Structural work, Interior, Materials—renovating your home also includes painting work. The choice can be complex, as there are many types. Here’s a detailed analysis of their characteristics to help you make an informed choice.

First things first: all paints, whether water-based or solvent-based, are made up of the following elements:

  • Binders or resins
  • Pigments (or colorants)
  • Fillers (talc, chalk, marble powder, etc.)
  • Solvents (thinners)
  • And sometimes additives: added to improve the paint (faster drying, better shelf life…)

The main difference between water-based and oil-based paints lies in the solvent. Water-based paints, also called aqueous-phase paints, contain water and a very small amount of organic substances (5 to 10%). Oil-based paints, or solvent-phase paints, contain organic solvents (VOCs), such as white spirit.

Water-based paints

Acrylic

Acrylic paint is composed of water, pigments, and resins. It can be single-coat or two-coat.

Advantages:

  • Usable on all surfaces, indoors and outdoors
  • Almost odorless
  • Quick drying
  • Good coverage
  • Moisture-resistant
  • Less polluting: contains little to no VOCs

Disadvantages:

  • Not highly washable
  • May leave overlap marks due to fast drying
  • Sometimes requires multiple coats (depending on paint quality)

Vinyl

This paint—made of water, pigments, and vinyl acetate—is mainly used in blends for effect paints or as a base coat on plaster or finishing coatings.

Advantages:

  • Little to no odor
  • Fast drying
  • Flexible and adheres well

Disadvantages:

  • Light tones may yellow over time
  • Sometimes requires multiple coats

Alkyd

Originally a solvent-based (oil) paint and particularly toxic, alkyd paint now also exists in a healthier water-based version: alkyd emulsions.

This modern hybrid paint resembles acrylic as it’s made with water and resin. The difference lies in the added alkyd resin and urethane binder.

Advantages:

  • Little to no odor
  • Suitable for interior and exterior
  • Washable
  • Durable
  • Quick surface drying
  • Ideal for lacquers
  • Low toxicity

Disadvantages:

  • Slow curing
  • White tones may yellow over time
  • High cost

Oil-based paints

Glycero

Glycero paint contains glyceryl phthalate resin as a binder.

Advantages:

  • Usable indoors and outdoors
  • Good coverage
  • Moisture-resistant
  • Impact-resistant
  • Ideal for lacquers
  • Washable

Disadvantages:

  • Toxic: contains harmful VOCs
  • Strong odor
  • Slow drying
  • Challenging application on walls or ceilings

Polyurethane

Polyurethane paint is commonly used on floors. It belongs to hybrid paints and can be combined with alkyd or acrylic paints (not vinyl).

Advantages:

  • Moisture-resistant
  • Shock and abrasion resistant
  • Washable
  • Good coverage
  • Usable indoors and outdoors

Disadvantages:

  • White tones yellow over time
  • Toxic
  • Slow curing
  • Strong odor
  • Challenging to apply

Epoxy

Epoxy paint consists of a base and a hardener. The base contains epoxy polymer binders.

Advantages:

  • Moisture-resistant
  • Impact-resistant
  • Good coverage
  • Usable indoors and outdoors
  • Smooth finish

Disadvantages:

  • Difficult application
  • Toxic
  • Polluting
  • Requires several coats
  • Slow drying
  • Expensive
  • Not UV-resistant

Natural paints

Natural paints are made from natural raw materials (vegetable oils and resins, mineral pigments) and are based on renewable resources. Examples include mineral paint, clay paint, lime paint, plant-based paint, and linseed oil paint.

Note: We also distinguish between water- and solvent-based natural paints. Some use turpentine (not to be confused with white spirit) as a solvent. This may be derived from conifer resin but is not 100% natural. Always read the label carefully or ask an expert for advice.

Advantages:

  • Good coverage
  • Unique finish
  • Good moisture regulation
  • Non-polluting
  • Non-toxic
  • Easy to apply
  • No odor

Disadvantages:

  • Slow drying
  • Less durable

Watch out for toxic paints!
Some paints listed above—especially oil-based ones—can be hazardous to health due to VOCs. It’s better to opt for natural alternatives.

If you still wish to use toxic paints, follow these precautions:
– Ventilate the room after work,
– Follow all safety instructions on the label,
– Keep containers away from heat sources,
– Tie your hair, wear a washable protective suit and a face-filtering mask,
– Always wear suitable gloves,
– Protect the floor and furniture with tarps or newspaper,
– If in doubt, call a professional.

Visit our services page to see how Ateliers Thomquin can assist you with your painting work!