FAQs
Does water-based gloss paint go yellow?
Fully water-based gloss will never go yellow. However, a lot of gloss products which are marketed as “water-based”, are in fact, hybrids. A hybrid is basically a compromise between oil and water bases. They are primarily water-based, but do contain a little bit of oil, which is used as a “carrier”. This oil helps the ease of use, the sheen level and the durability. The downside of a hybrid is that it will still eventually discolour over time.
Johnstone’s Aqua, Dulux QD and Crown Fastflow are all examples of hybrid paints. These are not necessarily products to avoid, however you do need to be aware of the issue before deciding on which gloss product to use.
If you’re in any doubt about whether a “water-based” gloss is in fact a hybrid, check the technical data sheet. You’ll normally find this on the manufacturer’s website. If the data sheet has the word “alkyd” anywhere, you know it isn’t a true water-based.
Is water-based gloss as good as oil based?
Generally, water-based gloss does not have the sheen level or overall finish of oil-based. It also isn’t as durable either. However, the redeeming qualities such as “non-yellowing”, easier to apply, better for the environment, low odour and easier to get off your skin can make up for what it lacks in other areas.
You need to put a little bit of thought into your selection when choosing a water-based gloss. There are a lot of poor products out there that don’t give the best results.
How long does water-based gloss take to dry?
This differs somewhat between manufacturers, but there are three timeframes you need to be aware of. The first is “touch dry”, which, you guessed it, is when the painted finish is dry to the touch.
The second is “recoat time”. This is the period you should wait before applying additional coats. If you do not adhere to these times, you can experience problems further down the line, such as paint peeling away, cracking, dragging, or an extended cure time.
Lastly there is the “cure time”. Just because a water-based gloss feels dry, do not assume it has the tough, durable finish you’re led to believe it should have. Water-based products tend to take a week or more to fully cure and harden. So, always wait a few days before replacing carpets anywhere you have used water-based.
You can speed up the drying process by circulating the air. The water in the paint needs to evaporate in order for the paint to set. Opening a window will help the moisture from the air escape a room and a fan heater will both warm a room and circulate the air.
Is Water-Based Gloss Better for the Environment?
The simple answer is, yes, for a few reasons. Production being the main one. Oil-based gloss is kept at a higher temperature as it is being made, meaning it takes a lot more energy to produce, thus more carbon. Then, you need to clean all the tools used to make oil-based gloss after each batch. For this, they use large amounts of white spirit.
The chemicals used in oil-based gloss are another factor. Also, the clean-up; you may dispose of white spirit and turps responsibly, but others do not. Some of the white spirit used in cleaning brushes will end up in our waterways.
