Oil-Based Paint vs. Water-Based Paint: What's the Difference?

Choosing oil-based paint versus water-based paint could make or break the quality of your paint project, and the differences between the types of paint include durability, drying time, appearance, and longevity. Choosing the wrong one could lead to a much longer wait time between coats.

Here, we explain what distinguishes oil-based paints and water-based paints and give some tips for choosing the right type of paint for your project.

What Is Oil-Based Paint?

Oil-based paint consists of pigments suspended in oil. Although different types of drying oils can be used as the base of oil paint, linseed oil is commonly used. Other options include walnut and safflower oils.

Oil-Based Paint: Pros and Cons
Pros	Cons
More durable	Higher VOCs
Resistant to fading	Stronger odor
Resistant to stains	Longer dry time
Doesn't dull as much when dry	Might yellow over time

What Is Water-Based Paint?

Water-based paint consists of pigments and binders suspended in water. Water-based paint is often called latex paint, as latex is the most commonly used type of water-based paint.

Water-Based Paint: Pros and Cons
Pros	Cons
Lower VOCs	Less durable
Low odor	Fades quicker
Quicker dry time	Stains easier
Doesn't yellow over time	Sensitive to moist environments and extreme temperatures

Differences Between Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Paint

Appearance

The visual difference between oil-based paint and water-based paint isn't always noticeable. When dry, water-based paint has a duller sheen than oil-based paint. Although the specific type of sheen (matte, eggshell, satin, gloss) alters the appearance, oil-based paint is usually glossier. While oil-based paint resists fading longer than water-based paint, it tends to yellow as it ages. This is noticeable primarily in bright white paint.

Drying Time

Oil-based paint dries to the touch in six to eight hours, but wait for 24 hours before applying another coat.

Water-based paint dries to the touch in about an hour, and a second coat can be applied four hours later.

Durability

Oil-based paint is more durable than water-based paint, although water-based paint's durability has improved in recent history. The drying oil inside oil-based paint creates a harder surface when it's fully dry, which gives it higher durability. Oil-based paint is a better option for surfaces that see a lot of wear and tear. Additionally, oil-based paints seal surfaces incredibly well; as a result, they resist moisture better than water-based paints. For this reason, oil-based paint is often used for kitchen and bathroom applications.

Longevity

Oil-based paint typically lasts longer than water-based paint due to its higher durability and resistance to fading. However, yellowed oil-based paint makes for a dingy surface, which results in oil paint being painted over before typically necessary.

When to Use Oil-Based Paint vs. Water-Based Paint

Water-based paints are preferred for interior use whenever the durability of oil-based paint isn't required, such as on standard walls and ceilings, because water-based paints have a much shorter drying time, minimal odor, lower VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and are easier to clean up. Oil-based paint's higher VOCs lead to a strong smell that can linger for days after it dries, so it's usually better to choose latex paint for interior use.

However, oil-based paint is still preferable for certain interior applications, including painting the following:

• Baseboards and other trim
• Wood cabinetry
• Doors
• Door and window frames
• Built-in shelves
• Chair rails
• Any other interior millwork that requires excess durability to prevent wear and tear

Water-based paint can be used on wood surfaces, but priming the bare wood with a high-quality primer that bonds to the wood will help the latex paint adhere better. Additionally, if the wood you're painting has knots, a primer that seals knots, such as a shellac-based primer, prevents the knots from leaking sap and reappearing over time. Whether you opt for oil-based or water-based paint to paint a wood surface, you must first allow the wood to dry thoroughly.

How to Clean Up Oil-Based Paint vs. Water-Based Paint

Water-based paint can be cleaned up with water, which makes it a breeze to clean up brushes, rollers, and other paint equipment. Oil-based paint must be cleaned up with solvents such as turpentine, mineral spirits, and paint thinner. Not only does this require you to buy additional products for cleaning, but the cleaning itself is a much more involved process.

When cleaning up paint spills on surfaces in your home, always test your cleaning solution on a hidden area before using it on the spill. Sometimes, cleaning products can cause more harm than good and damage the surface. To avoid this fate, properly mask the surroundings using drop cloths and tape.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Paint

Whether you choose oil-based paint or water-based paint, the longevity of your painted surface hinges on the prep work. Ensure the surface is clean, oil-free, and totally dry before painting. Always apply paint according to the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. When necessary, use the appropriate primer to ready the surface for paint.