What are the advantages of latex paint?
Made from a water-soluble base, latex paint combines the advantages of versatility and easy clean up. It applies smoothly and wears well in both interior and exterior use. Latex paint can be thinned with water, and equipment or spills can be cleaned up simply with soapy water. Latex paint is non-toxic and has less of an odor than other paints, such as oil-based paint. When used indoors, fumes from oil-based paint may linger for several weeks. On the other hand, odors from latex paint dissipate quickly after the paint has dried. Of course, adequate ventilation is always necessary when painting indoors regardless of the type of paint used. In addition to being non-toxic, latex paint is non-flammable. Oil-based paint and the solvents required for thinning and clean up are highly flammable. Those solvents, along with the oil-based paint itself, are considered toxic waste and must be disposed of according to local regulations. Latex paint is much more environmentally friendly than other pai
In addition to being thinnable with water, latex paints feature: • Less odor • Water cleanup • Non-flammable • Faster drying • Ease of touch up • Ease of application • Better gloss • Less fading on exteriors • No yellowing on interiors • Less likely to crack or peel What is an oil-based paint? These paints have resins and thinners in them that evaporate when the paint dries. This process forms a hard coating and provides heavier coverage on the first coat, effective penetration and excellent adhesion. They are particularly good for chalky surfaces and those that already have several layers of oil-based paint. What does the term gloss mean? It refers to how shiny the paint is. Manufacturers use terms such as flat, satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss to describe their paints, but there are no specific industry standards. What type of paint should I use in my kitchen? High-gloss paints are great for high-traffic areas because they provide a tough, washable finish that also resists water and
