House Paint Colors: Oil-based or Latex, which is better?
Many do-it-yourselfers have asked which particular type of paint is essentially better for their painting project: oil-based or latex? House paint colors available in stores are generally broken down into these two categories, so more often than not, a choice boils down to any of the two. While there may scores of reasons to pick one over the other, here is an intrinsic look at both types of paints, and their particular peculiarities.
Surface adaptability
Oil-based paint can often be used on almost all types of surfaces, with the possible exception of galvanized metal. Also, a sealer or pre-treatment may be required if an oil-based paint is to be applied on surfaces like stucco, new concrete and other masonry. Latex, on the other hand, works quite well with galvanized metal, vinyl and aluminum siding, brick, concrete, stucco and wood.
Cleaning
Paint will always require clean-up, to prevent the settling of stains on the surface, and to generally make it look like the way it look as fresh as when it was first applied. Oil-based paint requires solvents such as paint thinner or turpentine for cleaning, unlike Latex paints, which will require only water for clean-up.
Adhesion
One of the primary considerations in picking out paint is how long can it stick to the wall and remain as good looking as the day it was applied. In this aspect, both oil-based and latex paints have been formulated to stay on where it was applied for a very long time. Oil-based paints have a tendency to adhere better on heavily chalked surfaces, while latex paints adhere better to most substrates, although this type exhibits better elasticity than oil based-paint, making it less prone to cracking.
Application
Depending on your expertise, actually applying the paint may be anywhere from being a pleasurable activity to a downright chore. With this in mind, considering the ease of application of a paint type may be a primary consideration for some. Oil-based paint is formulated to be thicker in consistency, creating a “drag” effect when being applied, although this fact is offset by allowing it to go on heavier, and thus resulting in better one-coat hiding. Latex paint can be applied more evenly and smoothly, producing significantly less brush drag.
Resistance to “habitation”
Mildew is one of the most common problems in most households, since it has a tendency to settle even on painted surfaces, clinging onto the paint itself and sometimes even feeding off on the paint, allowing it to spread even further. Some oil-based paints have components of vegetable oil in it, which has nutrients that allow mildew to grow faster, although some oil-based paints contain chemicals that inhibit mildew growth. Latex paint, not having the oily compounds that promote mildew growth, is less appealing to mildew.
Resistance to Fading
Paints have different formulations, allowing it to retain color longer, despite exposure and weathering. Oil-based paints, having some organic compounds in them, are more prone to fading and chalking when exposed directly to sunlight, while latex paint can stand up better to direct exposure to sunlight and retain colors longer.
These are just some points for comparison, and while one particular paint often has a perk over the other, and vice versa, the end decision should also involve considering the actual area of application, what conditions the area is exposed to, and if the interior paint color or exterior paint color combination you picked is quite suited to this area.
Tags: exterior paint colors, house paint colors, interior paint colors
