Whenever you have a project that involves paint or painters in Concord, one of the first decisions that you will have to make is whether you want latex (water-based) or oil-based paint for the job. Each type of paint has its own pros and cons, and choosing is not as simple as it may, at first, seem.

Oil-based paint used to be the paint most often used. It has many advantages that made it the primary choice. It bonds easily to nearly any surface, and one coat is often sufficient coverage. It takes time to dry, which aids in the smoothness of the finished product. It is not affected by water, so it is not necessary to wait for perfect weather before using it outdoors. It holds up very well in areas with a lot of traffic, and usually has a shiny finish.

The potential negatives of oil-based paint are many, as well. Since it is oil-based, it needs chemicals to clean it up, and must be disposed of in a proper manner for hazardous materials. It has a very strong smell, and the fumes can be dangerous if the area is not well ventilated. It takes 12 to 24 hours or more to dry. It costs a bit more than latex, and is not as resistant to mildew. It yellows after about a year, which will affect the color you choose. It will also become brittle over time, resulting in cracks and chips, flakes and peeling areas.

While latex paint is relatively new to the world of painting, it has become a front-runner. People often choose water-based paint because it is much easier to clean up, since soap and water are the preferred method. Its smell is not nearly as strong, and is less likely to cause problems (though good ventilation is still necessary). It does not yellow. It is non-flammable and is much easier on the environment. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, and dries to the touch very quickly. It is also much less expensive than oil-based paint.

Potential issues with latex paint include possible problems with sticking, especially to surfaces previously painted with oil-based paint (although new paint with acrylic binders takes care of this problem). Its finish is usually not as shiny as oil-based. It dries very quickly, which can be a problem when trying to get a smooth finish or cleaning up errors. When painting on wood, it can swell, which leads to a need to sand between coats. Since it is easily washed away by water, painting outside when there is a chance of rain can be useless. It usually needs primer and requires several coats for good coverage.

So when painters in Concord are choosing the right paint for the job, it helps to know your needs. Time available and traffic of the area, whether you’re covering a dark color with a lighter one, and how glossy you want the finish will all affect the choice you make.