Choosing the right type of paint can make a significant difference in how your house looks. Latex and oil-based paints are two popular choices, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Read more to know the differences between them and when to use each.
Differences Between Latex and Oil-Based Paint
| Aspect | Latex Paint | Oil-Based Paint |
| Composition | Water-based | Oil-based |
| VOCs | Low | High |
| Drying time | 3 hours | 24 hours |
| Clean up | Soapy water | Paint thinner, turpentine, or mineral spirits |
| Odor | Low | Strong |
| Smoothness | Slightly rough | Smooth |
| Durability | Less durable, especially in harsh conditions | Highly durable |
| Flexibility | High | Low |
| Price | More affordable | Expensive |
Latex Paint
Latex paint, also known as water-based paint, is made of water, acrylic resins, and pigments. It’s durable and contains low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), making it a popular choice among DIYers and professional painters. Latex paint comes in various finishes, such as flat (or matte), eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss.
Latex paint is more affordable than oil-based paint because it’s easier to produce. It emits low odor and is a better choice for interior painting.
What are VOCs?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature. They may irritate your eyes, nose, and throat or cause headaches or dizziness. They also affect the environment.
Here are the advantages of latex paint:
- Dries quickly: Latex paint dries within three hours, allowing you to apply multiple coats of paint in a single day.
- Easy to clean: Soapy water is all you need to clean latex paint from paint brushes and surfaces.
- Eco-friendly: Latex paint contains low VOCs compared to oil-based paints.
- Emits low odor: Since latex paint contains low VOCs, it emits little odor and is a better choice for interior painting projects.
- Flexible: Latex paint formulation makes it more flexible than oil-based paint. It doesn’t crack when the surface expands and contracts with temperature changes.
Here are the disadvantages of latex paint:
- Less durable: Latex paint isn’t as durable as oil-based paint in harsh weather conditions.
- Rust metal: Since latex paint primarily contains water, it accelerates rust formation on metal surfaces. To prevent rusting, apply an oil-based primer to the surface before painting.
- Less gloss: Latex paint has a less glossy finish than oil-based paint.
- Low stain resistance: Latex paint doesn’t resist stains as well as oil-based paint, making it less suitable for high-traffic areas.
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint, also known as alkyd paint, is created by suspending pigments in an oil-based binder such as linseed oil. It’s more durable and glossy than latex paint but contains more VOCs and emits a strong odor. Oil-based paint comes in flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes.
Oil-based paint is usually more expensive than latex paint and is ideal for exterior painting as it’s more durable.
Here are the advantages of oil-based paint:
- Durable: Oil-based paint resists extreme weather conditions and is a better choice for exterior painting, especially if you live in a rainy or snowy area.
- Smooth finish: Oil-based paint has a smooth, glossy finish that’s perfect for woodwork.
- Prevents rust on metal: Oil-based paint adheres well to metal surfaces and doesn’t cause rust.
- Resists stains: Oil-based paint dries harder than latex paint, which makes it less susceptible to staining.
Here are the disadvantages of oil-based paint:
- Affects environment: Oil-based contains more VOCs, which can harm your health and the environment.
- Emits strong odor: Oil-based paint emits strong fumes and requires proper ventilation to prevent allergic reactions.
- Long drying time: Oil-based paint usually takes a day to dry.
- Difficult to clean: Using harsh solvents like mineral spirits or paint thinner is necessary to clean oil-based paint.
- Yellowing over time: Oil-based paint turns yellow with time, which isn’t much of a concern unless your paint is white.
When To Use Latex vs. Oil-Based Paint
Here’s how you can choose between latex and oil-based paint.
Interior Walls and Ceilings
Latex paint is ideal for painting interior walls and ceilings because it dries quickly, emits low odor, and is easy to clean. It comes in various finishes, such as matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss, and has many color options.
Note: If you’re painting over oil-based paint, sand the wall first and prime it to create a porous surface for better adhesion.
Exterior Painting
Oil-based paint is excellent for exterior surfaces like walls, doors, fences, and trim. It’s durable, resists moisture and won’t break down from UV rays. Oil-based paint comes in various finishes and colors, allowing you to customize your home’s appearance and make it stand out in your neighborhood.
This paint contains more VOCs and emits a strong odor, so keep your children and pets indoors until the paint dries to prevent allergic reactions.
Furniture and Cabinets
Oil-based paint’s smooth, glossy finish makes it a good choice for furniture and cabinets, but you should be ready to deal with a strong odor.
If you can compromise a bit on the glossiness, latex paint will be a better choice. Since it contains little or no VOCs, you don’t have to worry about allergic reactions in your little ones and pets.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Latex paint is better for painting kitchens and bathrooms, though oil-based paint is more durable and stain-resistant. The high VOCs and strong odor of oil-based paints make it a strict no for kitchens.
Oil-based paint doesn’t allow moisture to pass through, which can be advantageous in some situations. However, applying oil-based paint in high-humidity areas like bathrooms can make it prone to mildew.
Metal Surfaces
Oil-based paint is the go-to option for painting metal surfaces such as railings and window frames. It doesn’t contain water and prevents rust formation. Oil-based paint adheres better to metal than acrylic paint and doesn’t peel or flake over time.
DIY Projects
The quick drying time and easy cleanup make latex paint a better choice for DIY projects.
FAQs
Are there oil-based paints with no odor?
Oil-based paint formulations usually have an odor, but some manufacturers offer low-odor options.
Can I mix latex and oil-based paint?
No. If you want to apply latex over oil-based paint, you should sand the surface first and prime it to create a porous texture for proper adhesion.
How can I dispose of paint safely?
You can dispose of empty latex paint cans in regular garbage. If there’s leftover paint, allow it to dry in an open area before disposing of it. Oil-based paint is hazardous and should be disposed of in drop-off centers.
The Final Word
There’s no direct answer to whether to choose latex or oil-based paint. The choice depends on your needs. Latex paint is eco-friendly, easy to clean, and relatively durable. It emits low odor and is a better choice for interior painting projects.
Oil-based paint is more durable and is ideal for exterior painting. The disadvantage is that it contains high VOCs and emits a strong odor, which can harm your health and the environment.
If you need help to paint your home, get in touch with Paint Gnome. We connect you with the best painting pros near you who can help you with everything related to painting, from selecting the right paint to applying it to cleaning up.
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