Renovating your forever home is an exciting endeavour – but it can also be a costly one. For this reason, you may be tempted to cut corners on some things – including the type of paint you use. It’s not unusual for homeowners to invest lots of energy choosing the perfect colour scheme but then pay less attention to what kind of paint will offer the best results. As any good house painter will tell you, immediate aesthetic appeal is great, but quality paint that will continue to look amazing in the long term is crucial.

Why is the type of paint so important?

The right paint choice is the one that suits your lifestyle, can hold up against wear and tear and weather, and will look great for years to come.

As time progresses, so does technology, and different types of paints are created not just for specific purposes but for specific climates. These advancements have seen oil-based paints losing popularity, and acrylic latex becoming the preferred choice.

Oil-based paint vs acrylic latex paint

Oil-based paint

Oil-based paint offers durability, stain resistance, and a smooth, glossy finish. However, it is more susceptible to yellowing, cracking, and chipping over time. Additionally, oil-based paints give off strong fumes that can be toxic, so ventilation is extremely important when applying. Drying times can range from days to weeks.

Acrylic latex paint

Acrylic latex paint is water-based and emits far fewer fumes than oil-based paints – and it dries much quicker, too. Acrylic latex paint offers superior flexibility once dry – and this ability to expand and contract protects against peeling and cracking. Its resistance to UV light means it won’t yellow over time.

The advantages of choosing acrylic latex paint over oil

• Easy clean-up compared to oil paint
• No toxic fumes
• Will not yellow over time
• Maintains its colour integrity
• Quick drying
• Flexibility in use on almost every surface (consult a paint expert before painting an unusual surface)
• Better for the environment
• In harsh environments, acrylic latex paint looks great for a minimum of ten years (oil-based paint can degrade after 5)

Treat your forever home renovations to a beautiful, long-lasting paint finish. Consult with a paint specialist for the best advice before you start.

About the Author

Stephen Cochrane is a Perth family man and an expert painter, bringing a lifetime of experience and passion to the property and home improvement sectors. A master painter known for his quality, professionalism, and expertise, Stephen Cochrane is today the principal at one of Australia’s longest-running painting firms AJ Cochrane & Sons, in business since 1933. He is proud to share his insights and understandings as an awarded painter and successful businessman.