Know when to Use Oil Based Paint Instead of Latex

Many home centers are only selling water-based paints these days, because most DIY home owners are not familiar enough with the advantages of alkyd (oil-based) paints. In the US, many states are phasing out oil paint due to environmental concerns. But alkyd enamels remain the superior choice for certain applications. Alkyd paints dry much slower than latex, and as a result provide a much smoother and potentially glossy finish, with a hard enamel that resists scratching, scuffing, fingerprinting, and staining. A side-by-side comparison with latex easily demonstrates that oil-based paints provide a more attractive look for applications that have gloss in them.

Steps

  1. Determine the application. Alkyd paint is best used for cabinetry, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, kitchens, high-moisture bathrooms, and anywhere a rich, semi-gloss or full gloss look is desired.
  2. Acquire the right tools. Most of the time, homeowners will use a brushed finish for a traditional painted look. This requires a high quality china bristle brush (the kind with the black bristles), or a synthetic brush that is advertised for oil-based finishes and paints. For most job a simple 2" or 2 1/2" cut-in (i.e., diagonal bristle) brush will work, but if you will be painting window mullions you will want a smaller 1" sash brush. A small paint can that is comfortable to hold is helpful, because you don't want to be dipping the brush into the can that the paint comes in (to avoid contamination with dirt, hair, loose bristles, etc). And a couple of jars for cleaning up with mineral spirits (AKA paint thinner) and for re-using the old mineral spirits. For most homeowner jobs, a pint of mineral spirits will suffice for clean-up.
  3. Purchase the paint. Most paint stores sell oil-based paints, but some of the big box home centers don't because it isn't as familiar with the DIY market. Sometimes alkyd enamel is sold under the heading of "industrial rust preventative" or some such wording, but it is the same stuff.
  4. Painting is much the same process as with latex, but the drying time for alkyd paints is longer, and the need for ventilation is greater. As with latex, two coats over a primer is standard. The primer can be oil or water based primer, but if the paint color is dark you should have the paint store tint the primer the approximate color of the paint.
  5. Before the final coat of paint, sand with a very fine grit sanding sponge or paper, wipe off the surface with a clean cloth, and then wipe with a tack rag. This will keep imperfections out of the final finish.

Tips

  • Even though you need to wait for at least 24-48 hours to re-coat with alkyd paints, you don't need to clean the brush off in between coats. Just store it in a plastic bag or wrap it with plastic wrap or store the brush in a cup of mineral spirits. With latex paints, it's a good idea to put wrapped brushes in the freezer but DO NOT put brushes with oil based paint in the refrigerator or freezer. The styrofoam that the refrigerator is insulated with will absorb the odor and actually get into your foods. Clean it off only when you're completely done with the job.
  • Don't throw away the used paint thinner! Keep it in a jar with the lid on. After a week or two, all of the paint solids will settle to the bottom and compact. So the next time you need to clean a brush, just decant the clear paint thinner off of the solids. You shouldn't have to throw away or dump any paint thinner at all.
  • Because the drying time is so slow, it is somewhat easier to cause drips with oil-based paints. Make sure to buy premium quality paint, and use good lighting to monitor how the paint is going on.
  • It takes surprisingly little paint thinner to clean the brush. Use about a quarter cup in a jar to clean most of the paint off. If you have a brush spinner, it will help to use it now, or you can pat the wet brush off into a clean bucket. Then use another quarter cup to clean the brush off finally, until it's totally clean. Spin or pat the brush again, and store it in the same folding piece of cardboard that it came with to protect it and hold its shape.

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