What are the Differences between Water-Based, Oil-Based, & Acrylic Paint?

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most effective ways to revitalise any home, and while it’s always exciting to choose the perfect new shade, another important consideration that’s often overlooked is the type of paint that you’ll be using. 

Different types of paint can have very different characteristics. This guide will go through the differences between water-based, oil-based paint and acrylic paint, and explain where on your home it’s best to use each one.

What to Know Before You Go to the Store

Not all paints are created equal. Water-based (also known as latex), acrylic and oil-based paints are made from a variety of different compounds that give them unique characteristics and appearances when applied. 

Paints are also available in a broad range of finishes. The type of finish you choose will be a mixture of your personal preference and the characteristics of the paint, as different finishes will work better in some areas of your home than others. When painting a home, it’s common to buy several types of paint, with each type being used for different applications. 

Before heading to the store to buy your paint, consider: 

• where you will be applying the paint

• what conditions the paint will be exposed to

• what kind of finish you are looking for (shiny, flat/matte)

• whether there is already paint on the surface

If you’re painting over something that’s already painted, you’ll need to identify the type of paint that's currently on the surface. This is because some types of paint will not adhere to other types. For instance, acrylic paint will not stick to oil-based paint properly. If you were to apply a coat of acrylic paint over an oil-based base coat, once it dries, the acrylic paint will start to flake and peel. 

To figure out what kind of paint is currently on your walls (or any other surface), simply apply some methylated spirits to a rag, and wipe it on a small area of the painted surface. If the rag starts to pick up paint, it’s most likely water-based; if it doesn’t, it’s probably oil-based.

Next, determine how much durability you need from your paint. Some rooms and features in your home will require more durable paint than others. For instance, a low traffic area like an adult bedroom can be painted in a less durable finish than a high traffic area like a kids’ bedroom, kitchen or hallway.

More Tips for Picking the Right Paint

Even if you’re only painting a single room, you might need to buy more than one type of paint. 

Interior trims such as door casings, skirting boards and chair rails can be more susceptible to damage from frequent physical contact

This means it’s also a great idea to consider the different sheen & gloss options. 

Paints come in a variety of finishes. Generally, high gloss paints will be more resistant to scuffs and marks than a flat or matte finish paint. This is because they dry harder, and the surface will be less porous than that of a matte finish. Shiny finishes such as high gloss, semi-gloss and satin are durable, but because of their shiny finish, they reflect light and show up blemishes and imperfections on the surface. This makes them a good choice for trims, cupboards and other areas where durability is a primary concern.

Lower shine finishes such as eggshell and matte are less durable than gloss, but because they don’t reflect light as much, they are much better at hiding imperfections. This makes them a good choice for walls and other smooth surfaces in living rooms, dining rooms and adult bedrooms.

A professional painter will commonly use a durable satin or semi-gloss finish in a high traffic area, and a less durable matte finish in a low traffic area. 

Interior vs Exterior 

Indoor and outdoor painting tasks call for different types of paint. For exterior painting, acrylic paint is a popular choice because it creates a weather-resistant and durable finish that will stand up to changes in temperature

Interior paints are most often water-based. Water-based paint will produce fewer odours, making it ideal for working in confined spaces indoors. You also don’t need to worry about fluctuating weather conditions and durability is less of a concern than on your home’s exterior. Some high traffic areas such as trims and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms will benefit from the increased durability of an oil-based paint.

Painting Cabinets, Doors & Interior Trims

For painting cabinets, trims and mouldings, oil-based paints are a popular choice. Professional painters often use a gloss or satin finish on cabinets and trims to provide a balance between durability and visual appeal. The hard, non-porous finish of the gloss paints will stand up well to physical contact and the frequent use that these features receive.

When to Use Water-Based Paint

Water-based paints are perfect for painting your interior walls, ceilings, and doors. Also called latex paints, they are popular because they dry quickly, and hold colour well over time. They are widely used on walls and ceilings in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. Water-based paints are available in a wide range of finishes and are usually less toxic than chemical-based paints. 

When to Use Acrylic Paint

Unlike latex paints, acrylic paints are chemical-based. The chemicals used in acrylic paint provide it with increased elasticity. This allows the paint to expand and contract, providing a finish that will resist cracking and flaking as the weather changes. This makes it great for painting exterior features such as cladding and fences.

When to Use Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paints are extremely durable and will withstand routine contact, making them ideal for mouldings and trims. Although they are slower drying and harder to clean than water-based paints, oil-based paints are very resistant to marking. Professional painters choose oil-based paints for surfaces where they need the finish to stand up to frequent contact and last for a long time.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of different types of paint on the market, and it’s good to understand all of their unique characteristics in order to get your home looking its very best, with paint that will stand up to its environment whether it’s indoors or outdoors.

Remember that when it comes to paint, one size does not fit all, and if you’re repainting an entire room—or home—you will need more than one kind of paint. 

Prefer to get a pro to do the hard work for you? Speak to our team and hire a professional house painter for your next project.