Which paint to choose for your interior?

First of all, let's start at the beginning: all paints, whether water- or solvent-based, are composed of the following elements:

• binders or resins,
• pigments (or colorants),
• fillers (talc, chalk, marble powder, etc.),
• solvents (thinners)
• and sometimes additives: these are added to improve the paint (faster drying, better preservation...).

The major difference between water-based and oil-based paints lies in the solvent used. Water-based paints, also known as waterborne paints, contain water and a very small amount of organic substances (5-10%). Oil-based paints, also known as solvent-based paints, contain organic solvents (VOCs or volatile organic compounds), such as white spirit.

Water-based paints

Acrylic

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

Advantages: 

• Can be used on all surfaces, indoors and outdoors
• Virtually odorless
• Quick-drying
• Good covering power
• Moisture-resistant
• Less polluting than other paints: it contains little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Disadvantages:

• Hardly washable
• Risk of rework marks due to rapid drying
• May require several coats (depending on paint quality)

Vinyl

This paint - composed of water, pigments and vinyl acetate - is mainly used as a mixture to make effect paints, or as an undercoat on substrates such as plaster or finishing plasters.

Advantages:

• Little or no odor
• Quick-drying
• High flexibility and grip

Disadvantages:

• Light tones turn yellow over time
• May require several coats (depending on paint quality)

Alkyde

Alkyd paint is originally a solvent-based paint (i.e. an oil-based paint), which is particularly toxic. To remedy this health problem, professionals decided to develop a healthy water-based alternative: emulsion alkyds.

Since then, this latest-generation mixed paint has been on the market. It is similar to acrylic paint in that it is composed of water and resin. The difference? The incorporation of alkyd resin and urethane binder.

Advantages:

• Little or no odor
• For indoor and outdoor use
• Washable
• Resistant
• Dries quickly to the touch
• Ideal for lacquers
• Low toxicity

Disadvantages:

• Slow through-drying
• White tones may yellow over time
• High cost

See also > Cleaning a painted wall the right way

Oil paints

Glycero

Glycerol paint contains a glycerophthalic resin as a binder.

Advantages:

• For indoor and outdoor use
• Good covering power
• Moisture-resistant
• Shock-resistant
• Ideal for lacquers
• Washable

Disadvantages:

• Toxic: contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) harmful to humans and the environment.
• Strong odor
• Dries slowly
• Difficult application on walls or ceilings

Polyurethane

Polyurethane paint is often used for floors. It falls into the category of mixed paints, since it can be combined with alkyds or acrylics (but not with vinyls).

Advantages: 

• Moisture-resistant
• Impact and abrasion resistant
• Washable
• Good covering power
• For indoor and outdoor use

Disadvantages: 

• White tones turn yellow over time
• Toxic
• Slow through-drying
• Strong odor
• Application sometimes difficult

Epoxy

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

Advantages:

• Moisture-resistant
• Shock-resistant
• Good covering power
• For indoor and outdoor use
• Beautifully smooth appearance

Disadvantages:

• Difficult application
• Toxic
• Pollutant
• Multiple layers required
• Dries slowly
• High cost
• Not UV-resistant

Natural paints

Natural paints are made from natural raw materials (vegetable oils and resins, mineral pigments) and are therefore manufactured from renewable resources. Examples include: mineral paint, clay paint, lime paint, vegetable paint and linseed oil paint...

Please note that we also distinguish here between solvent-based and water-based paints. In some paints, turpentine (not to be confused with white spirit) is used as a solvent. It may be an oil derived from conifer resin, but it is not 100% natural. If you want to be sure you're using a natural product, read the label carefully and ask an expert for advice.

Advantages:

• Good covering power
• Unique rendering
• Good humidity management
• Non-polluting
• Non-toxic
• Easy application
• No odor

Its drawbacks

• Dries slowly
• Less resistant

Beware of toxic paints!
Some of the paints listed above - particularly oil-based paints - can be hazardous to your health due to the presence of volatile organic compounds. It is therefore preferable to use alternatives, such as natural paint.

If you nevertheless wish to use these toxic paints, here are a few precautions to follow:
- Ventilate the room after work,
- Observe the safety precautions indicated on the packaging,
- Some paints contain flammable products, keep the can away from any source of heat,
- When painting, always tie back your hair and wear a machine-washable protective suit that does not impede your movements, and a filtering mask to protect your face,
- Always protect your hands with gloves suitable for this purpose,
- Protect the floor and furniture with a tarpaulin or newspaper,
- If in doubt, call in a professional.

Text by Mailys Chavagne
Source: Jevaisconstuire.be

16/04/2020