Choosing the right paint for interior wall decorations is not easy.
You have to decide which paint should you use for your interior or exterior wall.
Which one is safer to use? Which one is best, water-based paint or oil-based paint? It's important to realize, both of these paints have some advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some points that might help you decide which paint should you choose for your home wall decor and which one is safe.
Water based paints have a water-soluble base to their formulation.
It is quicker to dry, in about 1 to 2 hours.
The main advantage of this paint is, it has significantly less odour, however it is recommended, interior rooms should still be ventilated while painting.
Another advantage is that it won't show stroke marks as distinctly.
In addition, it is easy to apply and it can be cleaned up with just warm soapy water.
These paints are more resistance to fading, chalking, blistering and pealing as the paint has the ability to breath.
Water-based paints are also non-flammable.
As a result, of this advantage, these paints are ideal for both exterior and interior wall.
Therefore it will not get yellowish over time.
These paints are considered a non-hazardous material and are more earth friendly.
It can be disposed of similar to other household waste.
On the other hand, some of the disadvantages of these paints are, they do not adhere well to dirty or chalky surfaces.
Therefore they need to be applied to clean surfaces for best adhesion.
Another disadvantage is water-based paint is more temperature sensitive.
During the drying process, paints are more susceptible to shrinkage.
They are not ideal for stain sealer thus the stains can easily penetrate through the wall.
Oil paints and glazes have a petroleum or alkyd base to their formulation.
The main advantage of oil based paints is, they known to be better stain sealers.
They are also better for adhering to metal, steel, and dirty surfaces.
Another key point is they are not temperature sensitive.
As a result, they works perfectly in low temperatures and are also less susceptible to shrinkage.
The biggest disadvantage of this paint is it require longer drying periods, up to 24 hours.
Oil also gives off a very unpleasant odour.
Therefore it is recommended, interior rooms should be well ventilated while painting.
These paints fade in colour overtime and turn yellowish.
Oil based paints are also become brittle in time, which leads to pealing and chalking.
Because it does not have the ability to breath, blistering also appears overtime.
It require clean up with mineral spirits.
These paints are highly flammable and are considered a hazardous material and cannot be disposed of as easily as water-based paints.
In summary water based paints are ideal for low traffic areas.
For example: dining rooms, living rooms, or home exteriors.
On the other hand, oil based paints are used in higher traffic areas due to their durability and ability to be cleaned.
Example: a hallway floor, kitchen floor etc.