Where do you stand on the oil-based paint Vs water-based paint debate? It’s a question that gets asked regularly.
As a professional decorator, I’ve witnessed a lot of change in the industry over the years. One of the biggest changes has been the transition from using oil-based paints to using water-based.
There are pros and cons of using each, and ultimately as a decorator it’s part of my job to choose which is the best product to use for each job, to give the customer the best result I can.
When I first started out, there is no doubt that I used oil-based paints almost exclusively for interior and exterior woodwork; in those days, water-based paints weren’t as widely available, and frankly were not viewed as being very good. But times have changed, water-based paints have been a real focus for many manufacturers and as a result the quality and availability have improved dramatically.
So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of using oil-based vs water-based paints? And are there particular situations where one would be better than the other?
Oil-Based Paints Vs Water-Based Paint Pros and Cons
Robustness
It always used to be the case that oil-based paints were felt to last longer, and be more resistant to wear and tear, than their water-based counterparts. This is changing now, and some modern water-based paints are specifically designed to be hard-wearing, e.g. Johnstone’s Aqua Guard and Benjamin Moore Scuff-X.
Consistency
From a decorator’s perspective, there is no doubt that oil-based paints can be lovely to work with; applied properly the paint flows nicely off the brush and levels out to leave a flawless finish without any brush marks.
Water-based paints are by their nature formulated differently, dry much faster, and don’t flow in the same way. Additionally, some water-based paints are quite thin, meaning that they are prone to dripping and may have poorer opacity (“covering power”). Again, the manufacturers are aware of this and are making improvements to their water-based paints all the time.
The Crown Fast Flow range, for example, was developed to try to mimic the flow of oil-based paints. At the same time, decorators are adapting to water-based paints, learning how to get the best out of them, and changing our techniques accordingly to overcome some of these issues.
For example, on large flat surfaces such as door panels or windowsills, I apply the paint with a 4” roller (either Two Fussy Blokes or ProDec Ice Fusion are two of my favourites), which gets the paint on quickly and evenly, and then lay it off with a brush to remove any “texture” left by the roller.
Adhesion
When water-based paints first started to appear on the market, there was a perception that they didn’t adhere properly to previously painted wood and would peel off. Without the correct prep, this is true!
Water-based paints won’t stick to oil-based paints, but with some simple preparation it is easy to overcome this issue and be able to paint over oil-based paint with water-based. Click here for more information.
Drying Time
One of the big advantages of water-based paints is that they dry much faster, meaning that you can get more than one coat done in a day. Again, this has meant that us decorators have had to adapt the way we work, and maybe do things in a different order, but with good planning this can result in us being more productive. It also reduces the need for conversations with customers about having to leave doors and windows open all night.
Odour
There is no doubt that the modern water-based paints, while not completely odour-free, are a lot more pleasant to use than the old oil-based ones. These days I rarely use oil-based paints indoors, but if I do, I always end up with a headache from the smell caused by the solvents evaporating.
Environmental Issues
Water-based paints are less harmful to the environment than oil-based, because they contain no (or lower levels of) VOCs and HAPs. Volatile Organic Compounds and Hazardous Air Pollutants are released as the solvents in oil-based paints evaporate and the paint dries.
These are harmful to the environment and not great for the health of those nearby who are breathing them in. Additionally, cleaning out brushes that have been used for oil-based paints creates more issues with white spirit and how to dispose of it without causing even more environmental damage.
Yellowing
White oil-based paints tend to discolour and turn yellow with age. The problem is worse with gloss than with satin or eggshell and is worse on interior woodwork surfaces that aren’t exposed to enough light.
If you are painting your woodwork a colour (i.e. not white), you will not have this problem to anything like the same extent. Use a pure water-based paint and you also eliminate the problem (read more about what woodwork paint stays white the longest here).
Problem-Solution Primers
Moving away from traditional undercoats and top coats for a minute, there are certain oil-based primers for solving specific problems which just work. For example, Zinsser Cover Stain is a great little product that sticks to anything and covers most types of stains (and unlike many oil-based paints, it dries quickly too).
Manufacturers are developing water-based equivalents to some of these specialist primers now (e.g. Zinsser B-I-N Aqua), and no doubt they will become better and more widely available as we move forward, but in the meantime many of us still prefer the “tried and tested” products that we know.
External work
although water-based equivalents are available nowadays, a lot of decorators still prefer oil-based paints for exterior work. Some of the disadvantages of oil-based paints are less of an issue outside (yellowing is unlikely in areas exposed to sunlight, and odour is less of a problem outside).
Additionally, many of us “old timers” can’t quite get over the belief that oil-based will stay looking good for longer outside, where the paint is exposed to sun, rain, frost etc. Maybe it’s an age thing!
If you’re looking into oil-based paint vs water-based paint for interior use, then you may lean towards water-based. For exterior use, oil-based paint is far more robust.
What are the Best Oil- and Water-Based Paints?
As a decorator, I’m not loyal to any one paint brand. This allows me the freedom to cherry pick the best products for any finish I want. The quality of your paint is very important in relation to the overall finish and longevity you achieve. I don’t have time or space in this blog to go into huge detail, but here are some of my personal favourites. I’ll link to online suppliers in case you want prices and more info.
My Favourite Oil-Based Paints
The Best Oil-Based Eggshell
Dulux Trade Eggshell – self-undercoating and gives a lovely finish, but takes a long time to fully cure. I’ve been using Dulux Trade Eggshell for many years and love the finish I get with it. – Click here to see online prices.
The Best Oil-Based Satin
Crown Trade Satin Finish is a good option and not too expensive. It looks decidedly “off white” in the tin but does dry to a lovely crisp white and the finish is great. The one thing that I really like about this paint is its longevity. It doesn’t seem to yellow like some of the others. – Click here to see online prices.
The Best Oil-Based Gloss
Tt’s hard to look past Dulux Trade High Gloss, it’s been a favourite amongst decorators for years. It’s very shiny and looks fantastic on your woodwork. Like it’s standing loud and proud! – Click here to see online prices.
The Best Oil-Based Paint for Exterior work
This depends entirely on what I’m painting, but if I had to choose a single range, it would be Dulux Trade Weathershield. There isn’t a single bad product. (Available in gloss or satin) or the Sandtex Flexi system, which is available in gloss or eggshell (the eggshell is particularly nice). – Click here to see online prices.
Best Water-Based Paints
The Best Water-Based Matt for Woodwork
There aren’t a huge number of true matt finishes available for woodwork, but Johnstone’s Trade Aqua Guard is a good shout if this increasingly popular finish is something you’re after (it’s also available in satin and gloss, all of which are also great). – Click here to see online prices.
The Best Water-Based Eggshell
This seems to be coming back into fashion at the moment, and there are a lot of great water-based products around. Bedec Aqua Advanced is really nice to use, as is Benjamin Moore Scuff-X (which thankfully is now available in a 1L size!). Farrow & Ball’s Modern Eggshell is in my opinion one of their better products, although to my taste the finish is a bit more of a satin than an eggshell. And Crown Trade Fast Flow Eggshell is another great option that leaves a lovely finish without breaking the bank. I use Crown Trade Fast Flow more than any other. I swear by it. – Click here to see online prices.
The Best Water-Based Satin
Water-based satin is probably the finish that I use most of for interior woodwork. There is a huge choice out there, but the majority of decorators would probably rank Johnstone’s Trade Aqua Guard among the best. It leaves a lovely finish, and it’s very durable. – Click here to see online prices.
The Best Water-Based Gloss
Historically, manufacturers have struggled to produce a true gloss finish in a water-based paint. As with everything, improvements are being made all the time, and there are some quite decent ones available now.
My personal favourite (I think it’s the highest gloss level I’ve seen in a water-based product) is Teknos Futura Aqua 90 which has become my “go to” for interior gloss.
This paint looks great on woodwork and it’s very durable. You must use the Teknos Futura Primer to get the most from the topcoat.
Final Thoughts
So, oil-based paint Vs water-based paint, what is the conclusion? Well for me (and most other decorators), water-based paint is the best choice for interior woodwork. It has come a long way in recent years. It’s fast drying, doesn’t yellow, better for the environment, and providing you choose a good product, will look great and remain durable.
Oil-based paints are still my preference for exterior decorating. It seems to last a lot longer than water-based paints.
As manufacturers continue to invest in the development of improved water-based paints, I have no doubt that their popularity will continue to grow, although only time will tell whether they replace oil-based paints completely or not.
FAQs
Which is better, oil or water-based paint?
Generally speaking, water-based paint is much better to use inside, whereas oil-based paint is better when you’re working outside. That said, the oil-based paint Vs water-based paint debate isn’t that straightforward. Some oil-based primers work better than water-based for blocking stains inside your home.
What are the disadvantages of oil-based paint?
Oil-based paint stinks when you’re applying it. It takes much longer to dry, it is slower to apply, and it isn’t as environmentally friendly.
Why would you use oil-based paint?
Oil-based paint tends to block stains better than water-based, and it normally lasts longer when used outside.
What lasts longer, oil-based or water-based paint?
Water-based paint lasts longer than oil-based paint when used inside because it doesn’t discolour. However, oil-based paint lasts longer when used outside because it can better withstand the weather.
Which paint is best for walls oil based or water based?
Always water-based paint for interior walls. Most people use vinyl matt, durable matt, or eggshell emulsion.
0 Comments