Painting with oil-based paint is much more difficult than painting with a latex paint primarily because of the clean up. Where to use an oil-based paint is usually restricted to areas where oil-based paint has been used before. Latex paint won’t stick to surfaces with an oil-based finish, so it’s easier to just add another coat of oil-based paint. If you insist on putting latex paint over oil-based paint the surface will still need to be painted with an oil-based primer and sealer before applying the latex paint.

With a few exceptions, oil based paints on other surfaces is impractical. Oil-based paints require mineral spirits to thin, clean up, and typically need to dry overnight. Oil paints have strong odors and high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC). The VOCs alone can make oil paints prohibitive in some areas that have stringent restrictions on the disposal of hazardous chemicals.

There are two exceptions for using oil-based paint other than on previously oil painted surfaces. The first exception is on laundry room and bathroom baseboards trim because it has unsurpassed durability and is stain resistant in areas where there is high moisture.

The second exception is when painting metal and dirty rusty surfaces. Oil-based paints are the best choice when painting dirty or rusty metal surfaces that can’t be thoroughly cleaned. They also work great for metal furniture, railings and all outdoor metalwork.

On the plus side, oil-based paints are less prone to shrinkage and cracking in freezing temperatures but they tend to fade quicker than latex paints. Consider using oil-based paints for surfaces that are exposed to extremely low temperatures.

Overall latex paints are the best choice for most paint applications for both inside and outside the home but, there are still applications where oil based paints work better as indicated above. If you have a choice, always stay with a latex paint.

Painting Stripes on Interior Walls

Painting with Alkyd Based Enamel Paint

Painting with an Airless Paint Sprayer

Painting with Latex Paint