Latex & Oil Based Paint

What is the difference between Latex and Oil-based Paint?

Latex paint is the most popular paint on the market. The main solvent is water. It can be used indoors or outdoors and on many different surfaces. It is preferred by most do-it-yourselfers because of the ease of clean up with soap and water. It consists of four parts: a resin that forms the coating on the surface being painted, a solvent (water) that keeps the paint in liquid form, pigments, and additives, such as biocides.

Oil-based paints, stains and varnishes are always hazardous to our environment and should never be disposed of in the household trash. The IRC holds an annual household hazardous waste collection every year. These materials and other toxic chemicals can be safely disposed of at this event. To learn more about this event, please visit our special collections page or call us at 814-942-7472.
 

 Is Latex Paint Hazardous?