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Comparing Oil and Latex
Paints
Durability-Good adhesion is probably the single most
important property of paints, because it helps prevent
blistering , flaking and cracking.
Latex- Top quality latex paints that contain top quality
acrylic binders provide maximum adhesion to most surfaces.
Latex paints are also very flexible, so they continue to
adhere even when temperature changes cause the surface to
expand and contract. This elasticity helps forestall
chipping, peeling, flaking and other common paint
failures.
? Oil-Alkyd paints also have excellent adhesion, and
perform better than latex over heavily chalked surfaces.
But with time, the alkyd can embrittle, sometimes
resulting in cracking in just a few years.
Color Retention
Latex-Top quality acrylic latex paints provide superior
resistance to bleaching and fading,, even when exposed to
damaging ultraviolet sun rays.
Oil-Alkyd paints fade faster than latex paints. They are
more likely to chalk (develop a powdery substance on their
surface), which causes the color to whiten.
Ease of Application
Latex-Latex paints glide smoothly from the brush or roller
onto the surface. Top quality latex paints are especially
easy to apply, since recently developed additives provide
even application and spatter resistance.
Oil-Compared to latex paints, alkyd paints are more
difficult to apply,, especially when brushing a large
area, because they have more "drag". On the other hand,
they go on heavier and give more complete one-coat hiding
and coverage.
Mildew Resistance
Latex-Top quality acrylic latex paints contain mildewcides
to discourage mildew and help the paint maintain a fresh
appearance.
Oil-Alkyd paints, while also containing mildewcides, are
derived from vegetable oils which provide nutrients for
mildew growth.
Variety of Uses
Latex-Latex paints can be used on wood, concrete, metal,
vinyl siding, aluminum siding, brick and stucco.
Oil-Alkyd paints should not be directly applied to
galvanized metal. They also require special chemical
pre-treatments before use on new concrete, stucco and
other masonry surfaces.
Odor
Latex-Latex paints have little odor and are non-flammable.
Oil-Alkyd paints have noticeably more odor owing to the
solvents and oils they contain.
Clean-up
Latex-Latex paints clean up easily with soap and water.
Oil-Alkyd paints require solvents for clean up, making the
chore messy and complicated.
Drying Time
Latex-Latex paints dry in just a couple of hours, so you
can recoat quickly. However they are vulnerable in case of
sudden rain.
Oil-Drying time for alkyd paints can take up to two days-
plenty of time for dirt, insects and people to come in
contact with the surface and potential to mar it
permanently. |
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For vinyl siding, always use a 100% acrylic latex primer
and topcoat; and for aluminum siding, always use an
oil/alkyd primer and 100% acrylic latex topcoat.
Use eggshell or satin sheen paint for gables and siding;
use semi-gloss or gloss paint for windows, trim and doors. |
