Latex vs. Oil Based Paint/Stain

Just when you finally have the perfect color and opacity selected, surely that’s all there is to consider when choosing a product right? Well, almost. There is often no need to mention this detail if you’ve opted to hire a painter to do the word for you as they will handle this background information, but it is worth learning about if you’re going with the DIY route.

Oil-Based Stains (Sealant, Toner and Semi-Transparent)

 
Semi Transparent deck stain
 

Oil-based stains are thinner stains that are generally used on newer decks to maintain their natural appearance.

  • Designed to soak into the wood to protect it from the inside, which prevents water from soaking in

  • Can be messier, due to the stain having the consistency of water

  • True color may vary depending on condition of wood

  • Requires mineral spirits to be cleaned up

  • Shows the wood grain, giving the deck a natural look

  • Risk of over-application

    • Once the first coat of stain is applied, it immediately soaks into the wood. Applying an additional coat on top of this will not make it last longer. The second coat (which is designed to soak into the wood) will have nowhere to go since the wood is already protected, so it will sit on top. This creates a sticky, undesirable surface that doesn’t last very long.

  • Need to ensure the sealant has worn away before cleaning and re-coating

Latex/Acrylic-Based Stains (Semi-Solid and Solid)

 
Solid Deck Stain
 

Latex-based stains are generally used when the wood has many imperfections, old stain, or when longevity is prioritized.

  • Bonds with itself on top of the surface to prevent water from soaking in

  • Easy to apply, as it has a thicker consistency

  • Much wider range of color options that are not impacted by the condition of wood

  • Lasts much longer than most oil-based stains

  • Cleans up with water

  • Stronger protection against UV rays

  • A second coat can be applied with no risk of over-application, given the first coat had time to dry

  • Can be cleaned and re-coated at any time

Oil vs. Latex Interior Paint

Nearly all interior paints today are latex (aka acrylic) based. This is due to oil-based paints having strong odors, higher VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds, which are unstable chemicals that let off gasses that are very harmful to people and the environment), and are prone to cracking and fading.

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If you’d like to read more about latex and oil-based paints and stains, this article by DIY Network as well as this one by The Craftsman Blog do a great job further explaining the subject.

I hope this article has been helpful to you! As always, feel free to reach out to me at brendan@McCormickPaintingServices.com or 563-506-5510 and I’d be happy to further explain anything. If you’re looking for painters to hire for your next project in Cedar Rapids or surrounding areas, give us a call!

Brendan McCormick