Nowadays, paints do not come in one or a couple of types any longer. The fact is that there are many types of paints for house painting in San Ramon and each of them serves a specific purpose.
Depending on your specific needs, you may have to choose from various types for different parts of your home. Or if you prefer, professional painters in San Ramon can help you choose the right paints for your next house painting project.
The two most basic types of paint
Basically, all types of house paint used for interior and exterior walls, trim, and door consist of water-based and oil-based blends. Each of these paint types is used for various applications.
1) Water-based paint — As the name implies, water-based paints use water as their liquefying medium instead of chemical solvents. Water-based paints are a staple in home painting projects. They are easy to apply, dry quickly, and are easy to clean up with just soap and water. Since these paints use water instead of chemicals, they emit fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds), making them safer to use indoors than oil-based paints.
However, water-based paints become challenging to use when the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They can also have poor adhesion on raw metal as well as shiny surfaces, especially if they’re not properly primed. Water-based paints tend to show more brush strokes if proper technique isn’t used. You cannot use these paints for outdoor applications if the weather is humid or damp.
There are two types of water-based paints: latex and acrylic. Comparing latex and acrylic can get pretty confusing, as both words have become generic terms when talking about water-based paints. However, this article explains the distinctions between the two.
- Latex – Latex paints are still the most common and popular option for interior and exterior paint jobs. They are perfect for vertical painting applications (such as walls), but they won’t do very well on other materials (such as a piece of outdoor furniture). Latex paints have lower amounts of acrylic polymers, so they are less durable than acrylic and thus are ideal only for areas that do not see a lot of wear and tear. However, both professional and DIY painters love latex paints because they are easy to apply and provide excellent coverage.
- Acrylic – Both latex and acrylic paints are similar in composition and use. However, acrylic paints contain significantly greater amounts of acrylic polymers than latex, making acrylic paints durable – and thus more expensive. The chemicals in acrylic paints also cause them to have greater elasticity than latex paints, which means they tend to stretch and contract to temperature fluctuations. Acrylic paints are the perfect option for surfaces that see a lot of wear and tear, such as kitchen or bathroom cabinets. However, the extra cost may not be worth it for painting interior drywall.
2) Oil-based paints – Before the advent (and eventual popularity) of water-based paints, oil-based paints were only option for painting buildings and structures. These paints use oils as a liquefying base. The oils can be natural (linseed oil) or synthetic (alkyd).
Oil-based paints are rarely used nowadays. The only situations where these paints can be used are with painting newly-constructed trim, doors, and cabinets, as well as exterior surfaces. They can also be used for industrial applications.
Oil-based paints are very durable. They are more resistant to low temperatures than water-based paints. They also have better flow and coverage – you may not even need a second coat. Oil-based paints can withstand wear and tear, as well as cleaning and scrubbing. They are better than water-based paints at covering minor imperfections and slightly damaged areas. Some experts even claim that oil-based paints have richer colors than water-based paints.
But despite these advantages, the main reason why the majority of painters have discontinued the use of oil-based paints is their impact on human health and environment. Oil-based paints contain high levels of VOCs, which have high enough vapor pressures to significantly vaporize and enter the atmosphere (under normal conditions). This can cause various air quality problems, such as smog.
Not to mention that the VOCs in oil-based paints give off a strong, unpleasant odor, so they are not usually recommended for indoor painting. Obviously, oil-based paints shouldn’t be used around people prone to allergies or having a delicate health condition. Longer or more frequent exposure to VOCs can lead to several health problems, from eye and nose irritation to more serious illnesses.
Another reason why oil-based paints have fallen out of favor is that they are a hassle to clean up and dispose of after painting. To clean these paints off brushes and rollers, you must use a solvent, such as turpentine or a paint thinner.
You cannot drain oil-based paints directly into the sink or throw them away in the garbage can once they solidify. Oil-based paints are flammable, making them hazardous. Therefore, you must take these paints to the nearest facility that deals with hazardous materials.
Compared to water-based paints, oil-based paints take a longer time to dry. Linseed oil paints typically take 8 to 24 hours to dry, while alkyd paints take 4 to 6 hours. So, you might not be able to apply another coat (if necessary) that same day.
Oil- based paints are also more susceptible to yellowing, mildew, cracks, and peeling.
Let the professionals help you choose the right paint!
Both water-based and oil-based paints have their pros and cons. So if you feel overwhelmed, you can count on professional painters in San Ramon to take care of the entire process. These pros work closely with paint manufacturers to provide their customers the highest-quality paint at the best possible prices.