Emulsion Paint Vs Oil Based Paint – Difference Between Emulsion Paint and Oil Paint

Emulsion Paint Vs Oil Based Paint

Paints play an important role in the interior and exterior design, appearance and beauty of a house. A wide range of paint is available in the market such as Emulsion paint, Oil-based paint, Distemper paint, Enamel paint, latex paint etc. Today in this article we will discuss the difference between Emulsion paint and Oil-based paint. 

Definition

Emulsion paint is the water-based paint with various non-volatile substances such as alkyd or acrylic resin as the binder. 

Whereas oil-based paint is a type of paint that consists of particles of pigment suspended in a drying oil, commonly linseed oil. 

Thinner

Thinner is a solvent used to remove paint from the brushes after their use. 

For emulsion paint, there is no need for thinner. 

Whereas for oil-based paint turpentine, Naphtha white sprit etc are used as a thinner. 

Odour of paint 

Emulsion paint has a light order. 

Whereas oil-based paint has a strong odour.

Durability of paint 

Emulsion paint is more durable than other paints. it does not fade and crack with time. 

Where oil-based paint is less durable than emulsion paint it may turn yellow and crack with time.

Finish of paint

Emulsion paints have finishes options such as mat, smooth, eggshell, semi-glossy and glossy. 

Whereas oil-based paints have finishes options such as high gloss, smooth and opaque.

Drying Time

Emulsion paint is a water-based paint hence after application the water gets evaporated and the paint dries quickly. 

Whereas oil-based paint takes time to dry.

Washability 

Washability of emulsion paint is good hence the surface painted with this paint can be easily cleaned with water for cleaning of brushes and rollers no special cleaning agent is required.

Whereas washability of oil-based paint is average. That’s why surfaces painted with oil paint can not be easily cleaned with water. 

Hardness

The hardness of emulsion paint is more as compared to oil-based paint. 

Whereas the hardness of oil-based paint is less as compared to emulsion paint. 

Emulsion Paint Vs Oil Based Paint - Difference Between Emulsion Paint and Oil Paint

Coverage area 

One litre of emulsion paint covers 100 to 160 square feet of area for two coats. 

Whereas one litre of oil paint covers 100 to 130 square feet of area for 2 coats.  

Growth of mildew 

Emulsion Paints attract less mildew on it than oil paints.  

Whereas oil-based paints are made from vegetable oil hence it attracts the mildew on it.

Flexibility 

Emulsion Paints are flexible and that’s why they are suitable for external areas where volumetric changes happened due to temperature variation. Emulsion paints are waterproof and they will not easily crack due to temperature variation. 

Whereas oil-based paints are less flexible and that’s why they can’t be used on an external surface. Oil-based paints are not waterproof.

Binder 

Binder is a substance that holds the particles of pigment together in paint. 

Binder used in emulsion Paints are raisins Such as alkyd resin, acrylic resin, epoxy etc. 

Whereas binders used in oil-based paints are linseed oil, tung oil, Poppy oil, nut oil etc.

Solvent 

A solvent is a liquid or solid substance which is used to dissolve or dilute other materials.

Water is used as a solvent in emulsion paint but for oil-based paint, there is no need for a solvent. 

Additives

Additives are the ingredients that provide specific paint properties such as mildew resistance, defoaming, good flow and levelling.  

In the case of emulsion paints, emulsifiers are used as wetting agents which increase the colloidal stability of the paint in the liquid state. 

Whereas driers are used in oil-based paint to accelerate the drying process of paint by catalyzing the oxidation of the binder. 

Flammability 

Emulsion paint is non-inflammable.

Whereas oil-based paints are flammable. 

Toxicity

Emulsion Paints are made with non-toxic material hence it is safe for our health. 

Whereas oil-based paint is made with toxic materials which affect the eyes, can cause lung and skin irritation along with a headache and weakness. 

Available Packs

Emulsion paints are available in 1 litre, 4 litres, 10 litres and 20 litres pack.

Whereas oil-based paints are available in 500 ml, 1 litre, 4 litres, 10 litres and 20 litres packs.

Uses 

Emulsion paints can be used in external and internal areas. Emulsion paint can be applied on metal, wood, glass and concrete surfaces. 

Whereas oil-based paints are more preferred for internal areas. Oil-based paint can be applied on metal, woodwork and Aluminium surface. 

Cost 

Emulsion Paints are costlier than other paints. 

Whereas oil-based paints are less expensive as compared to emulsion paints.

Conclusion

So, friends, I hope I have covered all the differences between emulsion paint and oil-based paint in this article. If you find this article helpful please be sure to share it with someone who might benefit from it. if you have any suggestions you can mention it in the comment section.

Finally Thanks! For reading the article.

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