Most people associate painting your home with choosing the right paint colour, but there is an important detail most forget to make before that, that could hugely impact the home whether you achieve that flawless finish for your home.
So whether you’re painting the inside or outside of your home or touching up the trims, knowing the difference between oil and water-based paints is important in helping you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
But, what’s the best?
Well, that depends on a range of factors, with each paint type having different strengths and weaknesses in each situation.
So to help you better understand below is an all-in-one guide for all things oil and water-based paints.
What Are They?
Oil-based paints: These have been widely since being made in the 7th century AD and use organic solvents, usually a mineral turpentine as their base. Once it’s applied, the solvents evaporate, leaving behind a durable, glossy, and long-lasting finish.
Water-based paints: A newer invention dating back to 1865, these are known as acrylic or latex paints and use water as their base rather than solvents. In the last few years, major advances in paint technology have significantly improved water-based formulas, making them the preferred choice for both interior and exterior applications.
What’s The Difference?
1. Durability
Oil-based
When you think oil-based paints you should think turtles, why’s that you may ask? Well, when dried these paints form a hard, protective shell like a turtle when dry, making them the ideal choice for any high-traffic areas, like your living room or kitchen, or if your home is built in an area where moisture is an issue.
But, be careful as these paints are known for going yellow over time especially if there is no natural sunlight.
Water-based
In the last few decades, modern acrylic paints (or water-based paints) have improved significantly matching and even surpassing their competitors in terms of performance and longevity.
It also comes with the added benefit of not fading into a yellow tint and maintaining its original colour and lustre for longer.
Though it is not as resistant to wear and tear, water based paints are very flexible allowing them to expand and contract with temperature changes without getting damaged. This is very important if you want your home’s curbside appeal to look good in Brisbane’s ever-changing weather.
2. Drying Time
Oil-based
Have you ever heard the term as boring as watching paint dry? That’s because of oil-based paints. It takes anywhere from 6 to 24 hours to dry in between coats meaning very long wait times to get that finished look. This type of paint is also not recommended for DIY projects because of its thickness, as it could look streaky if you do a poor job.
Water-based
These paints dry within 2 to hours to dry fully, meaning by the time you go to grab lunch and come back it’s ready for its next coat. Also, whether you’re a professional or trying to finish a project at home, the consistency of the paint means applying it is very easy.
3. Environmental conditions
Oil-based
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) may or may not be a term youve heard of. Either way, the only thing you need to know is that they release strong fumes which can be harmful if inhaled over a long period of time. So, having a good ventilation system is important if you want to use oil-based paints.
Disposing of oil-based paints is also difficult and requires specialised handling that complies with environmental regulations.
Water-based
Water-based paints have low VOC content and most even have zero, making them the more health-friendly and eco-minded choice. They produce no fumes and are safe for use for anyone with kids, pets or allergies.
What Gets The Job Done Best?
Oil-based Paints | Water-based Paints |
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Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Ultimately, the choice between oil-based and water-based paints depends on what your home needs, the surface you’re painting on, and your long-term goals.
If durability and a glossy finish are your priorities, oil-based paints may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a fast-drying, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly option, water-based paints are the way to go.
No matter what you choose, getting the perfect finish requires expert preparation and application. At Erseven Painting, we have the skills and experience to help you achieve a professional, long-lasting paint job for your home, as well as a 5-year warranty on your paint job. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s bring your vision to life!
