As there is little to no flexibility within the paint, the paint is not able to expand and contract with the substrate in differing weather conditions, making cracking more probable. Oil-based paint do not perform well in exterior conditions as it breaks down in UV light and develops a chalky surface. The flexibility in the paint makeup means the paint can move with the substrate as is expends and contracts in different weather conditions, making it the perfect choice for exterior uses. This is because water-based paints are much more resistant to UV rays, allowing them to retain sheen levels and colour over long periods. Water-based paints perform brilliantly on exterior applications. The flexibility afforded to water-based paints mean that they are able to expand and contract with weather conditions, making them less susceptible to cracking. These days there have been many developments that allow water-based paints to dry quite hard and be effective when resisting damage and wear and tear. Oil-based paints are also known to yellow over time. However, as the paint dries harder there is not a lot of flexibility within the paint, which means oil-based paints are more likely to crack, become dry, brittle and chalky over time. Typically, oil-based paints dry harder which provides excellent resistance to wear and tear. While water-based paints achieve a lower sheen finish, water-based paints can typically maintain this sheen level over a longer period of time. Oil-based paints can achieve a higher sheen level when applied due to the makeup of the paint however, the sheen does become duller over time. Characteristics of Oil-Based and Water-Based Paints High exposure to these VOC’s can cause headaches, skin irritation and nausea for some people, which is why it is important to ensure there is good ventilation and air flow present when painting with an oil-based paint.Īs water-based paints feature solvents that are primarily made up of water, they release much fewer VOCs into the air, and are therefore considered better for the environment and people’s health. This vapour has a strong odour (that paint smell we all know!), is flammable and can have a harmful effect on the environment and human health. An organic solvent is made up of petrochemicals and plants, and expels vapours into the atmosphere as it evaporates. VOCs are the vapours and gases that are released as the organic solvent evaporates into the air, which is the drying process of paint. Volatile Organic CompoundsĪ volatile organic compound (or VOC) is an organic solvent in vapour form. As the name suggests, the solvent used in a water-based paint (also known as acrylic paints) is almost all water. Oil-based paints (often incorrectly referred to as enamel) use an organic solvent in the makeup of the paint, which is typically a mineral turpentine. When referring to whether a paint is oil or water based, we are actually talking about the type of solvent used in the paint, which is the liquid component of the paint that evaporates as the paint dries. Oil-Based vs Water-Based: What’s the Difference? Check out the below information as we break down the difference between water and oil based paints, and help you determine what current coating is used in your house. Determining which type of paint is most suitable for you and your paint project’s needs is an important step of completing your project.
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