The most common type of paints out there are water-based and oil-based paints. Oil based paints are mixable with mineral spirits, and they dry through oxidization. Due to this, they have a very long drying period which could take as long as one month. Water based paints such as acrylics and gouache, can be mixed with water, and are usually non-toxic
Oil-based paints can’t be mixed with water, just like oil and water don’t mix. But is oil paint waterproof? When oil paint is completely dry, it will form a water-resistant layer. That means it will repel water and moisture, but it is not suitable for being submerged in water because the paint will eventually come off of the painted object. You will also need to make sure the oil paint is completely dry before exposing it to any rainy situations.
Oil paints are good for outdoor use, but it is important to keep in mind that they can break down over time when they are being used on wood. There are other options available if you want to paint wood that is going to be exposed to outdoor conditions. In this article we go over everything you need to know to waterproof your oil paint. Let’s read on!
Will Oil Paint Wash Off in the Rain?
If the paint isn’t completely dry before being exposed to rain, the paint will most likely be washed away. Oil paints are very slow to dry, so if there is a forecast of rain in the following days, it is best to wait. When the oil paint has completely dried, about 24 hours after finishing, you do not need to worry about it being washed away in the rain.
However, if it starts raining while you are painting, the paint will wash off and create a streaky appearance, which is not ideal. You would then need to repaint, adding time to your project. This will be frustrating, so make sure you check the forecast before starting.
My favorite and top pick is always Arteza Oil Paints. They have so many different colors, and the quality is amazing! I usually use Arteza Paints for all my projects.
If it has previously rained and the surface you are going to be painting is wet, the paint will not adhere properly. The surface you are painting needs to be completely dry before you begin painting. It is recommended that the surface has at least 24 hours to dry before you attempt to paint.
Is Oil-Based Paint Water-Resistant?
Oil-based paints are water-resistant when they are completely dry. Oil paints are extremely durable and are tolerant to changing weather conditions, including rain. This also give the paint the ability to hold up against humidity and will prevent lifting and bubbling in the paint.
As oil paint dries, the spirits in the paint begin to evaporate. This leaves the paint with a hard, tough layer that works to repel water and moisture. Since the oil paint is water-resistant, it can hold up against rain, but it can’t be completely submerged in water. If submerged, the paint would break down and come off of the surface that is painted.
A great product that I like to use on some of my oil paintings is a varnish spray. I use Grumbacher Gloss Varnish to seal my oil paintings, and it makes them more water resistant than without a sealant. Not only does it protect against water, but it also helps with chipping, discoloration and can even be removed if you change your mind.
Oil paints, while water-resistant, are less durable than water-based paints when it comes to being water-resistant on wood materials. Oil-based paint will get the job done, but it is not the best option for wood, instead oil paints are best when used on metal that is prone to rust, as it will protect the metal from moisture.
Is Oil-Based Paint Good for Outdoors?
Oil-based paints are always an option to keep in mind for outdoor and exterior painting. You will be left with a strong, durable finish. The largest downside of using oil paints for exterior painting is the amount of time the paint takes to completely cure. It could take several days to cure completely, which is not ideal in most environments.
Oil paints are most commonly made using food-grade linseed oil, which is also known as flaxseed oil. This ingredient is not harmful to the environment, making it a great option to use outdoors. However, the oil used for the paint is not the problem when it comes to the environment.
When you are searching for an oil-based paint, it is important to make sure you are paying close attention to the ingredients used. Oil paints are also known for being mixed with harsh chemical pigments and emitting volatile organic compounds. These are bad for the environment and can be harmful to breathe in.
If you are using the oil-based paint on wood, they have the tendency to crack or yellow. Oil paint is more sensitive to UV light, which can speed up the process of yellowing or chipping. This is important to keep in mind when you are deciding whether or not you are going to use oil point for an outdoor project.
Applying a coat of varnish on the wood is always recommend. It helps with yellowing and protects against chipping as well. I use Winsor & Newton Gloss Varnish on my oil painted wood. This brand is amazing and super durable!
The biggest downfall of oil-based paints for outdoor use is the cleanup. In order to clean up oil-based paints, you have to use paint thinners that tend to be toxic. The fumes are also potentially dangerous and flammable. These chemicals need to be disposed of like other highly toxic waste and need to be handled very carefully.
Waterproof Paint
When it comes to needing a paint that is completely waterproof, you will need to choose a water-based paint that has a low level of volatile organic compounds. This will ensure that the paint you pick is safer for the environment and for your family.
Masonry paint is one of the best waterproof paints for any surface, especially for outdoor use. This paint is safe for the environment, dirt resistant, waterproof, and has a wide variety of colors that you can choose from. This type of paint is also UV-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it peeling, flaking, or cracking.
Another great option for a waterproof paint is epoxy paint. This paint is usually used for commercial and new construction. The epoxy paint is 5 times thicker than regular paint, making it waterproof, durable, long-lasting, and resistant to things like heat, rust, and chemicals.
Acrylic paint is also waterproof after it has completely dried. Acrylic is one of the most popular types of paint because it dries quickly, is easy to clean up, and repels moisture to prevent peeling. Your first coat of acrylic paint will be dry enough in just two hours, making it a breeze to finish painting in one day.
Final Thoughts
The two types of paints that are most commonly used are oil-based and water-based paints. Oil-based paints are very durable and form a hard surface when they are dry. This makes them a great option for surfaces that are going to be kept the same color for a long period of time. The hard surface makes the paint water-resistant, but not waterproof.
While oil paint is water-resistant, it is not fully waterproof and can’t be fully submerged in water. The oil paint will wash off the surface if the paint is not dry, so it is extremely important to make sure the paint is completely cured before exposing it to any rainy conditions. The paint also will not adhere to a surface that isn’t properly dried, and the surface needs to dry for at least 24 hours before you attempt to paint.
