When you visit the paint aisle in any store, you’ll see a huge variety of colors, brands, and styles. With so many options, how do you pick the right paint for your property? The way paint is made affects where and how it can be used. While color is important for your choice, the paint’s composition is even more critical.
There are three main types of paint available: oil-based, acrylic, and latex-based paints. Each type has its own pros and cons. Understanding these differences will assist you in finding the best paint for your project.
Oil paint
Once oil paint dries, it forms a tough, washable surface that can handle scrubbing without peeling off. However, the main downside of oil paint is its strong odor.
Around 50 years ago, oil paint was the only option available. This type of paint has a strong smell and is made from fossil fuels, making it highly chemical. It contains many volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to both health and the environment. It’s important to note that paints with VOCs can release toxic fumes for 2 to 3 years after being applied.
In 2010, the government set standards to limit the VOCs in paint products. This is why it’s hard to find oil paints in stores today. For home painting, oil paints have mostly disappeared from the market. However, some oil-based coatings are still available, mainly for products that don’t yet have a more environmentally friendly option.
Best Uses for Oil-Based Paint:
- Exterior painting projects
- Wood surfaces
- Chalky surfaces
- Metal surfaces
- Stained surfaces
Due to the high levels of VOCs in oil paint, it is considered toxic and can release harmful fumes when inhaled.
Benefits of using Oil Paints
Oil paint is a strong, durable product with a glossy finish that many people love for its appearance. Its attractive look and ability to withstand wear and tear have made it very popular, even though it has high VOCs and dries slowly.
Here are the main benefits of using oil paint:
- A wide variety of colors is available.
- Cans can stay open longer without affecting the paint quality.
- Provides a tough and durable finish.
- Ideal for high-traffic areas
- Resistant to moisture.
- Less likely to shrink when it dries compared to other types of paint.
- Offers excellent coverage.
- Applies smoothly & evenly.
Disadvantages of Oil paints
Using oil-based paint comes with some significant drawbacks. One of the biggest issues is that spills are tough to clean up. While other types of paint can be easily cleaned because they dissolve in water, oil paint requires a thinner, like turpentine, to clean it up.
Over time, oil paint hardens and can crack, especially if the surface underneath, like wood, shrinks. When oil paint is used on outdoor surfaces exposed to sunlight, it can become chalky and lose its shine.
Here are the main benefits of using oil paint:
- Contains high levels of VOCs, which makes it toxic.
- Indoor use is prohibited in Illinois and several other states.
- Hard to clean up if spilled.
- Produces strong, unpleasant odors.
- Older oil paint can turn yellow over time.
- The thicker texture makes it harder to apply.
- Loses durability as it ages.
Despite its drawbacks, oil paint is still a popular choice for outdoor painting projects.
Latex paint
Latex paint is a water-based option with many different types available in various qualities, finishes, and prices. It’s commonly used for interior surfaces like ceilings and walls. Latex paints are generally more affordable and simpler in composition compared to other types. In many cases, they perform better than acrylic paints.
Best Uses for Latex Paint:
- Wood surfaces
- Expansive projects
- Stucco walls
- Interior projects
- Aluminum siding
- Drywall
- Concrete
- Ceilings
- Plaster surfaces
Latex paint has many uses for both indoor and outdoor projects. It can be used to cover old paint or for new construction. This versatile option is reliable and comes in hundreds of colors to choose from.
Benefits of using Latex Paints
Latex paint offers so many benefits that it seems ideal for nearly any project, especially indoors. For indoor painting, it’s a great choice because it has low toxicity, which means you won’t have to deal with strong paint odors like you do with other types. For outdoor use, latex paint is beneficial because it seals surfaces well, preventing the growth of mold or algae.
Here are the top benefits of using latex paint:
- Crack resistant
- Affordable
- Chalking resistant
- Water-based paint
- Resistant to mildew & mold
- Doesn’t turn yellow with time
- Widely available
- Doesn’t need chemical additives
- Non-toxic
- Odorless
- Multiple finish options
- Fast drying
- Few coats to cover surfaces
- Excellent coverage
- Cleans easily with water & soap
- Low VOCs
Disadvantages of Latex Paints
Before choosing latex paint, it’s important to consider its disadvantages. For instance, if you plan to use latex on wood, be ready to sand between coats. Otherwise, the paint can cause the wood to swell. Additionally, since latex dries quickly, you need to be very careful to avoid brush marks, as they are more noticeable than with other types of paint.
Here are the most common disadvantages of using latex paint:
- Doesn’t stick well to metal surfaces.
- Not very durable for outdoor use.
- Brush strokes can show up clearly.
- Doesn’t perform well in extreme temperatures.
- Can chip or peel on wood surfaces.
- Dries quickly if left open in the can.
- Doesn’t allow surfaces to breathe.
- It can stain easily.
Acrylic paint
Acrylic paint is water-based and very strong, making it durable. Being 100% acrylic, it sticks to almost any surface. In fact, if a painter doesn’t wear nitrile gloves, the paint can stick to their fingers for days, even after scrubbing.
One downside of acrylic paint is that it has a glossier finish compared to latex. For certain surfaces, like ceilings, we prefer to use latex paint since it’s less shiny. However, we chose acrylic paint for exterior surfaces because it’s more flexible, allowing it to better handle the changing weather conditions in Michigan.
Best Uses for Acrylic Paint:
- Interior trim work
- Bathrooms
- Metal
- Exterior projects
- Cabinetry
- Stucco
- Covering rust
- Drywall
- Plaster
- All siding types
Professional painters trust acrylic paint, making it a popular choice for both exterior & interior projects. It works well on many surfaces, including stucco, vinyl, metal, and concrete. Acrylic paint not only looks good but also lasts a long time.
Benefits of using Acrylic Paints
Using acrylic paint has many benefits that contractors and DIY enthusiasts appreciate. Today, paint suppliers offer high-quality acrylic paints in many colors, making it easy to find the perfect shade for any preference. This paint is suitable for both indoor & outdoor use and is eco-friendly. It also stands up well to harsh weather and is easy to clean up. Here are some benefits of acrylic paint:
Here are some benefits of using acrylic paint:
- It won’t crack or peel easily.
- Works well on various surfaces.
- Expands and shrinks with temperature changes.
- Always available when you need it.
- Protects against UV light.
- Dries quickly.
- Sticks strongly to surfaces.
- Doesn’t fade over time.
- Flexible and allows surfaces to breathe.
- Comes in many colors & finishes.
- Suitable for both indoor & outdoor use.
- Stands up to extreme heat & cold.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Paints
While acrylic paint has many benefits, it also comes with some drawbacks that users should keep in mind. First, it tends to be pricier than other paint types, which could be an issue if you’re on a tight budget. Additionally, the color may appear darker once it dries compared to its wet state. Although it’s easy to clean up when wet, you’ll need solvents to remove any dried spills or splatters.
Here are the main disadvantages of using acrylic paint:
- There are fewer finish options compared to other paints.
- It is more expensive.
- The color looks darker when it dries.
- It dries quickly, which can make it hard to work with.
- It may crack in areas with a lot of foot traffic.
- Cleaning it can be tricky once it’s dry.
- It contains moderate levels of VOCs.
- You may need to apply multiple coats.
- Chemical solvents might be necessary for cleanup.
Hire a professional painting contractor in Michigan
When you work with a painting contractor who values their reputation, it reflects in their work. They communicate well with clients, use high-quality products, and conduct themselves professionally on the job site. At GetPro Painting, we take these values to heart. We are part of the community we serve and take pride in every project we complete.
Want to learn about our services from a trusted source? Reach out to our previous customers; they’ll share how valuable our work is. We are licensed, insured, and certified, and we provide a warranty on our services. Contact us to discuss your next painting project and see how we can help you.