There are many different types of white paint available on the market. White paint is commonly used both inside and outside of homes and businesses for its clean, bright appearance. Understanding the different types of white paint and their qualities can help consumers pick the right white paint for their particular project or needs. The main types of white paint include latex paint, oil-based paint, acrylic paint, enamel paint, lacquer paint, and milk paint. Each has its own characteristics.
Latex Paint
Latex paint, also called acrylic paint, is one of the most common types of white paint. It is water-based, making it easy to apply and clean up. Latex dries relatively quickly with a matte finish. It is fairly durable for interior walls and ceilings. Latex paint is available in different sheens including flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss. The sheen impacts how much the painted surface will reflect light. Flat has no sheen and hides imperfections well while semi-gloss has the most sheen, reflecting the most light.
There are several subtypes of latex paint:
– Standard latex paint – This all-purpose paint works well for indoor walls and ceilings. It is affordable and washable. Standard latex is not ideal for high-traffic areas or exteriors.
– Primer and paint in one – As the name suggests, this paint acts as both primer and finish paint in one coat. It is slightly thicker than standard latex.
– Ceiling paint – Ceiling paints often have a flat finish to hide imperfections. Some have spatter-resistant formulas.
– Bathroom/kitchen paint – This latex paint is formulated to stand up to moisture and frequent cleaning in busy rooms.
– Exterior paint – Exterior latex paint is thicker and more durable against weathering. It resists fading from sunlight.
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint, also called alkyd paint, contains natural oils or resins as a binder. It dries to a hard, glossy finish that is more durable than latex. However, oil-based paint takes longer to dry, gives off strong fumes, and requires mineral spirits for cleanup. There are a few subtypes of oil-based white paint:
– Traditional oil-based paint – This general indoor/outdoor paint provides a smooth, durable finish. However, VOC regulations have limited its availability.
– Long oil alkyds – These offer a tougher film than latex for metal, doors, trim, and cabinets.
– Water-based alkyds – Also called water-thinnable alkyds, these combine properties of latex and oil paints. They use water for thinning and cleanup.
– Quick dry enamels – As the name suggests, these oil-based paints dry faster than traditional enamels.
– Primers – Oil-based primers are especially effective at sealing and blocking stains.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint contains pigment particles suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion. It looks similar to latex paint but acrylic contains no latex proteins. Acrylic paints are fast-drying, water-soluble, and generally less prone to cracking or fading over time. Common types of acrylic paint include:
– Heavy body acrylics – With a buttery, thick consistency, heavy body acrylics are ideal for impasto techniques.
– Soft body acrylics – These have a lower viscosity for smooth blending and painting washes.
– Fluid acrylics – As the name suggests, these liquid acrylics have the lowest viscosity of acrylic paints.
– Acrylic gouache – This flat, opaque acrylic paint mimics the properties of traditional gouache.
Enamel Paint
Enamel paint has an exceptionally smooth, glass-like finish once dry. It is typically used for small surfaces like doors, trim, and crafts. Common types include:
– Traditional oil-based enamel – This provides a porcelain-like finish but emits VOCs as it dries.
– Latex enamel – Water-cleanable latex enamel dries faster than oil-based. It’s ideal for indoor use.
– Enamel spray paint – Enamel comes in spray cans for quick, full coverage on metal, wood, plastic, and other surfaces.
Lacquer Paint
Lacquer paint dries to a durable, plastic-like coating. The types of white lacquer paint include:
– Lacquer – Made from lacquer thinner and binders like nitrocellulose, lacquer sprays on glossy and smooth. It is fast-drying but requires respirators and ventilation during application.
– Acrylic lacquer – Acrylic resins allow for water cleanup and decreased yellowing but decreased durability compared to traditional lacquer.
– Water-based lacquer – This very low VOC lacquer option involves water evaporation for curing. It provides milder fumes during application.
Milk Paint
Milk paint is a natural paint made from milk protein, lime, and earth or chalk pigments. It has been used for centuries on walls, furniture, and other surfaces. Milk paint has a matte velvety finish. It is natural, nontoxic, and VOC-free. However, milk paint is not very durable or washable compared to modern latex and oil paints. It also requires priming first.
How White Paints Differ
While these all serve as white paint options, they have some key differences:
| Paint Type | Medium | Sheen | Drying Time | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latex paint | Water | Matte to semi-gloss | 1 hour | Good |
| Oil-based paint | Natural oils/resins | High gloss | 8 hours | Excellent |
| Acrylic paint | Acrylic polymer emulsion | Matte to semi-gloss | 20 minutes | Good |
| Enamel paint | Varies based on type | Glossy | 1-8 hours | Excellent |
| Lacquer paint | Lacquer thinner and binders | High gloss | 30 minutes-2 hours | Excellent |
| Milk paint | Milk protein, lime, pigments | Matte | 12 hours | Poor |
They also differ in VOC levels, fumes, cleanup, cost, and application techniques. Latex and acrylic paints conform to the latest VOC regulations and are user-friendly. Oil-based provides a tough, protective finish in high-wear areas. And specialty paints like enamel and lacquer produce an ultra-smooth coating.
Interior vs. Exterior White Paint
When choosing white paint, it’s important to consider whether it will be used indoors or outdoors. Paint formulated for interiors has different properties than exterior paints.
Interior white paints are generally lower in VOCs. They are designed to stand up to occasional washing but not constant weather. Common choices for indoor white paint include:
– Latex paint – Available in multiple sheens, it’s easy to apply over drywall and plaster.
– Acrylic paint – Fast-drying acrylic works well for walls, trim, furniture, and crafts.
– Enamel – For a glossy, porcelain-like coating on trim, doors, and accents.
Exterior white paints are thicker and more flexible to expand and contract with temperature changes. They resist moisture, mildew, and UV rays. Good options for outdoor white paint include:
– Exterior latex paint – Acrylic-based for durability against weathering and sun exposure.
– Oil-based alkyd paint – Provides excellent protection on siding, trim, fences, and outdoor furniture.
– Enamel spray paint – For a quick glossy finish on lawn decor, wrought iron, and outdoor accents.
How is White Paint Made?
The ingredients in white paint include:
– **Pigments** – Finely ground white powders like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide provide opacity and color.
– **Binders** – Also called resins, binders glue the pigment particles together and stick them to the surface. Common binders include latex, acrylic, oils, alkyds, and epoxy.
– **Solvents** – Solvents like water or mineral spirits thin the paint for application. The solvents evaporate as the paint dries.
– **Additives** – Small amounts of additives enhance properties like durability, hide, thickness, resistance to mold or mildew, etc.
Titanium dioxide is the dominant white pigment used in paints, providing excellent brightness and opacity. The specific amounts and types of components result in paints with different qualities. For example, exterior paints use elastic binders that stretch rather than crack as temperature fluctuates. And mold-resistant bathroom paints contain additives that inhibit mold growth.
White Paint Sheens
The sheen or glossiness of the dried white paint significantly affects its look and application. Common sheen types include:
– **Flat** – No sheen creates a matte appearance that hides flaws. Flat finish reflects little light.
– **Eggshell** – Soft velvety appearance resists dirt well. It reflects some light.
– **Satin** – Low-luster satin provides a smooth, subtle sheen.
– **Semi-gloss** – Shiny but not glossy, semi-gloss is durable and washable.
– **High gloss** – Highly reflective gloss has a mirror-like finish.
Flat whites work well on ceilings to hide imperfections while glossy white makes trim and accents pop. Different sheens result from flattening agents added to the paint that scatter the reflected light. More flattening agents equal a flatter sheen.
Tinting White Paint
Many homeowners prefer an off-white or cream shade rather than stark bright white. Paint suppliers can tint or mix the white base with small amounts of colorant to produce different hues. Beige, tan, ecru, bone, linen, pearl, and ivory off-whites remain versatile. The process works best with lighter shades. Dark or vivid colors sometimes don’t cover well when tinted from a white base. Always have the paint supplier shake the can thoroughly after tinting to fully disperse the added pigments. Test the color on a small section first before proceeding with the full area.
Conclusion
In summary, there is a wide variety of white paint options for both indoor and outdoor applications. The main types include latex, oil-based, acrylic, enamel, lacquer, and milk paint. Key characteristics differ among these categories such as ingredients, sheen, drying time, durability, and ease of use. Both off-the-shelf and custom-tinted whites are readily available. Considering the intended use, finish, and application requirements will guide consumers in selecting the right white paint for their project. With so many options, it is easy to find a white paint in the perfect hue and finish.
