Common Misconceptions About Water-Based Paints

Are water-based paints less effective than oil-based or nitro finishes? Do water-based paints dry slowly? Is it true that water-based paints don’t handle moisture well?

In recent decades, water-based paint technology has made considerable advances, but earlier trends likely led most people to believe that water-based paints are suitable only for interior walls, while wood or metal paints, as well as outdoor projects, are strictly oil-based or nitro-based.

Anyone who has recently tackled home painting projects is probably aware that today, water-based paints are of equal quality to oil-based or nitro finishes. However, there are still some misconceptions about water-based paints that persist…

Water-Based Paints Shouldn’t Get Wet

This misconception is mainly held by those with little experience, but this text is also for them. The idea that water-based paints are only for interior walls and that they will deteriorate with water or moisture is far from the truth.
Water-based paints are named as such because water is used as a solvent instead of oil or nitro thinner. Once the paint dries, the painted layer is completely waterproof.

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One advantage of using water as a solvent, aside from environmental benefits, is that water-based paints produce virtually no odor as they dry. Therefore, water-based paints are ideal for indoor projects, especially if you plan to paint some areas of your home during winter when ventilation can be challenging.

Water-Based Paints Are Only for Painting Walls

Another beginner myth in the painting world. Yes, water can dilute wall paint, but today, there is a wide range of water-based paints and varnishes used to protect wooden and metal surfaces. So, you can paint doors, cabinets, metal structures, practically any surface. Just be sure to check with a paint store to find the best paint for your project and how to properly prepare the surface before applying paint.

Water-Based Paints Can’t Be Applied Over Oil-Based or Nitro Finishes

This is false; on the contrary, water-based paints are chemically the most neutral and adhere well to all surfaces, regardless of whether they have been previously painted with oil-based or nitro-based paints. Problems may arise with nitro-based paints, as they are aggressive and can cause the paint to bubble if there is an oil-based layer underneath.

Of course, when working with water-based paints, you must adequately prepare the surface by cleaning it of grease, sanding, and removing all dust.

Water-Based Paints Are Not High-Quality

That may have been true in the past. Initially, water-based paints lagged in quality compared to oil-based or nitro finishes. This is no longer the case, though a bad reputation may have lingered. Water-based paints are not only on par with oil-based or nitro finishes, but they can sometimes outperform them in certain aspects, such as resistance to UV radiation.
This means that quality water-based paints will minimally change their shade when exposed to sunlight.

Water-Based Paints Dry Slowly

This is only partially true. Water-based paints dry slower than nitro finishes, but they dry significantly faster than oil-based finishes. Depending on weather conditions, the second coat of paint can be applied after just a few hours, greatly expediting the work process compared to oil-based paints.

Foto: Freepik