Painting your home is one of the easiest home improvement projects you can do. It requires very little special knowledge and is something anyone can learn to do. It also is a simple way to completely change the look of your home or a room. With so many choices in paint it can be hard to figure out what type to buy. One versatile choice would be oil based paint.

The Basics

Oil based paint are an alternative to water based latex paints. This is a great option for someone with a severe latex allergy who could be endangered by using latex paint of any kind. Additionally, oil based paints are much more durable, so they last longer and show wear less than latex paint. Oil based paints are ideal for trim, doors and other areas of high traffic.

Using It

Oil based paints can be a bit more difficult to use than latex paint. There are thicker and therefore requires different tools than you would use with latex paint. You need to have thicker brushes and rollers. They also require good ventilation when using them due to the strong odor. However, despite these things, they can be bought anywhere, like latex paint and found in almost any color you need. When shopping for oil based paint you should remember to buy primer. You must prime before painting or the paint might peel. Another good tip is that before painting it is very important to stir up the paint and avoid shaking it. It can bubble when applying so application should be done in several thin coats and not put on too thickly to avoid bubbles. You should allow adequate drying time between coats and remember that oil based paint will take longer to dry than latex paint. When disposing oil based paint you should follow local guidelines because they are toxic and considered hazardous waste.

Where to Use It

Some good projects for oil based paint is in many areas. Bead board, window trim and molding are great places to use oil based paint because they see a lot of wear. Painting them with oil based paint will make them easier to clean and keep wear from showing up easily. Doors are a good choice, too, for the same reason. They are very good for exterior projects, too, because of their resistance to water and wear. Metal projects work well with this paint, too. They are very good for a variety of projects. So consider them the next time you have a painting job to do.

Reasons to Use Oil-Based Paints for Home Projects

There are some specific reasons to employ oil-based paints for home improvement projects. Of course, there are two options when it comes to choosing paint. Water-based latex paints are just fine for covering the walls, while oil-based paints are generally the best choice for high-traffic areas, doors and wood trim.

There are a couple of additional factors involved in using oil-based paints, including a bit of special attention in preparation and in cleaning up. Oil-based paint tends to be a bit thicker than latex/water-based paint. For this reason, the two types require different rollers and brushes for best results. Oil-based paints should always be used in an area that is well ventilated since this type of paint tends to put off stronger fumes. (However, it is best to provide good ventilation with all painting.) Oil-based paints are available at just about every hardware and home improvement store. These suppliers should be able to mix any color or shade of color needed.

A successful painting project begins with careful preparation of the surface. The area to be painted should be clean and smooth (free of dust and large bumps). It will probably be necessary to put a prime coat of paint on first, since oil-based paints can peel off more quickly without a prime base. Some paint experts urge using a tinted primer if painting over a dark color. Each situation should be evaluated carefully.

Latex/water-based paints are a bit easier to clean up, since it will not be necessary to use solvents or chemical mixes that are specifically meant for cleaning up after painting with oil-based paints. Oil-based paints should be carefully stirred before using, to properly mix the oils and pigments and to get a consistent color. Oil-based paints will generally take a bit longer to dry to the touch than latex paints. Good ventilation and relatively dry conditions are most conducive to drying. Use caution when using paints, cleaning up after painting and when disposing of paint cans and unused paint. If using a cordless compressor and paint gun, you may want to check with the manufacturer about the type of paint used.

Oil-based paints stand up to wear a bit better than latex paints, so this type of paint is often used on doors, baseboards, window trim, chair rails etc. Inside doors painted with an oil-based paint will stand up to the everyday use they get, and the painted surface will be easier to clean as well. Using oil-based paints on outside doors is also a good idea, because the tougher dry surface should handle weather conditions better than some latex paints.

Oil-based paints can be a good choice for small woodworking projects as well, especially if the surfaces are properly cleaned and prepared. Raw wood should be sanded and well cleaned before any paint is applied. In addition, oil-based paints can work well on metal surfaces, if the surface is cleaned and primed first.

In fact, oil-based paints are a good choice for just about every area of the home, if care is taken with preparation and priming. A bit of patience before and after the actual painting will make the project more successful.