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Oil-Based Paint vs Latex Paint

Posted on December 23, 2019

Homeowners sometimes assume that painting is an easy way to spruce up a room. To successfully complete the job, some information is helpful. The first decision you need to make is what kind of paint to use.

In this article, we cover the differences in oil-based paint vs latex.

Oil-based Paint

Oil-based paint tends to be more durable, but it needs to dry longer. Any messes require turpentine or mineral spirits to remove them, because oil-based paint is made with either alkyd or linseed. What are the differences? Alkyd is a synthetic version of oil and is favored because it’s less expensive and more durable. Linseed is a natural oil.

Painters often choose oil-based paints for trim work because of it’s durability.

Latex Paint

Latex paint is a choice with both professional and novice painters. It dries more quickly than oil-based paint.

Although it offers an easier clean up, it’s not as durable as oil-based counterparts. With that, it does offer several finishes from flat to high gloss that get progressively tougher. The glossy paints are generally used for rooms that have more messes and require frequent cleaning.

Costs

When it comes to price points, affordable paint of either make up will break down quicker than a more moderately priced gallon.

Use color chips to choose, but always consult the painting professional at your store for brand recommendations. You don’t want to use cheap paint with either oil-based or latex, otherwise it will show in your results.

Pro Tip: Use Primer!

Unfinished walls always need a primer. Some painters choose to use a separate primer, while others use paint that has primer mixed in.

If the walls already have paint on them, it’s important to know whether it was an oil-based or latex based paint. Once one style has been used, you cannot switch to the other.


If you feel in over your head, call our experts and have a professional team take care of the painting job for you.

Get your, free, in-home estimate today.

Paint contractor inspecting work