Barker-Whittle Pty Ltd

14 Brooksby Street

Melville WA 6156

Australia

08 9317 1573

House Painting

101: Oil vs.

Latex

A fresh coat of paint can do more than just

add significantly to the curb appeal of a home.

It can also add a valuable layer of protection

against the elements and promotes healthy air

quality. Painting is also the most inexpensive

remodel endeavour that can produce high-

value results.

While painting may seem like a DIY job, it

requires careful thought and preparation.

Other than using the right tools, the right

choice of paint is also crucial to make a paint

job last. Homeowners can choose between

latex and oil paints by exploring the

advantages and disadvantages of each

product.

Homeowners must weigh the pros and cons of

the two before choosing the right product for

a certain project. This will prepare them when

walking into a paint store or when talking with

a painting contractor.

Oil-Based Painting

Many professional painters think oil-based paints offer a much better finish. They are also more

durable and take longer to dry. These paint products are made with either synthetic or natural

oils. Oil-based paints are ideal for trim work because trim takes more abuse than walls.

Compared to latex, oil paints shrink less and hold up well in high traffic areas. They also cover

more thoroughly in one coast and appear smoother. Oil-based, however, are more likely to

crack and fade over time. They may also have overwhelming fumes and some components that

can be toxic.

Oil-Based Painting

Latex Paint

Latex or water-based is easier to work with

because it dries more quickly. This product,

however, is not as durable as oil-based paint.

Latex paint is suitable for general painting

projects like ceilings and walls. Many painters

also find latex more widely available than its

counterpart.

While latex paints are stained easily, they will not crack or peel with time. They are also better for

the environment and much easier to clean up using soap and water. One disadvantage of water-

based paint, however, is that that it swells the grain of wood, making sanding between coats

necessary.

Both paints offer advantages and disadvantages. It is best to choose the right paint that is suitable

for the surface or the job. It is also beneficial to hire professionals or a masterpainter for a paint

job that will surely last.

Resources:

http://www.barker-whittle.com.au/

http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-

101/painting-101-oil-or-latex

http://www.diynetwork.com/painting/differences-in-

water-based-oil-based-and-latex-paints/index.html