Interior Oil Based Paints

Oil-based paints are often chosen because of their toughness. While water-based paints will look good for a long time, their oil-based counterparts are more weather resistant and harder to scrape, scuff, and stain.

As a result, they’re often used for exterior painting. Masonry, sheds and fences, and metal surfaces can all benefit from a coat or two of quality oil-based paint.

However, there are plenty of ways to see these same benefits inside your home or business. Interior oil-based paints are some of our most popular products, and for good reason.

 

Why use Interior Oil-Based Paints?

As we said, the reason to use an oil-based paint is because it is incredibly durable. They have thicker compounds, using a strong solvent that repels water and protects the surface underneath.

Our oil-based paints are also scuff-resistant, meaning that if your painted surfaces are knocked by furniture or just suffer general wear and tear, it’ll take a lot longer for the imperfections to show. As good as water-based paints look, you need to think about how well your surfaces will stand the test of time.

Oil-based paints come with a high-sheen finish. This glossy look is unmatched, and suits surfaces like doors perfectly. If you like your surfaces to reflect some light, it’s the ideal choice.

 

Where to use Interior Oil-Based Paint

There are a number of surfaces that are just waiting for some oil-based paint. Whether you’re painting for your own home or a business, it’s always worth considering oil-based paint for the following surfaces:

• Doors
• Door and Window Frames
• Window Sills
• Skirting Boards
• Radiators
• Cabinets (Kitchen & Bathroom)

All of the above need a bit of extra protection. Doors and skirting boards are constantly knocked and kicked by people and pets, something that can ruin poor-quality paint. The glossiness also suits skirting boards perfectly, as they frame your interior walls well.

Speaking of frames, your door and window frames should be painted to keep the wood, metal, or UPVC protected. These are surfaces that you only want to paint once in a blue moon, so choose a paint that will last for a decade or longer.

Radiators aren’t often painted, which is why they’re likely to rust or stick out like a sore thumb in every room. Oil-based paint stays tough regardless of the temperature of your radiator, making it the only option if you want them to look as good as your other painted surfaces.

 

The Disadvantages of Interior Oil-Based Paint

You’ll rarely regret investing in some interior oil-based paint, especially if you chose a tin or two from our online store, but there are some things you should keep in mind before you add anything to your basket.

The first is that oil-based paints can be tricky to use. You need to be especially careful about protecting other surfaces before you paint; removing oil-based paint is no easy task! You also need to prepare the surface well, which can add some headaches to the job. If you’re a beginner, just take your time and follow one of our painting guides for some tips.

Drying times are also longer, but since you’ll need one layer less than with water-based paints, it often balances out.

One of the advantages of oil-based paint can also be a problem. And that’s the glossy finish. While it can look great, it is your only sheen option if you need to use oil-based paint. Large surfaces can look strange with a glossy finish, at least in your home, but you can get away with it if you choose a good colour.

You may also be limited in colour options. A few of our oil-based paints are part of our Colour System, giving you access to any shade, but some only have a few to choose from.

Lastly, and arguably most importantly, oil-based paints produce a strong odour and strong VOCs that you need to work around. Before they dry, these paints can be harmful, and you need to ventilate as much as possible if you’re painting inside.

 

The Best Oil-Based Paint for Interior Surfaces

Oil-based paints are durable and a lot more versatile than people realise. If you want to transform the look of your home, but your budget is tight, you can use oil-based paints on a multitude of surfaces, making them all look great and protecting them for a long time.

No matter what project you’re facing, choose Paintmaster for your oil-based paint and painting accessories. We’re the UK’s most trusted paint provider because our paint is high quality, the perfect choice for both domestic painters and professionals.