Oil based paint

Paint consists of three or four components: binder, pigment, solvent and optionally filler. What defines an oil based paint, is that it uses oil derived solvents (white spirit). There are many different oil based paints, alkyd paint would be the most common (alkyd is a binder).

Oil paints contain more VOCs that water based paints which can be harmful for human health. Therefore in some countries the use of oil based laquer for professionals is only allowed for application outside. For every oil based paint there is usually a water based alternative that is also of good quality.

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The life cycle	Pro	Con
		High energy Oil based paints require 50% more energy to produce than water based ones. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Low Energy Beeswax Chalk paint Clay and loam paint Edge band wood Flour paint Lime paint Wood filler (putty) High footprint Oil based paints are the most environmentally damaging to produce Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Low footprint Beeswax Clay and loam paint CNC engraving Flour paint Laser engraving Tung oil Veneer (wood) Wood filler (putty)

		Time consuming Contains VOC's. In US, Under 50 g/l VOC's is considered low (1). Pregnant women should not paint with oil. They should also steer clear of an oil-painted room for at least two days after painting and properly ventilate the room before bringing home the baby (2). It dries slower than water based paints, but faster than some natural paints. Messy cleanup. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Quick Acrylic paint Chalk paint Tung oil Water based laquer Water based paint Toxicity Contains VOC's. In US, Under 50 g/l VOC's is considered low (1). Pregnant women should not paint with oil. They should also steer clear of an oil-painted room for at least two days after painting and properly ventilate the room before bringing home the baby (2). Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Non toxic Acrylic paint Beeswax Chalk paint Clay and loam paint Flour paint Lime paint Linseed oil (boiled) Milk paint (casein) Shellac Tung oil Veneer (wood) Water based paint Wood filler (putty)

	Long lifespan It is highly durable and it adheres to a variety of surfaces (1). For application outside most painters prefer alkyd paint because the laquer evens out which results in a smoother result.	Toxicity It can offgas VOCs. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Non toxic 2 parts PU lacquer Acrylic paint Beeswax Chalk paint Clay and loam paint CNC engraving Edge band plastic Edge band wood Epoxy filler Flour paint Furniture wax Laser engraving Lime paint Linseed oil (boiled) Milk paint (casein) Polyester filler Polyurethane varnish Shellac Tung oil Water based laquer

		Difficult recycling They are considered a hazardous waste material that cannot be disposed of easily. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Easy recycling Milk paint (casein) Wood filler (putty)