There are two main varieties of paint according to the thinners and binders used; water-based (or latex) and oil-based (or alkyd).

Water-based paints use water as a thinner. They are often called latex paints even supposing they don’t use real latex, since rubber is not really used as a binder any more. Today synthetic latexes are utilized, most typically acrylic or polyvinyl acetate. Paints by using a high acrylic content will usually have a tougher skin and can perform almost and also oil-based paints. Latex paints might be easily cleaned up with soap and water.

Oil-base paints make use of a solvent thinner. Despite the name, oil-based paints are usually not created using oil. Instead, most use polyester resins, called alkyds. Although alkyds may be healthier and achieve a higher gloss finish, usually they re a less healthy choice than latex. Alkyd paints require mineral spirits for cleaning up.

Because paints are applied wet, and because they cover a large area, paints may end up in a significant health problem during a renovation project. The issue is mainly caused by alkyd or solvent-based paints. They give off a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when the solvent evaporates after painting.

These VOCs is usually a strong irritant and could add to air pollution. As soon as paint has completely dried and formed a tough skin, the emission levels drop. However, some paints can emit odours at low levels for a long time.

Exposure to VOCs varies from individual to individual. Effects include coughing, headaches, dizziness, or higher serious conditions. Its especially important for respiratory sufferers, those with allergies, asthma, and households with young children or pregnant women to avoid paints with VOCs.

To compare the VOCs from one paint to a different one is not an easy task. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are helpful, but manufacturers don’t have to list components which make up one per cent or lower of your product’s weight. That measure means it is possible that toxic components may not show up on your MSDS. Your only sure thanks to know what the paint contains is by asking the company to list trace compounds.

There are many prints the market place that are solvent and VOC free. Look for the key words; Low VOC, or better yet No VOC.

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How To Selct The Ideal Paint On Your Condo Or House (last edited 2011-12-15 14:21:14 by chongchinghong1960)