Oil Based vs Water Based Paint – Which is Better?

When it comes to decorating your home or finishing a professional paint job, one of the most common questions is: should you use oil-based or water-based paint?
Both have their strengths, and the right choice depends on your project, finish preferences, and even where you’re painting.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, pros and cons, and the best uses for each so you can choose confidently.

What’s the Difference Between Oil-Based and Water-Based Paint?

The main distinction lies in the solvent used:

• Oil-based paints (also known as solvent-based) use organic solvents such as alkyd or linseed oil.
  

• Water-based paints use water as the main carrier, making them easier to work with and better for the environment.
  

This difference affects everything from drying time to durability and finish.

Pros and Cons of Oil-Based Paint

Advantages:

• Durable and long-lasting – ideal for high-traffic areas and woodwork.
  

• Smooth, high-gloss finish – gives doors, skirting boards, and metal surfaces a professional look.
  

• Excellent adhesion – grips well to surfaces, especially those previously painted with oil-based products.
  

Disadvantages:

• Longer drying time – can take up to 24 hours to dry completely.
  

• Stronger odour and higher VOCs – requires good ventilation during application.
  

• Difficult cleanup – brushes and rollers need to be cleaned with white spirit or turpentine, not water.
  

• Can yellow over time – particularly noticeable on white paints in low-light areas.
  

Best for: Trim work, doors, skirting boards, and surfaces where toughness matters more than quick turnaround.

Pros and Cons of Water-Based Paint

Advantages:

• Quick drying – touch-dry in as little as an hour, allowing multiple coats in a day.
  

• Low odour and VOCs – safer and more pleasant to use indoors.
  

• Easy cleanup – just rinse tools with warm soapy water.
  

• Resists yellowing – maintains colour and finish for years.
  

Disadvantages:

• Slightly less durable – may not be ideal for heavy-duty or exterior use unless formulated for it.
  

• Can raise the grain on bare wood – a primer or light sanding might be needed between coats.
  

• May struggle to adhere to old oil-based coatings – requires proper surface prep or a suitable primer.
  

Best for: Walls, ceilings, and interior woodwork where speed, appearance, and low odour are priorities.

Oil vs Water Based Paint: Quick Comparison

Which Type of Paint Is Right for You?

Choosing between oil-based and water-based paint often depends on your project goals:

• For professionals or homeowners tackling woodwork or metal surfaces, oil-based paints still win for their hardness and traditional gloss finish.
  

• For interior walls and ceilings, or when you need a quicker, cleaner job, water-based paints are the modern go-to.
  

• For eco-conscious decorators, water-based options offer excellent quality with lower environmental impact.
  

If you’re updating existing paintwork, remember to check what’s already on the surface. Water-based paints don’t always adhere well over old oil-based coatings without a suitable primer.

The Verdict

Both oil-based and water-based paints have their place in modern decorating.
Water-based paints have come a long way in performance and are now suitable for most applications, while oil-based coatings still shine where extra durability and sheen are required.

At Trade Supplies UK, we stock a wide range of oil-based and water-based paints from trusted brands perfect for homeowners, decorators, and trade professionals alike. Whether you need a tough gloss for woodwork or a smooth matt finish for walls, you’ll find exactly what you need.