Water paints are a type of oil paint specially manufactured so that they can be thinned with water instead of turpentine. Water based paints can be cleaned easily with water. They are used in much the same way as oil paints except that they can be easily removed from brushes and palettes while wet.
Benefits of Water Based Paints:
One of the main advantages of water based paints is that they do not generate cleanup solvents and thus decrease HW generation. Using water based paints does not contain harmful solvents and thus emit lesser Voc (Volatile Organic Compounds).
Disadvantages of Water Based Paints:
Water based paints are less durable than oil paints. Water paints cannot be used on corrosive materials. They are also more sensitive to humidity. Low humidity facilitates fast drying and causes craters in the film. On the other hand, high humidity causes drying time to be increased and results in sagging of the paint.
Although water based paints can be thinned with water, artists prefer using specially made mediums to improve texture and control. The use of special mediums improves flow, slow or speed up drying time and manipulate textures. Water based paints can be easily washed off with tap water. The waste paint that flows into the sewer is totally harmless and environmentally friendly.
Most modern emulsion paints are water based. They contain added vinyl or resins to make them more hard wearing. The addition of resin and vinyl to water based paints give them more shine and gloss. Most water based paint ranges offer matt, eggshell, silk, satin and full gloss finishes. The toughness of the paint increases with the increase in shine. Water based paints are of three types:
Vinyl Matt: they give a non shiny finish that hides imperfections in the wall.
Vinyl Satin: they give a soft and subtle sheen and are more durable than vinyl matt.
Vinyl Silk: they give a high finish and are extremely durable. They are good for rooms with high levels of moisture.
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