Choosing Between Water-Based and Oil-Based Paints for Your Home.
When planning to refresh your home with a new coat of paint, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between water-based and oil-based paints. Both options offer unique benefits and challenges, and the right choice often depends on the surface you're painting, the finish you’re aiming for, and the conditions your home is exposed to.
At Duffield Group, we help homeowners across Sydney make the best choices to protect and enhance their homes. Here’s a simple guide to understanding the key differences between water-based and oil-based paints in residential painting.
Water-Based Paints (Acrylic and Latex)
Water-based paints have come a long way in recent years, and today’s formulas are extremely durable, beautiful, and environmentally friendly.
Benefits:
Fast Drying: Touch dry within an hour, making projects quicker and more convenient.
Low Odour: Ideal for indoor work where strong fumes can be unpleasant.
Easy Clean-Up: Only soap and water needed — no harsh chemicals.
Flexible and Crack-Resistant: Expands and contracts with temperature changes, preventing cracking and peeling.
Non-Yellowing: Retains colour over time, especially in areas with less natural light.
Eco-Friendly: Lower levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), safer for families and the environment.
Considerations:
Durability: While highly durable for interiors, water-based paints may not be quite as hard-wearing as oil-based options on heavy-use areas unless high-quality products are selected.
Surface Preparation: On raw timber, water-based paints can raise the grain slightly, requiring a light sanding between coats.
Best used for: Walls, ceilings, interior trims, and exteriors exposed to mild to moderate conditions.
Oil-Based Paints (Enamels)
Oil-based paints have been traditionally prized for their hard, smooth, and durable finishes, particularly in areas of high traffic or exposure to wear and tear.
Benefits:
Superior Durability: Creates a tough, long-lasting finish ideal for doors, skirting boards, and window frames.
Smooth Finish: Levels out beautifully for a professional, glossy appearance.
Excellent Adhesion: Sticks exceptionally well to many surfaces, making it ideal for previously painted or problematic areas.
Moisture Resistant: Performs well in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens when properly maintained.
Considerations:
Longer Drying Time: Can take 8 hours or more to dry, and several days to fully cure.
Strong Odour and Higher VOCs: Requires good ventilation during application.
Difficult Clean-Up: Requires solvents like turpentine for brushes and spills.
Tendency to Yellow: Especially noticeable in areas that receive little natural light over time.
Less Flexible: May crack or become brittle over many years.
Best used for: Doors, trim, cabinetry, bathroom and kitchen areas, and high-traffic surfaces.
Our Professional Recommendation
At Duffield Group, we typically recommend premium water-based paints for most interior and exterior residential projects. Modern formulations offer exceptional durability, low environmental impact, and a beautiful finish that stands the test of time in Australia's varied climate.
However, for certain high-traffic areas, heritage restorations, or when a high-gloss, furniture-like finish is desired, oil-based enamels can still be the best choice.
Every home is different — and choosing the right paint is key to a long-lasting, beautiful result. If you're planning your next project, our team is here to guide you through every decision with expert advice and trusted service.
Thinking about refreshing your home?
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