Which Paint is Better Water Based or Oil Based

As I delved into painting my home, the question of whether to choose water based or oil based paint kept popping up. After researching, I realised both have pros and cons, and choosing between them depends on your needs.

Is Oil Based Paint Better than Water Based Paint?

While deciding which paint is suitable for my project, I realised that oil-based paint and water-based paint each has their own advantages. Oil-based paint is better in some aspects, while water-based paint excels in others.

• Durability: Oil-based paints offer excellent, long-lasting protection since they dry into a very hard shell. Water-based paints, on the other hand, can rub off. This implies that high-activity areas are not ideal locations for water-based paints. In these situations, oil-based paints are the better choice. 

• Cost: When opposed to water-based paint, oil-based paint is usually less in demand. Oil-based paint is therefore usually less expensive. It's crucial to keep in mind that both varieties come in a wide variety of price points, depending on the manufacturer and paint quality.

• Longevity: After painting, oil-based paints typically have a glossier finish. These paints can, however, fade dramatically with time. Water-based paints, on the other hand, usually keep their gloss longer but have a lower sheen. As a result, water-based paints often have a longer lifespan. Water-based paints are popular for outdoor settings for this reason as well. 

• Odour: Although there is some smell of water-based paint, it is not very strong. On the other hand, oil-based paint has a strong smell that takes time to fade. Make sure you only use this kind in locations with adequate ventilation. 

• Application: Applying water-based paints in unfavourable weather can be challenging. Since paint absorbs water, even a small amount of it will thin down. However, because oil-based paints repel water, they are usually unaffected by conditions like high humidity, harsh temperatures, and the presence of water. 

Which One to Choose?

1. Water-Based Paint: Best for interior walls, ceilings, and areas needing frequent repainting.

2. Oil-Based Paint: Ideal for trim, doors, cabinets, and high-traffic areas needing a robust finish.

I hope this helps you with your query, “Is water based paint better than oil based?”

Read More:

I visited my aunt’s house around 20 days back. At the time, she was looking to paint her home interiors as the old paint had started to chip. The walls had lost their shine and my aunt wanted to improve the look and feel of her living room. I gave her some tips regarding the type of paint as I got a similar work done at my house. I told her about the differences between oil paint vs water paint so that she can make a good choice. Let me share all the information with you to ease the process of selecting the best paint.

Oil based paint vs Water based paint

Here are the key differences to note between oil-based and water-based paints. 

I hope you now know which paint is better water based or oil based ones.