What is the Difference Between Latex and Oil Paint?

Latex paint or acrylic paint is fast-drying and water-based. Oil-based paint is a slow-drying paint made with alkyd (synthetic) or linseed (natural) oils.

Latex paint is easier to work with and dries more quickly.  Latex is generally better for the interior of homes, ie., walls and ceilings, and on large surfaces as it can be purchased in large quantities. Because latex paint is water-based, it has more flexibility and will expand and contract with weather conditions, which makes is less susceptible to cracking.

Oil-based paint is more durable and dries harder than latex paint, but takes longer to dry, and requires turpentine or thinners (mineral spirits) for clean-up.  Oil-based paint can be used on metals and wood and is great for trim work as these areas typically take more wear and tear over time.

A very quick way to determine if your paint is latex or oil-based is to take a sample paint chip and try to break it in half.  If it is flexible and bends, it is most likely latex, but if it cracks and breaks in half, it is most likely oil-based.  Also, if the substrate is old, has a lot of cracks and an “alligator-like” appearance, it is most likely oil-based and it could contain lead if the building was painted before 1978. A simple lead paint test kit can be obtained at your local hardware or paint store.  Rubbing the chemical acetone (nail polish remover) or denatured alcohol on a cotton ball is also way to determine if the substrate is latex vs oil-based.  Latex paint will come off on the cotton ball, but oil-based paint will not.