Latex vs Oil Based Paint - House Flipping Tip
Unless you are a professional painter acrylic latex paint is all the rage nowadays. Any average Joe should choose this kind of paint simply for one reason… It cleans up with soap and water. Even professional painters opt for latex paint in many cases. Since Latex is water based it does not require thinners and cleaners. Even the rollers and brushes can be cleaned relatively easily as long as it is done immediately after use. The main downside to latex is that it is subject to rust and mildew on metal surfaces or wet areas such as bathrooms. It also is not known for its “glossyness”.
Oil based paints are known for the “glossyness” factor. It is generally more appealing in bathrooms, kitchens, and on trims and moldings. It is sometimes used with a fungicide in bathrooms or other places where mildew tends to form. Also oil based paints are usually brushed on vs. rolled because of its consistency and other factors. The downsides are somewhat larger than for latex paint. Oil based paint typically requires the use of thinners and the chemicals pose danger when swallowed. Some dangerous ingredients in oil based paints include lead (banned after 1978), barium and mercury. See my article on lead paint removal for more information. It is recommended that a professional is used when oil paint is desired.
