Acrylic Paints vs Oil Paints: Which One is Better for Your Home?

Knowing the ideal paint for home projects involves navigating the differences between water-based (acrylic) and oil-based (alkyd) options.

From drying times to cleanup, we will explore key considerations for homeowners, guiding them in making informed choices for a successful and durable painting outcome.

Both acrylic and oil paints have their unique characteristics that can have an impact on how a painted surface appears.

• Drying Time and Odour:

Water-Based Paint (Acrylic): Acrylic paints are water-based and have a significantly shorter drying time compared to oil-based paints.

Depending on the air temperature they generally dry within a few hours, allowing for quicker recoating and finishing.

Additionally, acrylic paints have a milder odour compared to oil-based paints, making them a preferred choice for indoor projects. Odours in the air can affect homeowners who have a sensitivity to chemicals or have young children.

The low odour is particularly beneficial when painting interior spaces where ventilation might be limited.

Oil-Based Paint (Alkyd): Oil-based paints, or alkyd paints, have a longer drying time, often taking several hours to days to fully cure.

The longer drying time can be an advantage in certain situations, allowing for better leveling and smoothing of brush marks.

However, the trade-off is that oil-based paints tend to have a stronger and more persistent odour.

Proper ventilation is crucial when using oil-based paints, especially in enclosed spaces.

• Cleanup and Tools

Water-Based Paint (Acrylic): One of the significant advantages of acrylic paint is that it is water-soluble, making cleanup easy with just soap and water.

This applies not only to brushes and rollers but also to any accidental spills or splatters.

Acrylic paint is less harsh on painting tools, and it is less likely to cause damage over time.

Oil-Based Paint (Alkyd): Cleaning up oil-based paint requires the use of solvents such as mineral turpentine (turps).

The solvents can be harsher on brushes and other painting tools, and the cleanup process is more involved compared to water-based paints.

Additionally, proper disposal of used solvents is necessary to minimise environmental impact.

In certain circumstances “dirty” (turpentine that has been used to clean up after a job) can be placed in a glass container with a secure lid to use for future clean-ups to avoid using clean turps.

To clean turpentine from roller sleeves and brushes scrape off any paint back into the container.

With brushes touch the bristles of the brush at the metal trim that separates the bristles from the handle and strike upwards on a diagonal until you reach the tip.

Repeat the process until you are satisfied you have removed enough of the paint.

Place the brush in a glass container with enough turpentine to submerge the bristles.

As for roller sleeves there are devices you can use to effectively remove excess paint.

Scrapers that have a semi-circle cut out of the blade can be placed comfortably around the roller and drag down the sleeve

Turn the sleeve around and repeat until, like the brush(es), you are satisfied that it is clean.

Once you have removed the paint put on rubber gloves and hand wash brushes and roller sleeves in warm soapy water and leave to dry, ready for your next painting task.

• Durability and Finish

Water-Based Paint (Acrylic): Acrylic paints are known for their durability, flexibility, and resistance to minor cracking over time.

Exterior manufactured paints are ideal for areas that experience temperature fluctuations, such as exterior surfaces. They have significant elasticity and flex to cope with most extremes. Interior manufactured paints have less capacity flex but are quite reasonable.

Acrylic paints also retain colour well and resist fading when exposed to sunlight.

Depending on the manufacturer these paints are available in a variety of finishes, including flat, matt, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss.

Oil-Based Paint (Alkyd): Oil-based paints offer a durable and smooth finish that is resistant to wear and tear.

They are often chosen for high-traffic areas or surfaces that require frequent cleaning, such as doors, skirtings and trims.

Oil-based paints tend to provide a glossier finish, but they may yellow over time, especially in areas with minimal exposure to natural light.

When choosing between water-based and oil-based paints for your home, consider the specific requirements of the surface, the drying time you prefer, ease of cleanup, and the desired finish.

Keep in mind that regulations regarding the use of oil-based paints, especially in terms of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can vary, so it’s essential to be aware of local guidelines and choose paints that comply with environmental standards.