint furniture, cabinets, and molding. Its composition makes it suitable to provide a protective coating and a smooth finish. When completely dry, it mimics a hard shell like characteristics.
Pros of Oil Paint
1. It gives a smoother finish, almost "glass like"
2. A high viscosity makes it cover more surface thoroughly in a single coat
3. It provides a hard and durable "shell like" finish
4. May shrink less than other types of paint and pulls tight
5. It performs well when painting high-traffic areas
Cons of Oil Paint
1. Its fume can be unbearable for the user and even pets
2. It is stickier, thicker, and more challenging to work with
3. It can fade and crack over time
4. It is hard and tasking to clean up as it will need a paint thinner and be disposed of responsibly
5. It takes a longer time to dry before re-coating
Special Consideration
Disposal of oil paint is regulated by the local waste management agencies. It must not be poured down a drain or cast out in the environment. Always be responsible when disposing paint and tools associated with oil based paint.
1. It gives a smoother finish, almost "glass like"
2. A high viscosity makes it cover more surface thoroughly in a single coat
3. It provides a hard and durable "shell like" finish
4. May shrink less than other types of paint and pulls tight
5. It performs well when painting high-traffic areas
Cons of Oil Paint
1. Its fume can be unbearable for the user and even pets
2. It is stickier, thicker, and more challenging to work with
3. It can fade and crack over time
4. It is hard and tasking to clean up as it will need a paint thinner and be disposed of responsibly
5. It takes a longer time to dry before re-coating
Special Consideration
Disposal of oil paint is regulated by the local waste management agencies. It must not be poured down a drain or cast out in the environment. Always be responsible when disposing paint and tools associated with oil based paint.
Latex Paint
Latex paint is also called “acrylic” paint. It consists of a plastic resin made of polyvinyls or acrylics allowing it adhere better to the painted surface. The catalyst of latex paint is water with glycol ethers or glycols as a solvent.
Pros of Latex Paint
1. It dries faster than oil paint
2. It is durable; depending on the grade chosen
3. It is elastic and flexible, resisting cracking
4. It adheres to exceptionally well to exterior surfaces
5. It is resistant to mildews, fading, flaking, and peeling
6. It is easy to work with and cleans up with water and soap
7. It's more eco-friendly than oil
8. It can be used for almost any surface
Cons of Latex Paint
1. it can swell the grains of wood making it impossible to add fresh coats without sanding.
2. It has little odor but tolerable
3. Adhesion can be challenging without proper prep
4. Untrained applicators may experience brush tracks
Latex paint is also called “acrylic” paint. It consists of a plastic resin made of polyvinyls or acrylics allowing it adhere better to the painted surface. The catalyst of latex paint is water with glycol ethers or glycols as a solvent.
Pros of Latex Paint
1. It dries faster than oil paint
2. It is durable; depending on the grade chosen
3. It is elastic and flexible, resisting cracking
4. It adheres to exceptionally well to exterior surfaces
5. It is resistant to mildews, fading, flaking, and peeling
6. It is easy to work with and cleans up with water and soap
7. It's more eco-friendly than oil
8. It can be used for almost any surface
Cons of Latex Paint
1. it can swell the grains of wood making it impossible to add fresh coats without sanding.
2. It has little odor but tolerable
3. Adhesion can be challenging without proper prep
4. Untrained applicators may experience brush tracks
Whichever type of paint suits your current project; you may want to hire a painting contractor to accomplish your task. In the long run it can save you money and time. For your commercial painting needs; visit - Commercial Painting
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