Solvent v's water-based paints - Brewers Know How - the decorating knowledge and advice you need (2024)

FAQs

Solvent v's water-based paints - Brewers Know How - the decorating knowledge and advice you need? ›

Water-based paints has lower VOC levels, reduced odour and more environmentally friendly. Solvent-based paints can be thinned with turpentine, white spirit or other thinners as required. Water-based paints can be thinned with water and equipment can also be cleaned with water, reducing the need for thinners.

In paints, solvents dissolve or disperse the components used in the paint formulation, to make paint the desired consistency for application and to avoid clumps or globs. Glycol ether esters are added to some spray paints to prevent them from drying in mid-air.

Yes! It's possible to lay a water-based color over an old oil-based paint, but only if you do the proper prep. We recommend sanding the sheen off your oil-based surface, then applying an oil-based primer to serve as a bridge or buffer between the old paint and the new.

Water-based coatings can be cleaned up with water, while solvent-based coatings require special solvents such as spirits, acetone or other harmful substances.

Advantages of Water-Based

Low VOC combined with soap and water clean-up makes water-based an ideal product to handle. Eliminates regulatory VOC, fire and storage compliance restrictions (unlike solvent-based glass paint coatings). Ship by air because water-based glass paint is NOT flammable.

There can be many technologies and technical terms associated with water-based paints but simply put, it is a paint manufactured with water as the solvent. It contains filler, pigments and binder, all dissolved in water.

Solvent-based coatings offer quick, durable and high-quality finishes - however, being solvent-based they release strong odours, toxic fumes and potentially hazardous chemicals (isocyanate and formaldehyde).

Solvent-based paints has a tougher finish than water-based paints, making them easier to clean; however, they become brittle on aging. Water-based paints have faster drying times, excellent adhesion, no need for additives, hardness, or thinness.

Water-based and single-component solvent paints should last between three to five years, according to Christina Rozwadowski, Rust-Oleum's architectural coatings director.

Water-based paint is less resistant to moisture and humidity, so it's less suitable for high-moisture areas in your home. Water-based color achieves a lower sheen level than its oil-based counterpart, so it may be less desirable for certain home applications.

Can I use solvent based gloss over water based undercoat? ›

Yes, you can use an oil-based gloss over the top of any water-based paint no problem. Having said this, all major manufacturer's offer dedicated water-based and oil-based undercoats that are specially formulated with the topcoat gloss to offer the best possible finish.

Answer: In general, putting a solvent-based sealer on top of a water-based sealer is a bad idea. The solvents can eat or soften the existing water-based sealer, destroying both coatings.

The characteristics

One very noticeable difference is that water-based paints are odourless. This is because water has no odour, whereas solvents have a rather penetrating odour. Of course, it is not just the smell of synthetic paints that is in the air, but also the volatiles.

Both vinegar and baking soda, when combined with hot water, work for removing paint. Between those options, white vinegar is likely best for cleaning paint off glass. Another option would be to use acetone, which is a chemical often found in nail polish remover and does not harm non-tinted glass.

If you want to protect against oil or grease stains, using a solvent-based sealer is also the best option. However, if you only need your pavers protected from water, dirt, and other contaminants—and you want their natural look preserved, water-based sealant is the way to go.

Using water-based paints brings benefits that go beyond complying with regulations: They're low odour, so they're safer and more comfortable to work with. They're less flammable when working in confined spaces. You're less likely to exceed VOC limits and receive hefty fines.

The simplest approach to solvent-free painting is to create the painting directly in one application, thinning the color only with a small quantity of walnut oil or alkyd. Use only the smallest amount needed and apply the color directly to the surface of the canvas.

When dry, acrylic paint is generally non-removable from a solid surface if it adheres to the surface. Water or mild solvents do not re-solubilize it, although isopropyl alcohol can lift some fresh paint films off.

Xylene and Toluene – Aggressive solvents for cleaning; may damage plastics or paints. Good for cleanup of tools and equipment.

A paint thinner is a solvent used to thin oil-based paints. Solvents labeled "paint thinner" are usually mineral spirits having a flash point at about 40 °C (104 °F), the same as some popular brands of charcoal starter.