Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints are perfect for anyone who wants to protect their surfaces. From exterior walls, to sheds and fences, to IKEA furniture, all can be enhanced if you use the right paint for the job.

However, we have a lot of oil-based paints available; knowing which is best isn’t always easy. If you have a project in mind, we recommend taking a look at a few options so you can make an informed decision. Each product has plenty of content attached that explains the pros, cons, and where it should be used.

But before you start browsing, here is why you should be looking at oil-based paints in the first place:

 

The Benefits of Oil-Based Paint

The main reason you’d choose oil-based paint is its toughness. Although water-based paints do offer great durability, it used to be a lot more cut and dry in favour of oil-based compounds, they will still fade sooner, or start to chip long before an oil-based paint will.

This is because oil naturally repels moisture. This is especially important for exterior surfaces like fences, sheds, exterior walls, and patios, all of which are exposed to rain and frost throughout their usage. On patios and driveways, where water can pool and slowly seep into the surface, oil-based paints are the only viable option, as the standing water will never be able to penetrate the surface.

The compound used in oil-based paints is also thicker than water-based paints. This means that you need fewer layers to get the best results. When an equivalent water-based paint takes 2-3, oil-based paint should take 1-2. It doesn’t look like a big difference on paper, but for bigger jobs or industrial and commercial painting, this saves you a tonne of time.

When painting outside, you’re at the mercy of the elements. It isn’t just rain you have to avoid; a strong breeze or even changing temperatures can affect the paint you’re using. When you have a reliable paint that looks good, and doesn’t take as long to dry, you’ll have more time to spare and won’t have to keep one eye on the clouds.

 

The Issues with Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paints are great, but they still have a few disadvantages that you should be aware of.

The first is that they can be tricky to use, at least compared to water-based paints, which are famously beginner friendly. For a tradesperson with years of experience, this isn’t an issue, but if you’re just looking to freshen up some of your surfaces at home, water-based might be better for you.

Another factor is that some oil-based paints release VOCs – Volatile Organic Compounds. If you’re using the paint somewhere that isn’t well-ventilated, and don’t have a mask to protect yourself, it’s a potential health risk. You also shouldn’t use the area you’ve painted in while the paint is drying, mostly to avoid marks or smudges but also because of VOCs. We’ve spent years improving our oil-based paints so they low on VOCs, but proper ventilation is still recommended as the odour can still be quite strong.

Despite our efforts, these paints are not safe for pets and children. If you’re painting at home, or are painting in a school, this is vital to consider.

 

Oil-Based Paint Sheen Levels

This is another thing to keep in mind. When picking the perfect paint many people only consider the colour, and not the sheen level of their chosen paint.

Higher sheen finishes reflect more light, which can enhance bolder colours. Lower sheen or even matte paints can suit more muted shades, or in areas with a mix of natural and artificial light.

Oil-based paints, because of the compound they use, have a naturally higher sheen level, usually around satin to gloss. You won’t be able to find a specialist paint in matte if oil-based are your only options. But since they enhance colour and provide that extra durability, it’s rare that they won’t suit your needs.

 

Oil Based Paint or Water-Based?

As you can see, there are a number of benefits to both types of paint. As much as we talk about how useful oil-based paints can be, we understand the reasons why you’d choose a water-based alternative. We’re not biased either, we have tonnes of water-based paints available, especially acrylics, that are brilliant for a wide range of interior and exterior painting projects.

When you’re splashing out on quality paint, you want to know which is best. That’s why we’re always transparent about which paints are best for specific projects, although there’s rarely a time when there isn’t an oil-based paint that will look fantastic.