Paint is a liquid or mastic material that can be applied to surfaces to colour, protect and provide texture. They are usually stored as a liquid and dry into a thin film after application. Paints be categorised decorative, are applied on site, or industrial, applied in factories as part of the manufacturing process.

 

Oil-based paint, also described as ‘enamel’, is commonly used for exteriors, timber and metal due to its hardness and durability. It can create a glossy finish to surfaces. Oil-based enamel tends to dry between 8-24 hours depending on ventilation and humidity conditions.

Water-based paint, also described as ‘latex paint’ or ‘acrylic’ if the binding ingredient is a form of acrylic, takes less time to dry than oil-based, however, they are less glossy and are often less durable.

Very generally, oil-based paints can be applied onto water-based paints, but water-based paints cannot be applied onto oil-based paints.