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When Should You Use Latex vs. Oil-Based Paints?

 

Planning to paint your house or your lively office space? Choosing the perfect color is tricky. But determining whether it should be latex paint or oil-based paint is the first step.Your painting contractor might recommend the best option to help you achieve the desired results, but there are many striking differences between latex and oil-based paint.

A Quick Look at Both the Paints

Fifty years ago, oil-based paints were prominent in most housing constructions. This behavior has changed because of the advancement made in painting tech; currently, approximately 80% of painters in Cinnaminson suggest latex paint for house painting. Latex paint came in 1941 and changed the entire house painting market. Every fellow American with a piece of property to paint was buying Latex paint.

One primary reason for this shift is the hazardous effects of oil-based paints on the environment — the large amounts of VOC and alkyd paint is far more challenging to clean up.

A decent latex painting would be perfect to meet your house painting requirements. An oil-based or alkyd paint also serves some significant purposes. Here is a quick look at both types of color and how you can use them in your next house painting endeavor.

Latex Paint and its Pros and Cons

Latex paint is what we know as Acrylic Paint, so don’t get confused by the packaging. Latex paint is a liquid compound made of water mixed in glycol. Also, do not confuse latex paint with the compound latex found in the rubber plant; latex in paints represents a binding agent.

PROS:

  • Does not fade early on or turn yellow.
  • Environment friendly
  • Dries quickly.
  • Cleaning over latex paint is simpler – with only detergent and water
  • Long-lasting
  • Easier to mix and achieve precise colors
  • Sticks exceptionally well to outer walls and surfaces
  • Resists weather and do not flake, blister, or peel off

CONS:

  • Latex paint often swells wood particles; hence, filling the gap between folds is necessary.
  • Cannot handle harsh atmosphere.

Oil-Based Paint and its Pros and Cons

These are popular as Alkyd Paints. As the name suggests, oil-based paints are a compound of mineral oils and crude chemical solvents.

PROS:
  • Tough, long-lasting paint
  • Oil-based paints are very thick; hence, the surface does not need multiple coats.
  • It does not shrink quickly, and so the quantity remains intact.
  • Ideal for Metals, Ceramics, and Wooden surfaces.

Cons:

  • Very difficult to clean as it requires ether-based thinner. Thinner is quite harmful and tough to dispose of.
  • Since it is highly viscous, there is no flexibility and makes it very sticky.
  • Because of the petrochemicals, Oil-Based paints have a sharp, almost unbearable smell.
  • It cracks and fades early.

Latex paints are perfect for interior surfaces. And with the innovations in painting tech, now they are fit for exterior surfaces as well. Although, several rough airy surfaces require thick oil-based paints, especially doors, furniture, iron bars, and any other structure that faces harsh weather.

If you plan to paint your house in the South Jersey area, our professional painters in Cinnaminson are here to paint your dream home. Request a quote today!

Original Source: https://pizzazzpainting.com/blog/when-should-you-use-latex-vs-oil-based-paints/

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