Oil vs Water-Based Paint Guide
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil-Based Paints | Surface previously painted with oil (trim, cabinets, some older decks) | Extremely durable; smooth, hard finish; resists wear | Longer dry time; strong odor; cleanup requires solvents; environmental restrictions | Must be used again over existing oil paint unless an oil-based primer is applied first |
| Water-Based Paints | Most residential projects: walls, ceilings, siding, trim | Low odor; fast dry time; easy soap-and-water cleanup; environmentally friendly | Slightly less hard finish than oil | Can be applied over oil-based surfaces only after priming with an oil-based primer |