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Change to water-based enamels

Are you still using oil-based enamel paints because you think they are better than water-based enamel paints? If so, it's time to change. Believe it or not water-based enamel paints are far more superior that oil-based enamel paints, and friendlier to the environment.

 

Typically the term enamel paint is used to describe oil-based covering products, usually with a significant amount of gloss in them, however recently many water-based paints have adopted the term as well. For over 30 years most oil-based paints are being phased out and replaced by water-based paints. If you are still using oil-based paints it's time to find out why you need to change.

Bad news about oil-based enamel

  • Consider that oil-based enamel paint takes up to eight hours to dry, depending on the humidity, and that's only for the first coat. You then have to wait that long for a second coat.
  • Any paint that is oil-based produces fumes that can be harmful and even toxic if the area you are painting isn't well ventilated. The most common solvents used in oil-based enamel paint includes toluene, benzene; and xylenes - all of which can have harmful effects on our health.
  • Oil-based paints contain high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). As oil-based paint dries the VOCs vaporize, harming not only your home environment but also contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer.
  • Oil-based enamel paints tend to discolour over time. Whites become yellow.

Good news about water-based enamel

  • Water-based enamel is quick-drying and can be painted over in an hour or two, depending upon ambient conditions. A quality water-based enamel paint, such as Plascon Kitchens & Bathrooms paint, offers the same coverage as oil-based enamel and is just as durable and hard-wearing.
  • Water-based enamel paint has little or no fumes and won't overpower you. These paints have low VOC levels and are not considered harmful to your health.
  • Water-based enamel paint, such as Plascon Kitchens & Bathrooms paint, does not discolour over time - whites stay white.

You can use water-based enamel paint on walls, ceilings and suitably-primed surfaces such as melamine.