Oil-based vs latex/acrylic paint

Proper materials are the key to successful do-it-yourself renovations. Painting projects, from retouching stains to creating an entirely new color scheme, are among the most common, easiest, and fastest renovations. For best results, homeowners need to choose between two basic types of paint: oil-based and latex.

Painting Basics

Before deciding which paint to use, homeowners need to consider the differences between exterior and interior paints. Oil-based and latex paints are both available in exterior and interior varieties. Interior paints are highly stain-resistant and can be scrubbed. They are also easy to touch up and provide good coverage over stains. Exterior paints are formulated to be resistant to fading and mildew, and they can expand and contract with different weather conditions. Because exterior paints are semi-porous they are less likely to flake, but if the surface is not properly prepared, they can crack and peel easily.

To prepare a surface for repainting, it should be clean and primed. Primer is a preliminary coating that evens out the surface, covers heavy stains, and allows paint to stick properly and evenly. If the new paint is a radically different color than the old or the two paints are different types, primer is vital to insure a successful project. If the colors are similar, the wall is sound, and the paint type is the same, priming may not be necessary.

Both oil-based and latex paints are available in different price ranges. Generally, more expensive paint is of a higher quality and will provide better coverage with less peeling, flaking, or fading. Price should never be used as the solitary factor for a decision, however. Projects should be evaluated individually for the best paint to achieve the desired result.

Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paint has a high gloss, shiny finish. It is durable and stain resistant, making it an excellent choice for areas that are susceptible to frequent stains, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and household trim. The paint is slow-drying (12 - 48 hours), and is easily marred before it is dry. Because of the glossy finish, imperfections are easily noticed. Additionally, oil-based paint emits flammable fumes and spilled paint is difficult to clean up. Paint thinner or other solvents are necessary for cleaning brushes, spills, and other mishaps. If the painting surface is not well prepared, oil-based paint flakes. To determine if old paint is oil-based, break off a chip and try to bend it: if it snaps readily, it is oil-based paint.

Latex / Acrylic Paints

Latex paint is popular with amateur painters and do-it-yourselfers because it is easy to use and cleans up readily with soap and water. Acrylic resins in the paint provide even coverage and emit less odor than oil-based paints. Because it is thin, latex paint readily shows brush strokes, but it dries in only a few hours and multiple coats can be applied in a single day. On the other hand, latex paint takes weeks to properly cure and is easy to stain and damage during that time. Latex paint is available in a variety of finishes, from flat paint (no gloss) to a high gloss finish, and homeowners can choose different finishes to add texture and contrast to a project. A chip of latex paint will bend rather than snap, but always consult a painting professional if there is any doubt about the type of paint.

While all paints share certain qualities, oil-based and latex paints are distinctly different, and homeowners should base their selection on the qualities needed for a specific project. By understanding the differences between paints and choosing the best one for the job, even the most difficult painting project can potentially become a masterpiece.