If your walls or home’s exterior look a little dull or faded, you need a splash of color. As you spin that color wheel, save some time to think about the type of paint you want to use. Learn why a professional painter also emphasizes picking oil-based vs. water-based paint, as this selection plays an important role in a perfect project.
When To Select Water-Based Paint
Water-based paint uses pigments suspended in water as its chemistry. Latex paint is the most common type of water-based paint.
If you have concerns over indoor air quality after painting, you must consider volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the paint. Water-based paint has fewer VOC emissions and a lower odor than oil-based paint. This factor is especially important for large interior painting jobs, as the lingering odor of oil-based paint can be off-putting.
Water-based paint works best for exterior applications because of its UV-resistance. This product retains a slight level of flexibility as it dries, allowing it to expand and contract in changing humidity and temperature conditions. Oil-based paint may crack in tough weather conditions because it doesn’t easily expand and contract.
Water-based paint requires far less drying time, with the finish usually dry to the touch after about an hour. Oil-based paint may need several hours to dry.
Cleanup after doing the painting job is far easier with water-based products. You can wash brushes and rollers with water when using water-based paint, while oil-based paint requires using solvents like paint thinner.
Situations Where Oil-Based Paint Is Better
Oil-based paint has a chemistry that uses pigments suspended in oil. Most manufacturers use linseed oil, but walnut or safflower oil are other options.
When comparing oil-based vs. water-based paint types, the biggest advantage of an oil-based paint is its durability. Oil-based paint is an especially good choice for exterior jobs when going over metal.
It resists fading and stains better than water-based paint, saving you time and money on maintenance tasks. Interior white oil-based paint may show a yellow tint as it ages, but other colors tend to hold their color and sheen better than water-based paint.
If you want to use oil-based paint over a layer of water-based paint, you do not have to apply a primer for proper adhesion. The opposite is not true, as applying water-based paint over a previous layer of oil-based paint will not work without the proper primer.
Oil-based paint requires only a few days to fully cure, while water-based paint can take a few weeks to fully cure.
For Advice on the Right Type of Paint, Trust Fresh Coats Painting
For absolute certainty that you’re choosing correctly between oil-based vs. water-based paint, turn to Fresh Coats Painting. We know how to match the product to the area we’re painting. Whether you plan on using exterior paint or interior paint, we’ll advise you on the best water- or oil-based product for your needs.
To discuss your project in detail or for a free price quote, contact us today at (408) 409-8389 or use our online form. We perform both commercial and residential work.