Difference Between Alkyd and Latex Paint

Alkyd vs Latex Paint

Alkyd is oil-based paint and latex is water based. This is one of the significant differences between Alkyd and latex paint.

When comparing the durability between alkyd and latex paints, both have excellent adhesion properties. But Alkyd paints is known to have better adhesion on heavily chalked surfaces when compared to latex paints. Moreover, latex paints have more elasticity property than alkyd paints.

In colour retention, the latex paints are better than Alkyd paints. When latex paints are more resistant to fading and chalking when exposed to sun, the Alkyd paints are prone to fading.

When applying, the Alkyd paints are more difficult as they are heavier than the latex paints. The latex paints are smoother and they drag very easily on the surface. Alkyd paints can be used in most of the surfaces but for a new stucco or concrete, it should not be directly applied. Latex paints are good for wood, vinyl sidings, brick, stucco and aluminium sidings.

Another difference can be seen in the odour. When compared to latex paints, the alkyd paints comes with a strong odour. In cleaning the paints, it is harder to clean the Alkyd paints. Paint thinner, turpentine and other removing solvents are used cleaning Alkyd paints whereas latex paints can be cleaned using water.

As the oil based Alkyd paints provide the nutrients for mildew, the surfaces having Alkyd paints are not that much resistant to it. Most of the Alkyd paints contain mildewcide for preventing such growths. On the other hand, there is no possibility of the growth of mildew in surfaces painted with latex paint.

It can also be seen that Alkyd paints take about 8 to 24 hours to dry up whereas Latex paints dry up in about one to six hours.

Summary

1. Alkyd paints is known to have better adhesion on heavily chalked surfaces when compared to latex paints.

2. Latex paints have more elasticity property than alkyd paints.

3. When latex paints are more resistant to fading and chalking when exposed to sun, the Alkyd paints are prone to fading..

4. The Alkyd paints are more difficult as they are heavier than the latex paints. The latex paints are smoother and they drag very easily on the surface.

5. Alkyd paints take about 8 to 24 hours to dry up whereas Latex paints dry up in about one to six hours.

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