Final answer:
Paint, oil, and grease are preferred over tin plating because they provide a protective layer against corrosion, with oil paint offering versatility in application and aesthetics despite potential for cracking over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason why paint, oil, and grease are usually preferred to tin plating is that they can provide a durable protective layer to prevent corrosion. Paint and oil cover the surface of metal and act as a barrier against oxygen, which causes corrosion. However, they can have drawbacks, such as susceptibility to damage from scratches, leading to potential corrosion spots. Tin plating involves coating iron or another metal with a thin layer of tin, which also serves to protect against corrosion. Yet, alternatives like oil paint offer additional benefits, such as a wide range of pigment choices, the possibility to thin down for transparent glazes, and texture-building through impasto. This flexibility makes oil paint particularly versatile. Nonetheless, it can also have disadvantages like the development of cracks over time in thickly applied areas.