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I used only latex paint for redecorating my home except for an oil based primer Kilz. Why? All rooms were wallpapered and after it was removed I knew that some wallpaper glue was left even after thoroughly washing down the walls.
After I ran into some unusual problems my local home improvement center recommended to use Kilz.
Kilz is a primer, sealer and stainblocker. It also blocks heavy water and smoke stains.
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| Oil or Latex? |
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Oil based paint is slowly on its way out as more and more homeowners prefer to use latex (water) based paint instead of oil based paint. There may be several reasons why oil based paint is becoming less and less popular and two of the main reasons are ease of cleaning up after the job is finished and maybe even more importantly, environmental concerns. More about this later. In this article we will briefly discuss:
- How to test if old paint is oil based paint or latex.
- Advantages and disadvantages of oil based paint.
- Advantages and disadvantages of latex paint.
- Links to other painting related subjects.
TEST IF THE OLD PAINT IS OIL BASED PAINT OR LATEX
If you have to paint over old paint it is important to find out if it is alkyd or latex. There are several methods of finding out. For one of the least evasive methods follow these three steps:
1- Make a solution of household detergent and warm water.
2- Clean a small area, rinse it well and towel dry.
3- Rub the cleaned area with a rag, Q-tip or cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.
The verdict: If the paint does not come off it is oil based. If the paint comes off it is latex.
ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES OF OIL BASED PAINT
Advantages.
- Better cover with just one coat.
- Holds up well in high traffic areas.
- Relatively easy to remove finger or scuff marks
Disadvantages.
- Strong odors for days after painting is finished.
- Takes a long time to dry.
- Clean-up time involves mineral spirits or turpentine. Cleaning brushes is messy and the strong turpentine fumes linger for a long time.
- For environmental reasons care should be taken that no fluids go down the drain when cleaning painting tools .
| Many municipalities maintain hazardous waste collection centers where you can drop off old paint and cleaning solvents. |
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ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES OF LATEX PAINT
Advantages.
- A lot more environmental friendly than oil based paint. Just use water and soap for cleanup.
- Dries fast. Often a second coat, if necessary, can be applied the same day.
- More widely available than oil based paint. Because of environmental concerns fewer stores carry oil based paint
Disadvantage.
- It swells the grain of wood, making sanding between coats a necessity.
LINKS TO OTHER HELPFUL ARTICLES
Tools and supplies. For surface preparation and painting.
Buy the right brush or roller. Bristles, roller material, nap length.
Surface preparation. Wallpaper glue. Treating mildew.
Liquid sandpaper - deglossers. What it is. What it doesn't do.
Painting tips. Getting ready. Tools. Painting. Storing paint.
Paint Tray Liners. Make your own. Do you really need one?
Clean-up time. Brushes, rollers, trays, solvents, paint disposal.
Lead in paint. Health warning. Remedial action. Government.
Lead. Sources of lead other than paint. Remedial actions. Health concerns. |
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