“Where would you use an oil based paint?” This is a question that we get quite often at Absolute Painting & Power Washing. But before we can answer that question we should ask two more questions.
First, what exactly is an oil based paint?
Oil based paint is also known as alkyd paint. The word alkyd refers to the synthetic resin used as a binder in the paint; this would be the oil in the paint.
Second, why use an oil based paint?
Alkyd paint tends to be much more durable than latex paint. What makes this type of paint durable is the fact that it dries hard. Weather is seldom an issue when you select the proper oil based paint. Also alkyd paints tend to dry with a higher shine to them, giving a nice glossy look.
Now that we know what an oil based paint is and what it can do… There are several surfaces for using oil based paint on, there is wood, metal, and brick. As you can see these surfaces are what you will find when doing exterior painting. However, you can also use oil based paints when doing interior painting as well. There are bathrooms and kitchens, location of high humidity, door trim and window sashes, are acceptable for painting with oil based paint. The good thing about painting trim with an oil based paint is that it accentuates the trim better; the high gloss finish does that.
For every positive there are negatives… Over time oil based paint can become brittle and crack, producing an alligator skin look. Longevity of color is an issue with alkyd paints as well, the color tends to fade over the years. You shouldn’t apply oil based paint over a latex paint, it will not adhere to the latex paint. Clean up requires using toxic solvents for every surface that comes in contact with this type of paint.
Oil based paint has many uses. If you find that you want that high gloss finish on your windows and trim, but don’t want to deal with the extra precautions of oil based paint, give us a call at Absolute Painting & Power Washing. We will be happy to assist you with all your painting and interior design needs.
“We guarantee you will be a satisfied customer”
Mike Hughes
