Oil vs latex based paint - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

bill96ab · 06-14-2008, 06:42 PM

Very simple question. How do you tell the difference? I plan on repainting my walls and my base boards, but i dont know which to buy... can someone educate me. The online helps are not that helpful.

smoore · 06-15-2008, 12:39 AM

No real reason to use oil unless you're painting metal doorframes. Even then there are good latex paints if you pay the price. Your lungs and brain will thank you for choosing latex.

Daniel_ · 06-15-2008, 11:43 AM

Latex = water washable.

Oil = costly solvents needed to clean brushes.

Latex can also be thinned with water. All in all, it gives a better finish with less mess, and is easier to work with.

kazoo · 06-15-2008, 08:45 PM

Although alkyd paint can be more difficult for the inexperienced to work with, it some situations it does yield superior results. Be careful when you say "oil" because what is traditionally referred to as oil based paint is alkyd. For an extremely durable, high gloss, but slow drying paint, select linseed oil base.

On a number of commercial and high end residential paint jobs, I've used alkyd paint, and most look very good many years later. Latex isn't as resistant to wear and scuffing.

You can also go for an in-between, with waterborne paint. The chemistry is different from latex, and the application is not the same, either, but it does deliver a finish that's better than average. Muralo is the brand in this category with which I have the greatest experience.

More than anything, stay away from the big box stores, as their paint is shiat.
I stick with known brands which deliver dependable results: MAB, Benjamin-Moore, Pratt & Lambert, Finnaren & Haley.

thingstodo · 06-19-2008, 11:04 AM

If it's inside there's no compelling reason to go with anything other than latex. Only use flat if you paint a ceiling. I learned that the hard way. Something with an eggshell or satin finish on the walls cleans easier than flat. Semi or gloss for woodwork.

kazoo · 06-20-2008, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thingstodo

If it's inside there's no compelling reason to go with anything other than latex. Only use flat if you paint a ceiling. I learned that the hard way. Something with an eggshell or satin finish on the walls cleans easier than flat. Semi or gloss for woodwork.

Partially not true.
I've refinished kitchen cabinets in older homes where the owner wanted to preserve the original look, but wanted a durable finish. Linseed oil based paint is far superior to anything latex based WRT durability.

thingstodo · 06-21-2008, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kazoo

Partially not true.
I've refinished kitchen cabinets in older homes where the owner wanted to preserve the original look, but wanted a durable finish. Linseed oil based paint is far superior to anything latex based WRT durability.

I stand clarified! I was refering to walls and molding. Cabinets and stained wood are a different matter entirely. The more to take care of and treat wood the better, especially in moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

06-14-2008, 06:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
bill96ab Crazy Location: Heart o' Texas	Oil vs latex based paint Very simple question. How do you tell the difference? I plan on repainting my walls and my base boards, but i dont know which to buy... can someone educate me. The online helps are not that helpful. __________________ Bill Ctrl-Alt-Del - works for me!

06-15-2008, 12:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
smoore Crazy Location: West of Denver	No real reason to use oil unless you're painting metal doorframes. Even then there are good latex paints if you pay the price. Your lungs and brain will thank you for choosing latex. __________________ smoore

06-15-2008, 11:43 AM	#3 (permalink)
Daniel_ Evil Priest: The Devil Made Me Do It! Location: Southern England	Latex = water washable. Oil = costly solvents needed to clean brushes. Latex can also be thinned with water. All in all, it gives a better finish with less mess, and is easier to work with. __________________ ╔═════════════════════════════════════════╗ Overhead, the Albatross hangs motionless upon the air, And deep beneath the rolling waves, In labyrinths of Coral Caves, The Echo of a distant time Comes willowing across the sand; And everthing is Green and Submarine ╚═════════════════════════════════════════╝

06-15-2008, 08:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
kazoo Psycho Location: Where the night things are	Although alkyd paint can be more difficult for the inexperienced to work with, it some situations it does yield superior results. Be careful when you say "oil" because what is traditionally referred to as oil based paint is alkyd. For an extremely durable, high gloss, but slow drying paint, select linseed oil base. On a number of commercial and high end residential paint jobs, I've used alkyd paint, and most look very good many years later. Latex isn't as resistant to wear and scuffing. You can also go for an in-between, with waterborne paint. The chemistry is different from latex, and the application is not the same, either, but it does deliver a finish that's better than average. Muralo is the brand in this category with which I have the greatest experience. More than anything, stay away from the big box stores, as their paint is shiat. I stick with known brands which deliver dependable results: MAB, Benjamin-Moore, Pratt & Lambert, Finnaren & Haley. __________________ There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odor of mendacity -Big Daddy

06-19-2008, 11:04 AM	#5 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	If it's inside there's no compelling reason to go with anything other than latex. Only use flat if you paint a ceiling. I learned that the hard way. Something with an eggshell or satin finish on the walls cleans easier than flat. Semi or gloss for woodwork. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.