Which Is Better – Solvent Vs. Water-Based Paints?

Years ago, people used solvent-based acrylic paints the most, because they perceived these to be the strongest, most effective, and most durable. Well, times have changed and so has paint technology. Now, water-based paints are just as effective as solvent-based paints are. In fact, water-based paints have now almost completely replaced solvent-based paints.

 

Today’s water-based paints have all of the qualities that solvent-based paints have traditionally had. These include being of high quality and being safe for the environment. Both solvent and water-based paints are nontoxic and safe to use around people and domestic animals.

 

How do water-based and solvent-based paints differ?

 

Another name for solvent-based paints is oil paints. Another name for water-based paints is alkyd paints. Oil paints tend to have high levels of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. These tend to be gases that are common in many household products.

 

Oil paints go on easily and last for a long time. There was a problem because these paints used to smell bad and emit toxic fumes that were bad for both people and the environment, however, that was in the past. Oil paints are now much safer, both for people and the environment!

 

Now, painting companies and developers tend to choose only water-based paints since they’re just as effective as oil paints and are much safer for people and the environment, government regulations are very strict in terms of the level of VOCs that both oil and alkyd paints can have.

 

Water-based paints don’t contain lead. Therefore, painters don’t need to wear a mask when using them. Also, they don’t have to worry about these paints damaging their nervous and respiratory systems.

 

Solvent paints

 

These tend to contain more man-made chemicals. The resin seals the paint as the solvent thinner evaporates and the paint dries. Oil-based paints still tend to have a strong odor and smell. Painters still find that they need to use a mask to apply these.

 

Water paints

 

These are referred to as acrylic or latex paints. They don’t smell and are safe for the environment. Water-based paints tend to rub off when exposed to water. Solvent-based paints tend to not do this.

 

Paints – water and solvent-based – are made out of pigments, binders, and liquids that are held together in suspension. Pigments are fine powders, binders are plastic polymers that hold pigments together, liquids hold the pigments and binders together.

 

Volatile organic compounds

 

These are gases that come from everyday objects that you find in your house or office. For the record, these can cause long-term damage to people’s health. You can find these in paint products, varnish, items that go to the dry cleaners, aerosol sprays, chemicals to clean your house, disinfectants, glues, air fresheners.

 

For a hassle-free, eco-friendly paint job, contact Right Track Painting and Sealcoating  today. Call us at 617-480-9831.