Emulsion Paint Vs Oil Based Paint – Difference Between Emulsion Paint and Oil Paint

When it comes to the aesthetics of a house, paints play a pivotal role in both interior and exterior design. The market offers a variety of paints, including Emulsion and Oil-based paints. In this discussion, we’ll delve into the disparities between these two.

Definition

Emulsion Paint: A water-based paint, utilizing substances like alkyd or acrylic resin as binders.
Oil-based Paint: Comprising pigment particles suspended in drying oils, often linseed oil.


Thinner

Emulsion Paint: No thinner required.
Oil-based Paint: Requires thinners like turpentine or Naphtha.


Odour of Paint

Emulsion Paint: Light odor.
Oil-based Paint: Strong odor.


Durability of Paint

Emulsion Paint: More durable, resistant to fading and cracking over time.
Oil-based Paint: Less durable, prone to yellowing and cracking.


Finish of Paint

Emulsion Paints: Options include mat, smooth, eggshell, semi-glossy, and glossy.
Oil-based Paints: Options encompass high gloss, smooth, and opaque finishes.


Drying Time

Emulsion Paint: Water-based, dries quickly.
Oil-based Paint: Takes longer to dry.


Washability

Emulsion Paint: Easily cleaned with water; no special agents needed.
Oil-based Paint: Average washability; not easily cleaned with water.


Hardness

Emulsion Paint: Harder compared to oil-based paint.
strong>Oil-based Paint: Less hard compared to emulsion paint.


Coverage Area

Emulsion Paint: Covers 100 to 160 sq. ft. per liter for two coats.
Oil-based Paint: Covers 100 to 130 sq. ft. per liter for two coats.


Growth of Mildew

Emulsion Paints: Attract less mildew compared to oil paints.
Oil-based Paints: Prone to mildew due to vegetable oil content.


Flexibility

Emulsion Paints: Flexible, suitable for external areas with temperature variations.
Oil-based Paints: Less flexible, not recommended for external surfaces.


Binder

Emulsion Paints: Binders include alkyd resin, acrylic resin, epoxy, etc.

Oil-based Paints: Binders include linseed oil, tung oil, Poppy oil, nut oil, etc.


Solvent

Emulsion Paint: Uses water as a solvent.
Oil-based Paint: No need for a solvent.


Additives

Emulsion Paints: Emulsifiers used as wetting agents for colloidal stability.

Oil-based Paint: Driers used to accelerate drying by catalyzing binder oxidation.


Flammability

Emulsion Paint: Non-inflammable.
Oil-based Paints: Flammable.


Toxicity

Emulsion Paints: Made with non-toxic materials, safe for health.
Oil-based Paint: Contains toxic materials, may cause eye irritation, lung, skin problems, headaches, and weakness.


Available Packs

Emulsion Paints: Available in 1L, 4L, 10L, and 20L packs.
Oil-based Paints: Available in 500ml, 1L, 4L, 10L, and 20L packs.


Uses

Emulsion Paints: Suitable for both external and internal areas, applicable on metal, wood, glass, and concrete surfaces.
Oil-based Paints: Preferred for internal areas, applicable on metal, woodwork, and aluminum surfaces.


Cost

Emulsion Paints: Relatively costlier.
Oil-based Paints: Less expensive compared to emulsion paints.