Paint coatings are the most popular finishes for the interior and exterior surfaces of homes. They give the building surface a nice look but also help to protect the surface from all the adverse effects of exposure to the weather and other inclement elements. Paint also plays an integral part in keeping the surface of the building clean, safe and hygienic.
Can't decide which paint is best for your house painting project?
These days, there is a paint product for every type of surface. With the wide variety of paints available on the market, you can easily be confused about which type of paint to choose for your house. Water paints and oil paints are the most common types of paint used for house painting.
Here's what you should know about each paint option.
Water Paints
Most of the house paints on the market today are made with water—hence the name water paints. These type of paints are popular among homeowners because of their ease of use and quick drying times. If you're looking to expedite the completion of your project, look no further than water-based paint.
As water-based paints use water instead of oil or chemicals as a solvent, they are considered to be an environmentally friendlier option because they release less VOCs. Plus, water paints maintain their colour over time and are suitable for use on virtually all surfaces.
The biggest drawback of water paints is that they provide less durability than other types of paint.
Oil Paints
Just like water paints, oil paints can be applied on almost all surfaces. However, they offer a greater level of durability than their water-based cousins. As a result, oil paints are the perfect choice for areas of the house that often get a lot of traffic, such as trim, children's room, hallways and doorways.
These paints are mainly available in two variants, that is, glossy and matte. They are usually applied in at least three coats: primer, undercoat and finished coat. Glossy oil paints give surfaces a smooth, shiny finish whereas matte paint gives surfaces a deep, soft lustre finish.
The major drawbacks of oil paints is that they are harder to use, emit more VOCs, take longer to dry and require more effort to clean up than water paints. Unlike water paints, which cleans easily with water, oil paints require special cleaning products, such as turpentine, to clean up.
Picking the right painting products is critical to ensure you get the most out of your house painting project. Ultimately, you may have to choose a combination of both water and oil paints, depending on which area of your home you want to paint. If you want to achieve the best results, hire a professional house painter to handle your project.
