Coatings & Surface Engineering

Note: This is NOT a blog promoting a political agenda. All allusions to politics are purely for entertainment, so keep your non-paint opinions to yourself!

It's the debate that has lasted far too long, and puts friends and family at permanent odds. It has caused divorces, bankruptcies, and even fistfights amongst nuns.

What debate am I referring to? It's not the existential man vs. woman examination, the adorable puppies vs. babies argument, or the delicious burger vs. hot dog dispute. (Where do I stand on the issues this election season? Women; puppies; and burgers. Here here!)

Nope. It's latex vs. oil. Paint that is. Just paint, okay?

Yours truly knows his way around a roller tray, with sections on my resume including stints as a painter, as well as a paint salesman. Naturally I have a predisposition, but I'll offer my best non-partisan take to provide you--the voter--with the facts needed to make an educated choice.

No amount of buttons can stop me from delivering the facts!...via Freedom's Phoenix

Paint History

Last year, South African archeologists discovered the remnants of a paint-production process estimated to be 100,000 years old. Uncovering new rock layers in a cave already known to be an anthropological goldmine, researchers discovered seashells that had been dyed red from ocher, a clay that is red in color from naturally occurring hematite. The ocher and animals bones were ground and heated, releasing marrow. After adding some urine, cave-folks found they had a spreadable paste.

...via Freddy and Petunia

Paint has been used henceforth, from early stick figures and maps--to the Italian Renaissance--to discussing with your wife what color to paint the den. No, not white. How about artic white? Or off-white, or pure white, or cream white, or toned white, or…..

Painting: so easy a caveman can do it. Or a politician… *rimshot*

Binders (of Paints!)

The binder is the most important component of the paint, as it is responsible for the sheen level (flat, matte, eggshell, gloss, etc.), adhesion, and durability. While we can obviously rattle on for days about different binder types, let's keep this simple and keep the discussion between latex and oil. (See how I glazed right over voting alternatives? Just like two-party politics! Burrrrn!)

The Candidates: Oil and Latex

The first thing you notice about oil paint is the smell. It has a decidedly heavy odor, and good ventilation must be provided during application. Smell is decidedly in favor of latex paint; with a mild aroma it still requires ventilation. Preparation is higher in degree when working with oil paints, and thinning must be done with turpentine or mineral spirits. Latex only requires water.

"He's only smiling until he sees the divorce papers," she was reported as saying...via Shelby Paint

Whatever is being painted is obviously a consideration. Oil paints work best on metal, bare wood, and dirty surfaces. Latex paint, is a water-based film, so it swells wood grain and when dried, cannot offer the flexible coating desirable for metal surfaces. Oil also has a smoother, more finished appearance when dry. Oil-based paint also offers a higher degree of durability, though it has a shorter service life--it discolors and peels far quicker than latex. Latex paint dries about 85% faster than oil paints and it is perfect for non-traffic areas, including exteriors.

Oil paint and its associated solvents are toxic in nature, so government restrictions (aghhh!) apply to their disposal. Even long-cured latex paint is removable with just warm water and soap.

The Choice

Your vote depends largely upon your material, traffic needs, and skill level. Latex paint is perfect for the weekend DIYer, and even most professional painters use latex on prepared drywall and plaster.

I think P. Diddy may be taking this whole paint thing a little too far...via Huff Post

No matter your choice though, there is no right or wrong. It's about being a part of the democratic process! It's your CR4 civic duty!

Voice your vote in the responses below!

Resources

My brain

HG TV - Painting 101: Oil or Latex

Home Addition Plus: Oil Based Paint versus Latex Based Paint

Wikipedia - Paint

Live Science - Oldest Human Paint-Making Studio Discover in Cave