What is Water-Based Paint? Acrylic vs. Latex vs. Hybrid vs. Chalk

As a DIY aficionado, it’s not unusual to approach a new painting and decorating project armed with a number of important questions. For instance, what is water-based paint? Which one should I pick? What are the benefits?

Luckily, we have the answers to these questions up our sleeves. So, sit back, grab a cuppa and let us explain the composition, benefits and uses of the different types of water-based paints. Here we go!

a quick overview

There are several types of paints on the market for doing up your home. Generally speaking, you can choose between water-based or oil-based paints, but as it stands in the retail and trade markets there are genuinely no advantages to buying oil-based products.

Oil-based products harm the environment and your health, are slower drying and are unsafe for children or pets. This is why we recommend opting for water-based alternatives.

the rise of water-based paints

Unsurprisingly then, in the last 15 years or so, oil-based paints have been phased out of the industry with of their water-based counterparts. In fact, it’s predicted that the market share of water-soluble paint will hit $ 111.68 billion by 2030!

It’s crystal clear: water-based paint is the future. Now, what are the different types of water-based paint?

types of water-based paint

There are a number of water-based paints you can chose from, each suited to different projects, and many of these are vegan friendly and cruelty-free. These include acrylic, latex, chalk, and mineral-based paints.

The pair that dominate the market are latex and acrylic-based paints. This duo is the most popular choice for DIY and professionals for reasons you’ll soon find out…

what is latex paint?

Latex paint is a water-based paint containing acrylic resin. For this reason, it’s similar to acrylic paint, although latex-based paints are recommended for projects that take a larger quantity of paint as they’re often sold in larger tins.

Latex paint is the most common paint we see on UK shelves. Macphersons eclipse emulsion is a bestselling example, known for its high moisture permeability that allows application to surfaces such as new plaster and render before the drying process is completed.

what is acrylic paint?

Water-based acrylic paint is similar to latex paint, however it made from pigments suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. The acrylic polymer is the binding agent that adheres the paint to the surface.

Although a bit more difficult to find in shops than latex, you can still get your hands on acrylic paint in the UK. A popular acrylic paint is Johnstone’s Acrylic Durable Matt Colourmatch which has been developed for a smooth, non-yellowing finish perfect for interior walls and woodwork.

what is hybrid-paint?

Put simply, hybrid paint is a blend of oil and water-based paint. In nerdier terms, you can describe it as a water-based paint with an oil carrier. That’s to say that there’s a little oil in the formula to improve its flow.

Hybrid paint is available in fewer varieties than the other types and may be harder to get a hold of, but it is more hard-wearing than latex paints. We recommend Johnstone’s Aqua Satin Colourmatch as it’s designed to be exceptionally tough, quick drying and non-yellowing.

and chalk paint?

As implied by the name, chalk paints are comprised of chalk and other natural minerals. And as the paint itself is water-based you can clean up using water rather than spirits.

Chalk paint is becoming ever more common in major retail outlets, so you may have seen brands such as Rustoleum’s Chalky Finish Furniture Paint on UK shelves.

uses for latex and acrylic-based paints

As latex and acrylic-based paints offer the same level of durability as traditional solvent paints you can use them on a whole number of surfaces from interior walls and ceilings to exterior wood and metals. for front doors and skirting boards.

By and large, primers are recommended as an undercoat to encourage adhesion between the surface and your acrylic or latex paint.

can you mix acrylic and latex paint?

As these water-based paints are so similar, you can absolutely mix acrylic and latex paint. It’s as simple as mixing them in a container, ensuring they’re blended thoroughly.

Mixing latex and acrylic paint can be used to alter the colouring. Just make sure to keep in mind that blending the two may affect the physical qualities of the paint such as its elasticity.

uses for chalk paint

Thanks to shabby-chic enthusiasts on sites such as Pinterest and Instagram, this type of paint has skyrocketed in popularity. Chalk paint is a popular choice in the realm of upcycling and furniture DIY, owing to the ease with which you can distress it and use it to create an aged look.   

A promotion point with these paints is their ability to over-coat a multitude of surfaces with little prep. However, to achieve the resilience required for everyday wear and tear a wax usually needs to be applied once completely dried out. Then it can be buffed out for the right sheen.

Pro-tip: after you’ve waxed chalk paint, it’s near impossible to re-coat later on with a water-based paint.

uses for hybrid paint

Owing to its heightened durability, hybrid paint is ideal for cabinetry. With a strong finish due to the small amount of oil in its composition, it dries similarly to oil-based paints, albeit with less VOCs. There’s also the added benefit of powerful adhesion. This means that less preparation and sanding is required of the job.

On the flipside, however, it requires a little more painting skill than some of the other varieties of water-based paint. So if you’ve opted for hybrid paint for your kitchen cabinets you may want to get an expert in.

the benefits of water-based paint

Water-based paints have a minimal VOC content, making them the healthiest option for the planet and the people that live on it. This means that they are also the most suited for paint recycling. Great news for everyone! Other benefits include:

• The wealth of water-based eco-friendly paint brands on the market
• Low or no odour
• Child and pet friendly credentials
• Fast-drying
• Never yellows like some hybrid or oil-based paints
• Easy clean up
• Self-levelling properties, making a smooth, professional finish more achievable

brush up your diy skills

Getting the right paint for the job is essential, which is why it’s always a good idea to read up before you buy. With a good understanding of what water-based paint is and its benefits, you can find perfect paint for your DIY adventures. Get creative without compromising on sustainability!

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