Painting a room is an affordable way to make a dramatic change. It’s no wonder that painting is on the top of many homeowner’s to-do list when it comes to home improvements. When choosing the paint for your next project, should you choose water or latex based paint or oil based paint? L.W. Winslow Painting, Inc. is here to list the pros and cons of each choice to help you make that decision.
Why Use Oil Based Paint?
Many years ago, oil based paint was really the only paint that was used by most painting companies. Of course, over the years, paint has changed just like everything else and now it isn’t the only option you have. Here are a list of pros and cons to using oil based paint.
Pros of Oil-Based Paint
- Durability- The biggest benefit to using an oil based paint is its hard, durable finish. It holds up very well in high traffic areas and on surfaces such as baseboards, trim or cabinets that will most likely take a lot of abuse.
- Workability- Oil based paint has a long drying time which makes it easier to work with. Since it doesn’t dry quickly, you have more time work with it and try to fix any spots that you are unhappy with.
- Smooth Finish- Oil base paints go on very smooth and because of this, you don’t have to apply as many coats.
Is Oil Based Paint Bad for You?
- Odors- Oil based paint carries with it a very strong smell. If you are using this type of paint, make sure you are in a well ventilated area and have a mask to protect yourself.
- Clean up- In order to clean up oil based paint, you have to use solvents such as turpentine, which is hazardous to our environment.
- Disposal- Because of the hazardous materials that are used in oil based paint, you can’t just throw away a can of oil based paint. Most cities have local waste management facilities that will accept old oil based paint and stain. It is important that you never pour this paint down your drain.
- Long Term Results- Over time oil based paint will often yellow, crack or fade. If there are multiple layers of oil based paint, it is more likely to crack.
What is the Difference Between Water Based & Latex Paint?
Water or latex paints have become the front runner in paint choices. Most painters use them for many reasons. Here are the pros and cons of latex paint.
Advantages of Water-Based Paint
- Environmentally Friendly- Because the base of latex paint is water, they are very eco-friendly. They don’t contain hazardous materials that hurt our environment like oil based paint. This makes clean up much easier as well, since you can use soap and water to do so.
- Dry Quickly- This type of paint dries very quickly which makes it a good choice for someone wanting to finish a project in one afternoon. Multiple coats can be applied in one day.
- Practically Odorless- Unlike oil based paint, latex paint has very little smell.
- Long Lasting Color- The vibrant and crisp colors of latex paint withstand the effects of time much better than oil based paint. They don’t yellow and fade, but rather stay vibrant and beautiful.
Cons of Water Based Paint
- Dries Quickly- Sometimes this can make it hard to avoid brush strokes in your final result. Just be aware that any problem areas will dry quickly to avoid this issue.
- Primer- There are some surfaces that may require primer before you can paint with latex paint.
Interior Painting & More in Amagansett, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Hampton Bays, Montauk, North Haven, North Sea, Noyack, Quogue, Shelter Island, Sag Harbor, Sagaponack, Shinnecock Hills, Southampton, Springs, Wainscott, Watermill, Westhampton, Westhampton Beach, New York
All in all, water or latex based paint is the clear winner when compared to oil based paint. With quick vibrant results, it’s no wonder painters often choose latex paint over oil based paint. L.W. Winslow Painting, Inc. can help you freshen up the interior or exterior of your home with a fresh coat of paint. Call us today!