When choosing paints for our house, we focus our attention on choosing the right color. Although we know the importance of impeccable color choice, there are secondary things you should also consider. Now, there are many things you can consider when opting for the right paint, like paint’s sheen level. Nonetheless, it would help if you also tried to spend some time mulling over options of water-based paints or oil-based paints. Hence, bear with us as we break down the difference between them and discuss which to use.
Water-Based Or Oil-Based Paints:
Paint pigments need a binding or carrier molecule; for water-based paint, it’s water, and for oil-based, it’s an organic compound. The paint dries up when the base or carrier molecules evaporate, leaving behind pigments that adhere well to the surface.
In the case of oil-based paints, the drying process is often lengthy and emanates loads of vapors. On the other hand, water paints dry more quickly, giving off fewer vapors. You may recognize these vapors by the smell of the “new paint.” However, these vapors can be hazardous and damaging to the environment as well. Therefore, water paints are gaining popularity due to their environmental friendliness.
How To Select The Appropriate Paint For The Surface:
Life is much easier when you know the nature of the previous paint finish. However, if you don’t know, you can find out using this little trick. Splat some thinner on the surface and wipe it off with a rag. If the rag picks up some paint, then your surface paint is water paint. Otherwise, it’s oil paint. Interestingly, you can repaint a water base with oil paint, but the reverse is often not possible.
Other than checking the paint type of the previous coat, you can make good decisions by keeping the following tips in mind.
The Sheen You Require:
With oil paints, you can achieve more gloss. However, the color retention of water-based paints is way better. Hence, you will be surprised at the gloss level water paints even years after application. Nevertheless, you may have a higher gloss in oil paint, but a yellowish hue may appear after years of application.
The Surface You Need To Paint And Its Location:
Oil paint is not breathable, and it prevents the seepage of water and air to the surface beneath. Therefore, you can paint metal or wooden structures with oil paint without any second thoughts. On the other hand, you can opt for water paints for high moisture areas as they can withstand moisture well. Hence, many prefer to use water paints in the kitchen or trims that receive traffic loads.
Oil paints are more durable and resistant to weathering agents. Hence, many go for oil paint for their exterior decor because weather variations slightly affect oil paints.
Time To Call In A Pro:
As you may have guessed by now, you need to dive into nitty-gritty details for choosing the appropriate paint. Hence, save yourself the hustle and call TX Home Worx. Call us at 281-841-6146 to know how we can help.