Oil vs Water Based Paints: A Simple Guide That Actually Helps You Choose

Oil based or water based. It’s one of those decorating questions that sounds technical, but in reality it comes down to how you want your home to feel while you’re decorating, and how you want the finish to behave once you’re done.

Both types are still widely used, and both can work brilliantly in the right setting. The difference isn’t so much where you use them, but what matters most to you when you’re decorating. Speed, smell, durability, finish, or ease of use.

So let’s break it down in a simple, practical way.

Water Based Paints (Acrylic and Emulsion)

Water based paints are now the most commonly used paints across the industry, and that’s largely down to how much they’ve improved over the years. Where oil based paints once dominated, advances in formulation and a growing focus on sustainability have made water based paints the go-to choice for most modern homes.

What they’re like

Water is the main carrier in these paints, and they dry as the water evaporates. This makes them quicker to work with and far more pleasant to use indoors.

They tend to have a much lower odour and lower VOC levels, which means less disruption while you’re decorating and far less lingering smell once you’ve finished.

Why people love them

One of the biggest advantages of water based paints is how quickly they dry. Many are touch dry within one to two hours, which keeps projects moving and makes decorating feel far less drawn out.

Clean-up is simple too. Brushes and rollers wash out in water, with no need for solvents. Once dry, modern water based paints are also more flexible, which helps reduce cracking and keeps lighter colours looking fresher over time.

Things to keep in mind

Water based paints can feel a little different to apply, especially on woodwork. Because they dry faster, they don’t always level out in quite the same way as traditional oil based paints. For most DIY projects, this isn’t an issue at all, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re used to older-style finishes. 

Water based paint recommendations

If water based feels right for your project, these are great options to explore:

Oil Based Paints (Solvent Based)

Oil based paints are the more traditional option and were once the industry standard, particularly for woodwork. They’re still used today, mainly for their classic finish and toughness.

These paints use solvents such as white spirit and dry through a slower curing process as they react with air. This is what gives them their characteristic hardness and smooth finish.

What they’re like

Oil based paints take longer to dry and have a stronger smell while curing, so good ventilation is important. Brushes and rollers need cleaning with white spirit rather than water.

Once fully cured, they form a very hard, durable finish that many people still love, particularly on doors, skirting boards, and trim.

Why people still choose them

Oil based paints are known for their excellent flow and levelling. If you’re after that really smooth, traditional finish on woodwork, this is often where oil based paints shine.

They’re also extremely tough once cured, which is why they’re still used in areas where wear and impact are a concern.

Things to keep in mind

The trade-offs are time and smell. Drying times are longer, odour is stronger, and lighter colours can yellow over time, especially indoors or in rooms with limited natural light.

For some projects, that’s a worthwhile compromise. For others, it’s the deciding factor to choose water based instead.

Oil based paint recommendations

If oil based feels like the better option for you, these are trusted choices:

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Rather than thinking in terms of right or wrong, it often helps to think in terms of priorities.

If you want quick drying times, low odour, easier clean-up, and minimal disruption, water based paints are usually the better fit.

If you’re happy to trade speed and convenience for a particular finish or level of durability, oil based paints still have their place.

Many homes use a mix of both, choosing each one for what it does best rather than sticking rigidly to one type.

Oil based and water based paints both have their strengths. Once you understand how they behave, choosing between them becomes much simpler.

And if you ever want help deciding which paint is right for your project, we’re always happy to help. Just get in touch via  Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp,  email us, or give our friendly team a call on 01388 608144 for advice.

Happy decorating,
Helen x

 

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