Find out everything you need to know about water-based vs oil-based enamel paints in the Dulux Technical Advice PDF.
Water-based enamels (acrylic enamels)
Non-flammable
Lower odour
Reduced volatile organic compounds (VOC)
Clean up with water
More tolerant of damp surfaces
Usually touch dry in 20-30 minutes
Usually recoatable in two hours
Oil-based enamels (solvent or turpentine-based alkyds)
Contains flammable solvents
Strong odour due to solvent fumes
High level of volatile organic compounds (VOC)
Clean up with mineral turpentine
Surface needs to be completely dry
Usually touch dry in 6-8 hours
Usually recoatable in 16 hours
Water-based enamels
Non-yellowing
Gloss and semi gloss sheen levels
Unable to produce a brilliant gloss or as smooth a finish
Full range of colours
Not always suitable for harsh treatment areas
Not suitable for all window frames (blocking or sticking can occur)
Oil-based enamels
Tends to yellow in absence of UV
Full gloss and semi gloss sheen levels
Able to produce a brilliant gloss and very smooth finish
Restricted colour range
Excellent resistance to wear and tear (harder and more abrasion resistant)
Generally suitable on all window types or frames (non-sticking)
Water-based enamels
More flexible hence more able to cope with substrate expansion and contraction
Retains its sheen level well over extended periods of time in UV
Excellent UV durability (good for exterior timber) (better resistance against chalking and colour fade)
Oil-based enamels
Less flexible and becomes harder and more brittle with age (not good for exterior timber due to cracking)
Not capable of retaining its initial sheen level over time in UV
Poor UV durability(becomes chalky and more faded in short time frame)
Water-based enamels
Excellent for use on masonry due to resistance to alkalis
Resistant to alkalis in zinc-rich metals
Oil-based enamels
Not resistant to alkalis present in masonry (paint will lose adhesion)
Not resistant to alkalis in zinc-rich metals
Note: A water-based enamel system is recommended where maximum exterior durability is the prime consideration. A solvent-based enamel system will provide greater resistance to wear and tear along with superior flow and levelling.
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