Oil-Based Vs. Water-Based Paint

Ready to spruce up a space with a fresh coat of paint? How do you choose between oil-based and water-based paint options? Read my tips below.

There's a Choice to Make

When it comes to painting, an important decisions you'll need to make is whether to go with oil-based or water-based paint. This decision is especially crucial when you’re repainting trim, doors, or walls in an older home or building, where you might be working with layers of old paint.

Testing Existing Paint

If you paint over oil-based paint with water-based latex paint, you're asking for trouble. The water-based paint can easily scratch, rub off, and even peel away. Knowing what you're dealing with will save you from a lot of frustration later.

Don’t worry, testing existing paint to find our if it's water or oil-based is quick and simple! All you need is a little denatured alcohol and a paper towel. Here's how to do it: Take a paper towel and soak it with some denatured alcohol. Rub it on the surface of the paint you want to test. Now, let’s see what happens:

• Water-Based Paint: If the paint softens, smudges, or comes off on the rag, it’s likely water-based (latex) paint. It’s that simple!

• Oil-Based Paint: If the paint stays hard and doesn’t transfer onto the rag, it’s most likely oil-based paint.

What If It’s Oil-Based Paint?

So, now you've discovered that the existing paint is oil-based—what next? You have two options:

• Use an Oil-Based Primer and Paint with Water-Based Latex: You can always apply an oil-based primer to the surface, then follow up with a water-based latex paint. This is a common approach, but keep in mind that oil-based products take longer to dry and require more care during clean-up.

• Stick with Oil-Based Paint: If you want to keep things simple, you can just repaint with oil-based paint. But, here's a heads-up: oil-based paint is a bit of a hassle when it comes to clean-up. Brushes, rollers, and any surfaces you accidentally get paint on are harder to clean. Oil-based paints also emit stronger fumes, which may not be the most comfortable if you're doing a DIY project indoors.

Why I Recommend Water-Based Paint For DIYers

Personally, I’m a big fan of water-based (latex) paint for most projects. The clean-up is SO much easier. You can wash your brushes and rollers with soap and water, and there's no need for harsh solvents. Plus, water-based paints tend to dry faster, which means you can get back to the job or enjoy your space sooner.

Some projects might require oil-based paint due to durability or sheen, especially if you're working on something like baseboard trim or furniture that sees a lot of wear. But for most DIYers, water-based paint is just more convenient—and you'll be much happier with the clean-up process.

Bonus Tip: Prep Work is Key

Your paint is only going to look as good as what you are painting. Learning to prep right is key! Fill any nail holes and scratches and sand them smooth. Repainting trim? Make sure to check the caulking. Over time caulk lines will crack as the structure settles and moves with the seasons. Reapply caulking where needed before painting trim and it will look more seamless.