Whether you’re an avid painter or not, I’m sure you’ve heard of oil-based paint and water-based paint. But maybe you don’t know the difference. I’ve been through my fair share of painting and I still don’t really know the difference. So, let’s get into it!

What’s Oil-Based Paint

As the name states, there’s oil in oil-based paint, usually synthetic or natural. The oil is the actual ingredient that’s being evaporated while the paint dries.

Here are the facts you need to know about oil-based paint:

• • more durable

• • harder clean-up (usually paint thinner/mineral spirits is needed)

• • it can crack over time

• • it often yellows over time

• • • it dries glossier than water-based paint
  • • it has a strong odor while you paint with it
  • takes long to dry

• • painting surface needs to be completely dry before application

What’s Water-Based Paint

Likewise with oil-based paint, instead of oil, you have water in water-based paint. That means the water is being evaporated in this type of paint.

Here are the facts you need to know about water-based paint:

• • it dries quickly

• • it can hold its color longer

• • clean-up is a breeze (usually soap and water)

• • • it’s weather tolerant after drying (less susceptible to cracking)
  • • it’s weather intolerant when applying outdoors (humidity, extreme cold, and extremely hot weather can affect the end result). Think 60’s and 70’s for good performance.
  • less of a gloss finish when dried

• • surface can be damp before application

There you have it! So, before you begin painting a canvas portrait, a piece of furniture, or a clay pot, it’s important that you think about what type of paint you’ll use. You’ll probably want to start with how you’re going to use the object that you’re painting. Will it be sitting outside? Is it going to be handled a lot? How quickly do you want this project done?

Use this post as a checklist or a cheat sheet! Print it out and mark off what you’re looking for in a paint. What do you want most from your paint for your particular project? Of course, if you’re painting with your little ones, just stick with the water-based paint. In fact, a lot – if not all – of the paints targeted towards kids are water-based.

Who’s Econocrafts? Econocrafts is a manufacturer of unique and exciting arts and crafts kits and hobby supplies. They sell to Schools, After-School, Camps, Recreation Centers, Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Government Agencies, and crafters all over the world. From the classroom to your home, for a party to a DIY project, Econocrafts has everything you need to keep you creatively entertained.

Written by: Amanda Kearns
Amanda attended Columbia College Chicago where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. She happily accepted a job in the sunshine state of Florida, where she worked for many years blogging, editing, and managing mostly legal content. She now resides in South Carolina with her beautiful son and loving husband.

In her free time, Amanda loves to stay active whether it be at the gym, hiking, or throwing around a baseball. She’s also a big DIYer. In fact, much of the artwork and design elements in her house were created by her and she’s even made some of her own clothes!

Related posts:

What’s the Difference Between Acrylic Paint and Tempera Paint? Kwik Stix – Solid Washable Tempera Paint – Paint in a Stick! Understanding the Meaning of Color in Art 11 Tools to Paint With / Crafts Hacks & Tips From EconoCrafts