Types of Paints

Health and Environment Information!

SOLVENT BASED PAINTS

As their name indicates, solvent-based paints, sometimes referred to as "oil-based" or "alkyd" paints, contain a significantly higher level of organic solvents than water-based paints. These solvents are responsible for the strong odour noticeable in buildings that have been freshly painted. They are also potentially hazardous for both human health and for the environment which is why concerted efforts are being made to reduce or remove their presence in paints without negatively impacting on paint performance.
Solvents are substances intended for dissolving, diluting or separating products – in this instance paints and varnishes. Industrial paint applications are often limited to organic solvents. In DIY paints, solvents are still found relatively often in paints for wood surfaces. The function of organic solvents in a paint relates to certain properties it brings – it facilitates the paint’s application, it’s drying, and the formation of a regular paint film. During application and drying, the solvent evaporates. Ideally a dry paint film no longer contains solvent. However when they evaporate, these solvents release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, with a negative, toxic impact on the environment.

WATER BASED PAINTS

Water-based paints, sometimes referred to as latex paints, have been evaluated as alternatives to solvent-based paints. The Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) content of water-based paint is significantly lower than conventional solvent-based paints, thereby reducing VOC emissions. Water-based paints are easily applied and cleanup is performed with soap and water. Water-based paints are less detrimental to the environment than Solvent-based paints because they contain fewer hazardous materials.
Tip: A simple way of finding out if a paint is water-based or solvent-based is to check on the label about how to clean brushes. Solvent-based paints need to be cleaned with white spirit or turpentine, water-based paints can be cleaned with warm, soapy water.

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