When it comes to the topic of home-improvement, renovation and DIY, paint is a firm favourite. Painting a bland wall with a bright colour, or repainting a wall or walls in dire need of new paint brings positive change, and as they say – change is a good as a holiday!

Selecting the best paint for a specific application isn’t always that easy. What’s going to look best? What will be the easiest to clean? What will last the longest? Let’s look at the differences between oil-based paint and water-based paint, and when and where which is best. 

What’s the big difference between oil-based and water-based paint?

The base of the paint refers to the liquid that makes up most of the paint. After application, this liquid evaporates, and the paint is left behind. Oil-based paints have an organic solvent, which is often a mineral turpentine. Water-based paints contain a solvent which is almost all water. 

What are some characteristics of the two?

Oil-based paints have a higher sheen, but it doesn’t last as long when used on exterior walls, where water-based paints have a lower sheen, but it will retain its sheen over extended periods of time. 

Oil-based paint has a better resistance to wear and tear, due to the fact that it dries harder. A negative point is that it does not have a lot of flex, which means that over time it may crack, flake or get chalky. Oil-based paint is also known to turn yellow over time. Water-based paints have more flex, which means temperature changes won’t affect it as much. 

When it comes to choosing between the two for exterior use, water-based paint takes the win. It has excellent UV resistance. It also flexes better when the temperature changes, so cracks and flaking are less likely. 

Oil-based paints work great inside, as they display very nicely, and they are hard wearing, so good if you have kids and pets.

It’s also much easier cleaning brushes, rollers and rags when you’ve painted with water-based paint. You can simply rinse with water!

Now you know a little bit more of which solution is suited for your needs.

All Brights Hardware branches have on-site experts to provide further advice and guidance on any home renovations and upgrades. Our knowledgeable staff members can provide you with all the product insights and information that you need.

Here are a few paint product options from BRIGHTS: