There are two common sizes types of paint based on the thinners and binders used; water-based (or latex) and oil-based (or alkyd).

Water-based paints use water to be a thinner. They are seldom called latex paints although they don’t use real latex, since rubber is not really used as a binder any more. Today synthetic latexes are used, most often acrylic or polyvinyl acetate. Paints by using a high acrylic content are inclined to possess a tougher skin and could perform almost as well as oil-based paints. Latex paints may well be easily healed with soap and water.

Oil-base paints use a solvent thinner. Despite the name, oil-based paints are usually not made with oil. Instead, most use polyester resins, called alkyds. Although alkyds may be stronger and achieve a higher gloss finish, they are usually a less healthy choice than latex. Alkyd paints require mineral spirits for cleaning up.

Because paints are applied wet, and because they cover such a large area, paints can result in a significant health problem over the course of renovation project. The reality is mainly as a result of alkyd or solvent-based paints. They give off a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because the solvent evaporates after painting.

These VOCs can be a strong irritant and may add to air pollution. Once the paint has completely dried and formed a tough skin, the emission levels drop. However, some paints can emit odours at low levels for a long time.

Knowledge of VOCs is different from individual to individual. Effects include coughing, headaches, dizziness, and up serious conditions. It is especially important for respiratory sufferers, those with allergies, asthma, and households with young children or pregnant women in order to avoid paints with VOCs.

To compare the VOCs from a place paint to another one will not be an easy job. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are helpful, but manufacturers don’t must list components which make up one percent or even lesser of our product’s weight. That measure means it is fairly likely that toxic components may not show up on the MSDS. The only real sure way to know what the paint contains is by asking the manufacturer to deliniate trace compounds.

There are some paints on the market that are solvent and VOC free. Look for the key words; Low VOC, or better yet No VOC.

For more painting advisor , visit Condo Painting Services

planescape: How To Selct The Right Paint On Your Condo Or House (last edited 2011-12-15 14:23:44 by chongchinghong1960)