Homeowners around Lake Murray trust That 1 Painter for expert advice and flawless finishes. As part of the fastest-growing painting company in the world, we make choosing between water-based and oil-based paint simple and stress-free. With our deep knowledge and local expertise, we guide homeowners every step of the way to make painting their homes simple, safe, and long-lasting. We’ve helped thousands of families across the country make confident paint choices—and we’re here to help you do the same right here in Lake Murray.
Have you ever wondered why some paints dry fast while others take forever? Or why painters keep talking about VOCs, odor, and finish? Here’s something interesting: about 75% of homeowners choose water‑based paints today for their low odor and easy cleanup! When you’re picking between water‑based (latex) and oil‑based paint, you’re deciding on dry time, durability, cleanup method, and even health impact. I’m excited to walk you through it all, sharing what works best for different parts of your home and why That 1 Painter Lake Murray recommends one over the other in certain situations.
Let’s dig into the key differences, real‑world pros and cons, and how to choose the right paint for your walls, trim, cabinets, or exterior surfaces. Whether you want bright, fresh colors on your living room walls or a glossy trim finish that lasts, you’ll have the clarity you need by the end. Let’s go!
First, let’s break down what each type means:
Water-based paint is modern, eco‑friendly, and widely used in interior and exterior wall coverings. Oil‑based is the traditional choice for trim, doors, and high‑traffic areas—but its use is more specialized today.
Dry Time and Convenience
Water‑based paint dries fast—often in under an hour for a light coat—so you can apply second coats the same day. Cleanup is a breeze: soap and warm water. Oil‑based paint may take 6 to 24 hours to dry between coats. Cleanup requires solvents like mineral spirits or paint thinner.
For homeowners who want minimal disruption, water‑based is clearly the easier option.
Odor and Environmental Impact
Water‑based paint releases little odor and has low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safer indoors. Oil‑based paint gives off stronger fumes and typically has high VOC content. After 2021, many manufacturers have started phasing out traditional oil‑based formulas due to stricter environmental regulations.
That means odor control and indoor air quality are big advantages of latex paints, especially in homes with kids or pets.
Finish and Durability
Oil‑based paint yields a hard, glossy finish. It resists scuffs and is great for trim, baseboards, and doors. It levels out well, leaving smooth brush marks almost invisible.
Water‑based paint now offers a high‑quality finish and improved durability, too. It’s tougher than before and less likely to yellow over time. Plus, it resists cracking and shrinks less.
Interior Walls and Ceilings
Water‑based paint is highly recommended for interior walls and ceilings. It dries quickly, resists fading, and has minimal odor during application. Clean‑up is easy, so moving furniture or restarting your day is no fuss.
Oil‑based paint is rarely used on walls now, usually only when matching existing trim or historic restoration, where that glossy, smooth look is essential.
Trim, Doors, and Molding
These areas get lots of traffic and contact. Oil‑based paint used to be the go‑to for a durable, glossy finish. Today, many high‑end latex paints can mimic that shine and toughness, but oil still holds up slightly better to scrapes and dents.
If you’re painting baseboards or doors and want that ultra‑hard finish, oil‑based might still deliver the most long‑lasting result. But if you’d rather avoid harsh cleaners and fumes, premium latex enamel is often a great alternative.
Cabinets and Furniture
Traditionally, oil‑based enamel provided a tough, smooth finish on cabinets. But modern water‑based enamel paints now rival that same look with better environmental safety and clean up. Cabinets painted with water‑based enamel resist yellowing and can last for years with the right prep.
For Lake Murray homeowners looking to update kitchen or bathroom cabinets without waiting days to complete the job, water‑based is a smart pick.
Exterior Surfaces
Exterior surfaces like siding, trim, and railings can be painted with either type:
Today, latex exterior paint is the industry standard for residential siding, brick, stucco, and wood. It stands up to weather, fades less, and cleans up easily.
Performance Factors: Color Retention, Cracks, and Maintenance
Color Retention and Fade Resistance
Water‑based paints use acrylic resins that hold pigments tightly over time, reducing fade. They maintain vibrant color for years even in sunny Lake Murray locations. Oil‑based paints may yellow or darken over time, especially in low-UV exposure areas—but newer formulations are better.
Cracking, Peeling, and Blistering
Oil‑based paints form a rigid film that can crack or blister when wood expands or contracts. Water‑based coatings flex with the surface and resist peeling longer.
Touch‑Ups and Recoating
It’s easier to match and recoat a water‑based paint job later. The sheen and color hold up well across batches. Oil‑based paint touch‑ups may show age differential and mismatch unless the exact product is still available.
VOC Levels and Health Impacts
Water‑based paints generally have low VOCs, many under 50 grams per liter. Oil‑based varieties often exceed 250 g/L. That means longer lingering fumes indoors, requiring more ventilation and stronger protective gear. Study after study shows that higher VOC exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation.
Fire Risk and Combustibility
Oil‑based paints require solvents for cleanup, and those solvents can be flammable. Improper storage or ventilation increases fire risk. Water‑based paints are non‑flammable until dry, making cleanup and disposal safer.
Disposal and Environmental Protection
Latex paint is easier to dispose of, once dried, it’s often accepted in regular waste. Oil‑based products and solvents are hazardous waste and must go to special collection facilities, which is more time‑consuming and costly.
Cost Comparison: Price, Labor, and Time
Material Cost
Water‑based paint costs less upfront, roughly 20 to 30 percent cheaper per gallon compared to oil‑based. But premium latex enamel may cost more than basic oil paint. Expect to spend more only when going for the highest-end sheen and performance.
Labor Efficiency
Because water‑based paint dries faster and cleans up with water, labor times are shorter. That means your painters can finish the job in less time. With oil‑based, longer dry times, more prep, and careful ventilation slow the process is slowed down.
Long‑Term Cost: Maintenance and Repainting
Since latex stands up better to UV, prevents peeling, and resists yellowing, it often needs fewer repaints. That makes it cheaper over time. Oil‑based paint may last long on trim or doors, but only in lower-trafficked areas.
Match Paint Type to Surface
Consider Your Priorities
Ask yourself:
At That 1 Painter Lake Murray we consult with homeowners on these exact factors to recommend the best option.
Priming: The Foundation of a Long‑Lasting Finish
Water‑based paint often requires a latex primer. But for stained wood or bare surfaces, oil‑based or stain‑blocking primer might be needed. Trim and doors, especially when switching from oil to latex, benefit from a shellac-based primer to ensure adhesion. Proper priming ensures the paint sticks and stays fresh longer.
Sanding and Surface Smoothness
Oil‑based paint tends to smooth out brush marks more naturally, but it still requires fine sanding on glossy surfaces. Latex paint tends to show imperfections more, so prep matters. That means cleaning, sanding, and filling small gaps for that polished paint job.
Temperature and Humidity Tips
Water‑based paint likes moderate temperature, between 50°F and 85°F, works best. Oil‑based paint can still apply in cooler weather but cures more slowly. At Lake Murray, spring and fall weather is ideal for water‑based exterior jobs to avoid too-hot sun and high humidity.
Myth: Oil‑Based Paint Lasts Longer Than Latex
Old-school expectation says oil paint is stronger. But modern high-quality latex enamel lasts just as long in real-world environments (especially on walls). Its flexibility means less cracking over time—often outlasting oil every time.
Myth: You Must Use Oil-Based on Trim
With newer acrylic enamel paints, you can get a glossy trim finish with latex—without harsh fumes or long dry times. The key is using premium brands and professional application to avoid brush strokes and imperfections.
Myth: Oil-Based Is Always Better for Cabinets
Not anymore. The latest water‑based enamels resist yellowing and deliver a smooth finish. They also dry quickly and allow same-day recoats. Unless you’re in extreme conditions, latex enamel is usually the smarter choice.
At That 1 Painter Lake Murray we’ve worked with hundreds of homes around the lake—interiors, exteriors, trim, doors, cabinets—and here’s what we’ve found:
There are still cases where oil‑based is the right pick—like when blending with existing oil finishes or seeking ultra‑rigid gloss on high‑use doors. But even then, we explore latex alternatives first.
Here’s a rough comparison based on a standard 2,000‑sq‑ft home for interior repaint:
| Paint Application | Water‑Based Paint Cost | Labor Time | Typical Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walls & ceilings | ~$25–35 per gallon | 1 coat can dry in <1 hr | 10–15 years without fading |
| Trim and doors | ~$40–50 per gallon (latex enamel) | Dry in 2–4 hrs per coat | 7–10 years, minimal yellowing |
| Oil‑based trim/doors | ~$30–40 per gallon | Dry time 6–24 hrs per coat | 8–12 years, may yellow |
| Exterior siding | ~$30 per gallon | Dries within hours | 10–15 years, resists weather reliably |
These costs depend on brand quality, actual job size, and surface preparation. At That 1 Painter Lake Murray we provide detailed estimates so there are no surprises.
Q: “What about smell — will I smell paint for days?”
With water‑based paint, odor usually fades within hours after you finish. Oil‑based paint can linger for days or even weeks without proper ventilation. That’s why many prefer latex for bedrooms or kitchens.
Q: “What if I want that classic high‑gloss woodwork look?”
Premium latex enamel gives a deep gloss similar to oil. Our professional prep ensures that brush strokes are minimized and flooring reflects the polish. It looks great and lasts.
Q: “Can I paint over old oil‑based paint with latex?”
Yes, but surface prep is critical: sanding, cleaning, and using a shellac‑based primer first. That helps adhesion and prevents peeling. Skipping primer could cause failure later.
Q: “Can my contractor help me choose?”
Absolutely! At That 1 Painter Lake Murray we support homeowners in selecting the right paint based on condition, sheen preference, and schedule constraints. We take pride in educating clients so they feel confident steering the process.
As you pick your paint, remember: it’s more than color—it’s performance, indoor air quality, cleanup, and longevity.
That 1 Painter Lake Murray brings professional know‑how to every job. We understand Lake Murray homes—how humidity affects finish, how sun impacts color, and how homeowners want fast results without cutting corners. Check out this video to learn more about Water-Based vs Oil-Based Paint! We combine the right paint type, careful surface prep, and expert application so your home looks great and stays that way. Contact us today to get started on your project!