The Ultimate Guide to Water-Based Paints

Paints used for exterior and interior painting in homes come in two basic varieties: water or oil-based. When you peruse the paint aisle at your local home improvement store, you are likely to see a much wider selection of water-based paints than oil. While oil-based paints have their merits, water-based paints are much more popular due to their ease of use and eco-friendly components. However, not all water-based paints are the same; knowing the difference can help you get the most out of your next painting project.

The short answer: Water-based paint uses water instead of oil-based solvents to carry the pigment and binder. It’s the same thing most people call latex paint, and most of it today is made with acrylic binders. It cleans up with soap and water while wet, but once it dries and cures, it won’t wash off.

Water-based paints are not new; simpler forms like whitewash and milk paint have been used for centuries. Since then, the painting industry has continued to find ways to improve water-based paints to make them more durable and easier to use, accomplishing much of this in the last fifty years.

What Is Water-Based Paint?

Simply put, water-based paint uses water instead of oil to carry the pigment and binders of the paint. The strong fumes associated with painting are often a leftover memory of oil-based paint, not water-based. Water-based paint does not require turpentine or mineral spirits for clean-up; it washes away easily with soap and water. However, it still offers a durable, lasting finish for both interior and exterior surfaces that can be cleaned if needed.

Is Latex or Acrylic Paint Water-Based?

Yes. Latex paint is simply the common name for water-based paint, and most acrylic house paint is water-based too. Water-based paints contain acrylic and/or vinyl. The terms acrylic and latex are applied to water-based paints used for home painting, but both contain acrylic as a binder. Some lower quality paints use more vinyl instead of acrylic resin. This can reduce durability and quality compared to 100% acrylic water-based paints.

Does Water-Based Paint Wash Off?

While it’s still wet, water-based paint washes off brushes, skin, and most surfaces easily with soap and water. Once it dries and cures, it becomes water-resistant and won’t wash off in the rain or with normal cleaning. Keep in mind that water-based paint can take a few weeks to fully cure, and rain or heavy dew within the first several hours can damage fresh exterior paint. Learn more about how temperature and humidity affect paint. Indoors, cured paint can be wiped down gently. Here’s how to clean painted walls without damaging the finish.

Benefits of Water-Based Paints

When latex was invented in the 1940s, it changed the paint industry. Latex polymers offered a higher quality paint with more durability, giving oil-based paints a run for their money. The technology improved over the years, creating higher levels of reliability with water-based paints and simplicity of use that DIY homeowners and professional painters enjoyed. Some of the benefits of the water-based paints available now include:

• Eco-friendly and easy clean-up. In comparison to oil-based paints, water-based paints are much more eco-friendly. The main carrier is water, which does not require chemicals for removal from brushes, skin, and surfaces.
• Durable surface. While not as durable as oil, water-based paints have drastically improved. Higher quality 100% acrylic paints can last ten years or longer for exterior painting projects.
• Crack and yellow-resistant. Water-based paints are much less likely to yellow or crack than oil-based options since there is more flexibility in the paint.
• Stain and mildew resistant. Latex paints are great for interiors. They can be scrubbed and cleaned, resisting stains that can affect other types of paint, and they resist mildew growth.
• Low odor. Water-based paints have far less odor than oil-based paints, and many low- and zero-VOC options are available. Good ventilation is still recommended.
• Dries quickly. Most water-based paints dry in less than six hours, making it possible to do two coats in one day.
• Adheres to most surfaces. With proper preparation and priming, wood, cement, brick, galvanized metal, and vinyl surfaces are all compatible with water-based paints.

It may seem like there are no downsides to using water-based paints. For most home projects, it is the best choice. However, oil-based paints still have their uses. Oil-based paints tend to be more durable than water-based, which can make them better for heavily used surfaces. Learn more in our guide to oil and latex paint basics.

Choosing a Water-Based Paint

When it comes time to pick paint for your home, the variety of different water-based paints can be staggering. There is quite a difference in prices and quality, especially when it comes to exterior paint. While it may not be a big deal to repaint your bathroom in a few years, you want your exterior paint to last longer due to the expense and exposure to the elements.

The first component to choosing a high-quality water-based exterior paint is the acrylic resin content. Do not accept anything less than 100% acrylic for your exterior painting project. However, even in 100% acrylic paints, there are differences in durability and quality. The thicker the paint and improved technology in the paint creation process can add years to the longevity of an exterior paint job. These quality paints do come at a higher price tag, but they can save thousands of dollars off repainting every 3-5 years with lower quality paint. For stucco homes, elastomeric paint is another durable water-based option.

At Arizona Painting Company, we only use the highest-quality water-based paints for the best results. All our exterior paint options are 100% acrylic, coming with warranties from our Bronze three-year warranty up to our Gold ten-year warranty. Call us today or get a free quote for your interior or exterior painting project.