Difference Between Oil paint, Water Based Paints and Latex Paints

Painting is the nation's number-one home-improvement project. It can help you change the look of a room from dull to brand new. Here's an interior-painting primer, starting with the pros and cons of oil-based and water-based, or latex, paints.

OIL PAINTS

Oil-based paint is more durable, but it takes longer to dry, and cleanup requires turpentine or paint thinner (mineral spirits). Oil-based paints are made with either alkyd (synthetic) or linseed (natural) oils. Alkyd paint is more common because it is less expensive and tougher. Oil-based paint is good for trim work because trim takes more abuse over time than do walls.

LATEX PAINT

Latex paint is easier to work with and dries more quickly, but it isn't quite as durable as oil-based paint. Latex is good for general painting projects such as walls and ceilings.

Paint comes in a number of different finishes, from flat to high gloss. Some paints also contain enamel, an additive that makes the dried surface harder and less porous.

Keep in mind that there is no true economy in buying cheap paint. Always buy the best-quality paint you can afford. And when choosing colors with paint chips, remember that the color on the wall will be more intense than it appears on the chip simply because the surface area is much larger.

If you're working on unfinished walls, be sure to apply a coat of primer before you begin painting. Use latex-based primer if you plan to use a latex paint. Oil-based primer works well with oil-based paints.

WATER BASE

Water-based and solvent-based paints are typically compatible. Urethane primers, paints and clears work perfectly well with water-based paints. Some water-based systems, such as Auto Air colors, depend on using a urethane primer and clear along with its paint for a complete finish. The key behind the compatibility is that water-based paints are non-reactive and able to accept and bond with any type of solvent, provided the content of the solvent is not too harsh or volatile. Urethane paints and modern lacquers with lower VOC content work well. Some enamels and lacquers use a very harsh solvent, which degrades the composition of water-based paints. It's advisable to test first if you have any doubts about the compatibility of a product.

Water-based primers and paints are not a new technology for automotive coatings. They've been around for over a decade. Their increased exposure and hastened development have been due to efforts to comply with increasingly demanding environmental standards. Water-based topcoat clear technology has not developed to the point where it is a suitable replacement for urethane clears. Fortunately, the two are compatible and, when used properly, a beautiful finish can be achieved while reducing VOC exposure without compromising the quality or integrity of the finish.