Oil or acrylic paint?
In this article, we shed light on the difference between oil and acrylic paints. We understand that choosing the right paint can be a challenge, so we offer essential information to help you make the best decision for the benefit of your home.
Differences in features
Oil paints and acrylic paints differ in many ways. Virtanen 4 oil paint and Uula's linseed oil paint are examples of oil paints. The acrylic paints include Tikkurila Ultra Classic and Teknos Nordica Eko. It is traditionally thought that oil paints are more breathable than acrylic paints. Today, the situation has leveled off, as the breathability of acrylate paints has improved considerably over the years. Because of breathability, many people prefer oil paints in apartments with poor ventilation, such as in old buildings. Acrylate paints dry faster and are more environmentally friendly. Their water-thinness makes them easier to spread and clean. In addition, acrylate paints resist the formation of mold better.
How to identify the type of paint previously used
Identifying the type of paint is important when planning a repaint. You can recognize the old paint by cracking, because the oil paint cracks in a checkered pattern, looking like "crocodile skin". Acrylate paint, on the other hand, cracks along the grain of the wood.
If you can remove a chip of paint from the wall, you can use it to make a so-called bending test. The surface of acrylate paint flexes when bent, but oil paint crumbles.
The presence of mold on the paint surface can also be a sign that the paint is not breathable enough, which is common with older types of oil paint.
The time the building was built and its history can give clues about the type of paint used, as certain types of paint were popular in certain eras.
In addition, the way the paint fades - whether it has faded evenly or in places - can give clues about the type of paint.
If our expert is not sure about the type of paint used, we can, if necessary, send a sample piece to laboratory tests for a more detailed analysis.
Which paint to choose, oil or acrylic?
Several factors influence the choice of paint. The first thing to consider is the quality and condition of the platform. Has the surface been heavily exposed to the effects of the weather? Second, think about the intended use of the object you are painting. For example, if you are painting garden furniture, you need weatherproof and moisture-repellent paint. Third, consider the environmental impact. If you want an environmentally friendly alternative, prefer water-based paints. The fourth factor is aesthetic preference; what kind of end result do you want?
Finally, be aware of special requirements, such as the rules for painting objects protected by the Finnish Museum Agency. If you are unsure, a Loistepinna expert will be happy to help. We offer a free evaluation visit , where we evaluate your situation and at the same time give a fixed-price offer without commitments.