Saturday 25 August 2012

Best House Painting


Which is best for interior house paint, oil or water based?


and why is it best?


Hiya Ambernpeach,

Most people are gonna respond to this question with water-based because of it's availability, ease of application- clean-up and recoat, fast drying, low odor, and/or cost...And these people wouldn't be entirely wrong for recommending a water-based system - in most cases, water-based (actually water-borne and regarded as latex) coatings do have most of the advantages. Some other advantages of water-borne coatings are they are more color-fast than alkyds (don't fade as much), less likely to support mildew growth, will not discolor (turn yellow) over time as alkyds and are generally considered to be friendlier to the environment.

But to borrow (and paraphrase) an old physics adage, "for every advantage there is an equal and opposite dis-advantage" holds true for any type of coating you choose to use.

While latex coatings do possess all the advantages listed above, their disadvantages are also noteworthy. Conventional latex(es) are softer and less abrasion resistant than oil (alkyd)...latex coatings are more "thermoplastic" than alkyds and tend to soften when exposed to heat and humidity. Latex paints are more sensitive to solvent type cleaners (Formula 409, Fantastic Spray, etc.) as alcohols and some petro-chemical solvents will dissolve latex binder.

Alkyds on the other hand, has advantages where abrasion and impact resistance is of concern (floors, baseboard and trim, furniture etc.)...generally, they are more impervious to stains than latex coatings and are far more washable and scrubbable.

The disadvantages of alkyds are the opposite of all things advantageous to latex...They are a little harder to apply...they do require a little more effort when preparing to repaint later...they do smell...they do take a relatively long time to dry...they do require paint thinner (mineral spirits) to clean tools and spills...they are not as readily available in all parts of the country...

The cost factor may or may not be a reality for a couple of reasons - (1) there are plenty of high priced latex coatings today that come pretty close to that of alkyds, and (2) alkyds generally get about 25% better spread rate than does latex paints which lowers the actual cost per square foot...

For conventional use (exposure to the normal traffic and abuse of a typical family), latex coatings will provide plenty of protection and beauty for your home. Pay the price for premium quality products, though - Latex products that are high in acrylic content and don't skimp on your application tools either - buy good quality brushes, roller covers and masking tape and your job will be so much easier and professional looking. I recommend purchasing your products through an independently owned paint dealer in your area...He/She will be able to recommend the best products for your environment and provide you with the proper tools and instruction to complete the job properly (Big boxes, such as Lowes and Home Depot, have decent products but they don't have the experience personnel to walk you through the specific issues of your project)...

I'm sorry this is so long-winded...and I hope this info is more helpful than confusing - but to make a decision of what type of product to buy without knowing the specific advantages and disadvantages of that particular product could result in double the work and an unsatisfying experience. Good Luck.

Ric

Best House Painter In Denver