Learn the pros and cons of oil-based paint, plus how its different from water-based alternatives.
Lisa Moon is a professional painter and the co-owner ofPaper Moon Paintingin Texas.
What Exactly Is Oil-Based Paint?
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Simply put, oil-based paint is just paint with natural or synthetic oil as one of its main components.
It dries extremely hard, which makes it very durable and resistant to nicks and dings.
It will also hold up against stains.
However, oil-based paint is slowly getting phased out.
For starters, its not environmentally friendly, says Lisa Moon, co-owner of Paper Moon Painting in Texas.
Moon adds, Paint technology is also constantly improving.
But depending on the project, oil-based paint might still be your best bet.
When Should You Use Oil-Based Paint?
It can be hard to touch up small areas with oil-based paint without it being obvious.
Consider leaving this to the pros who will get it right the first time.
Long Drying Time
It takes significantly longer than water-based paints to dry.
The amount that it yellows varies based on its exposure to light.
Therefore, proper ventilation is important during software!
Open windows and turn on a fan to circulate the air.
Messy
Oil-based paint is difficult to clean up.
It requires harsh solvents like turpentine or paint thinners to thoroughly remove it from brushes, rollerseven your hands!
Plus, disposal is a pain.
This would be a major hassle for your typical homeowner, Moon warns.
If the paint comes off or softens, its water-based.
Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Paint
Water-based paint has H20 as a main component.
Because water-based is now the industry standard, theres a much wider range of products and colors.
Companies are now limiting their oil-based products if theyre carrying them at all.
Never cover oil-based paint with water-based paint.
Doing so may lead to cracking or peeling as water-based paint cant bond to the oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to cover oil-based paint, use another oil-based paint.
If you want to use water-based paint, first use an oil-basedprimer.
Then coat it with your water-based paint of choice.
Yes, you’ve got the option to remove oil-based paint.
Paint thinners and solvents like mineral spirits or turpentine work well to remove oil-based paint.
Commercial paint strippers that are specific for oil-based paints are also effective at removing oil-based paint.
Scraping and sanding down the paint can also work.
Do not pour paint down the drain.
