Painting the exterior of your home is an effective way to improve curb appeal. The size of the home improvement industry, including house painting, has grown by 3.7 percent every year since 2017.
If you’re thinking of applying oil-based paint to your home, there are a few things you should know before you begin.
Read on to learn more about oil-based exterior paint so you can be prepared for your next major home improvement project.
Oil vs. Latex Exterior Paint
Latex paint is water-based and contains glycols or glycol ethers, which are incorporated as a solvent. When referring to paint, the word latex is actually talking about the resin contained within the paint and no latex rubber is included.
For oil-based paint, the formula contains natural oils like linseed oil. It may also contain a synthetic form of oil and also includes pigment, resin, and a solvent.
When applying exterior paint to your home, oil-based paints are considered more durable. They’re also ideal for high-traffic interior areas, too.
The Benefits of Oil Paint
Overall, when it comes to painting your house, oil-based paint is much more durable and will hold up better than latex paint. There are many benefits to using this type of paint for your home’s exterior, including:
- Oil-based paint covers surfaces more effectively in just one single coat
- This paint applies more smoothly, making it easier to complete a large project
- Oil paint is tough and durable, which means it’s ideal for outdoor use
If you’re concerned about how much paint you’ll need to cover your home’s exterior, then oil-based paint can save you money. This paint applies smoothly and easily, which typically means you won’t need to apply a second coat.
Important Oil-Based Paint Facts
There are some key things that every homeowner should know before applying oil-based paint, particularly to a home’s exterior. First, this paint does a great job of blocking moisture, but it also traps it which may lead to moisture problems later.
Since oil-based paint is not flexible, it could lead to moisture issues over time. That’s because the paint isn’t breathable, leaving moisture to get trapped under the surface.
If you live in a moist climate, then oil paint might not be the best choice for you. Talk to professional painters who have experience applying exterior paint in your climate and your location.
Acrylic latex is a great alternative to oil paint and it’s also just as durable. Consider your options before you commit to a new exterior paint color and formula.
Find Your Perfect Paint
As you can see, there are some advantages and some disadvantages to oil-based exterior paint. Make sure you talk to the pros so they can help you decide which option is best for you.
To learn more about our painting services or to schedule an appointment, be sure to get in touch with us today!