Ready ka na ba for your next painting project? We’re sure you’re itching to get your hands and walls stained with streaks and colors. But not so fast, Kapitbahay — as much as you’d love to start, you also need to prepare well! 

Before you make a beeline to your hardware store to buy “whatever paint is there,” you might want to know your ABCs in using house paint. ‘Wag mo ‘yan i-bahala, friend — bahay mo ‘yan. Give it your best shot! Hopefully, this quick guide on types of house paint (and how to use them) can help you.

Water-Based Paint

LF: Madali mag-adapt. Easy to work with. Medyo forgiving. Conscious of their environmental footprint. If this sounds like your type, then water-based paint (a.k.a. acrylic paint or latex paint) might be your plus-one. Still, there are other factors to consider, such as a surface’s location, the drying time, adhesion, and more. 

Why Use Water-Based Paint?

Water-based paint is used by beginners and pros alike because it’s more versatile than its oil-based counterpart. Since it’s pretty forgiving, it’s easier to go over messes along the way. You can clean your paint tools with water; there is no need for harsh solvents during cleanup time. 

If you’re on a tight timeline or working outdoors with the risk of weather fluctuations, this paint might be your BFF because it dries fast. You can never tell in the Philippines. After all — one morning, the sun is out and about; in the afternoon, bumubuhos na ang ulan! Don’t let Mother Nature wash away your effort.

Speaking of Mother Nature: Water-based paints are more environment-friendly since they have lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ano ba ‘yon? Let’s just say there’s reduced environmental impact and less harmful fumes. Yay for Earth, and yay for you!

Why Not Water-Based Paint?

While water-based paints are easy to clean up after, they are prone to chipping and wear. The fact that they’re so flexible means that they’re also less durable. Plus, there’s a risk of poor adhesion to certain materials, whether agad or over time. It’s also not as resistant to stains, either, so it’s best to avoid them in humid and moist areas. 

Quick Tips on Using Water-Based Paint

Decided on water-based paint for your home project? Smart choice, but s’yempre, you gotta make it count. Here are some foolproof tips on how to use water-based paint:

1. Use quality brushes and rollers. No matter how smooth your surface is, your paint job won’t be as perfect if your tools are chaka. Make sure to invest in efficient, sturdy ones.
2. Prepare your surfaces. Who wants a rough canvas to deal with? Not you, if you want your paint job to be A+! The cleaner, drier, and more properly primed the surface is, the better. 
3. Use a primer for better adhesion. Parang makeup or manicure lang ‘yan, if you’ve ever had or seen one. If you want a longer-lasting painted wall, Future You would thank you.
4. Apply multiple coats. You’ll need multiple coats for complete, no-bumps coverage. Make sure to allow sufficient drying time between coats.
5. Protect floors and furniture. No matter how skilled you are, paint jobs almost always guarantee a mess here and there. Cover your floors and furniture with drop cloths to prevent kalat.

Oil-Based Paint

LF: Ride or die. In it for the long run. Resilient and hindi basta-basta mag-gi-give up. Sounds like your cup of tea? Then maybe oil-based paint (a.k.a. enamel or alkyd paint) is your match made in heaven. But before the commitment stage, you must be mindful of the usual factors.

Why Use Oil-Based Paint?

If durability is important to you, oil-based paint is the way to go. Kaya niya mag-stay strong by adhering to most materials, including wood, metal, and previously painted surfaces. So, if your paint job is vulnerable to the weather, opt for oil-based. Even if sagad ang conditions, you’ll see less chipping, cracking, or wearing down over time.

You can also use oil-based paints in indoor areas, even those prone to messes and spills. Kitchen? Bathroom? No worries — that thing will last for years, even with constant use and messes. 

What about areas that are just plain vulnerable, like trimmings or other decorative elements? Yes, pwedeng pwede pa rin ang oil-based paint. In fact, they’re recommended for these because aside from being durable, oil-based paint often has a nice, glossy sheen that’s always a treat. Sana all, laging fresh!

Why Not Oil-Based Paint?

Because they’re durable, oil-based paints are naturally more challenging to clean up after. Unlike their water-based counterparts, you have to use solvents, which can be harsh and contribute to environmental concerns. Unfortunately, that means they also have higher VOCs, so mas mabagsik ang amoy. If you have any household members who are sensitive to strong odors, make sure to take proper safety precautions. 

How to Use Oil-Based Paint

Ready to have oil-based paint as the star of your paint project? Before you buy a bucket, brief yourself with the 101s to make the most out of it:

1. Ensure proper ventilation. As we said, oil-based paint is very mabagsik, so ensure minimal exposure to fumes. Plus points if you have protective tools and gear.
2. Prep and prime. Like water-based paint, it’s better to use a paint primer before you start. This helps lessen bumps and rough areas.
3. Natural-bristle brushes are your bestie. Oil-based paints have a thicker consistency, so use natural-bristle brushes for best results.
4. Allow adequate drying time. Be patient with drying times between coats and/or using newly painted items, since they take a longer time to dry. 
5. Dispose of your waste properly. Unfortunately, the solvents you use for cleanup do affect the environment. Take care of Mother Earth by being mindful of your waste disposal.

As always, Kapitbahay, keep us posted on your home project — we love being a part of it, even as spectators. Share your journey with the Home Buddies community on Facebook!