When starting a painting project, even before choosing a color or finish, you need to determine the type of coating that’s right for the job. To do so, you’ll have to understand the differences between paint options and the advantages of each.
Latex or water-based? Oil-based or alkyd? The world of paint is full of technical terms, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the range of products on offer. Thanks to their expertise, the paint specialists at Décoration Le Corbusier can advise you on your specific needs.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the different types of paint coatings. That way, you can choose the perfect Benjamin Moore product for your project.
Paint composition: why is the binder so important?
Paint is made up of four components: pigments, resin (or binder), solvents and additives. Binder is an essential element in the composition of Benjamin Moore paints. It determines not only adhesion, but also the durability and resistance of the coating.
A paint with a quality binder, like those offered by Benjamin Moore, ensures a long-lasting finish and a professional result. Choosing the right binder (waterborne, alkyd, waterborne alkyd) depends on the surface to be painted and the intended use.
Understanding the different types of paint: latex, alkyd and waterborne alkyd
Are you looking for toughness or versatility? To find the right product for your needs, you’ll need to understand the differences between Benjamin Moore paint types.
Latex paint
Waterborne paint (better known as latex paint) is widely used for its flexibility, resistance and versatility. This water-based paint is easy to clean, making it the product of choice for both interior and exterior surfaces.
Oil-based paint
Alkyd paint (better known as oil-based paint) is characterized by its robustness and glossy finish. It hardens by oxidation, offering superior resistance. It is usually used on surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doors and moldings.
Waterborne alkyd paint
Waterborne alkyd paint, an exclusive Benjamin Moore innovation, combines the durability of oil-based paints with the ease of use of latex paints. The best of both worlds!
VOCs in paint: what you need to knowVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) are often added to paint to prolong its durability after opening and improve its freeze-thaw resistance. Some VOCs are harmful when inhaled and can cause air quality problems in the home. |
Benjamin Moore waterborne paints
Benjamin Moore has developed a range of water-based coatings to meet all your painting needs. Whether you’re looking for interior paint or exterior paint, these products offer unsurpassed durability and quality, with low or no VOCs.
Aura
Benjamin Moore’s Aura® self-priming paint features 100% acrylic latex resin, other proprietary resins, optimized pigments and Colour Lock™ technology. It offers unrivalled color richness and exceptional coverage.
Regal Select
Regal® Select all-in-one paint and primer features Benjamin Moore’s proprietary 100% acrylic binder. Ideal for high-traffic areas of the home, its exclusive stain-resistant technology removes stains easily, with just a little soap and water.
ben
Made from the same 100% acrylic binder as the previous 2, ben® paint offers extended recoat time to help even out the surface before it dries. What’s more, its easy-care finish resists scuff marks. Make life easier with ben®!
Eco Spec
Designed for sensitive environments, Eco Spec® is a 100% acrylic latex paint with zero VOCs… and zero odour! Ideal for those wishing to minimize their environmental impact, it also contains anti-microbial additives that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.
Ultra Spec 500
Ultra Spec® 500 waterborne paint is based on acrylic copolymer, an acrylic resin exclusive to Benjamin Moore. With its uniform finish, easy touch-up and low odour, it’s a favorite of professional painters.
Scuff-X
Scuff-X® latex paint is made from the same acrylic copolymer exclusive to Benjamin Moore. It offers exceptional protection in high-traffic areas such as offices and commercial spaces. Its superior durability makes it a favorite among industrial painters.
Benjamin Moore alkyd paints
Benjamin Moore alkyd paints are the perfect choice for those seeking a smooth, durable finish. These paints are particularly suited to highly stressed surfaces, offering exceptional resistance and long service life.
Corotech V200
Corotech® V200 enamel is an oil modified alkyd urethane. Made from the hardest alkyd resins, this paint resists wear, scratches and impact. It offers superior gloss and color retention, even when exposed to sun and weather.
Corotech V220
Corotech® V220 fast-drying rustproofing enamel is also composed of chain stop alkyd. This high-performance product is designed for ferrous metals and is ideal for reconditioning industrial equipment such as tools, containers and heavy machinery.
Benjamin Moore’s exclusive waterborne alkyd paint
Benjamin Moore’s Advance® waterborne alkyd paint is distinguished by its innovative formula, which combines the advantages of oil-based paints with those of waterborne paints.
This paint is ideal for kitchen cabinets, moldings and doors, where a smooth, refined finish is essential. Advance® paint offers unsurpassed flow and spread and cleans up easily with soap and water.
All the advantages of alkyd paint…Without the drawbacks
Oil-based paints (alkyds) that use petroleum-based solvents often have high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). But not Advance® paint! Benjamin Moore’s waterborne alkyd paint uses Gennex® colorants, ensuring a low-VOC product.
Why choose Décoration Le Corbusier for your residential or commercial painting project?
As painting specialists, Décoration Le Corbusier stands out for its expertise and dedication to its customers. We are committed to guiding you towards the solutions best suited to your situation.
Our four stores on Montreal’s North Shore offer a wide range of Benjamin Moore products to meet all your painting needs, whether you’re a professional painter or a DIY enthusiast.
Start your project on the right foot: come and meet our advisors in store!
