Latex Vs. Oil-Based Paint on Exterior Wood Doors

Latex Paint

• Paints are made up of pigment dissolved in thinner. Latex paints are water based, meaning water is used as the thinner. Today, real latex is no longer used, as it was replaced by synthetic latexes such as acrylic or polyvinyl acetate. Latex paints offer the advantages of good gloss and color retention, being breathable, drying quickly, not having a strong odor, and being nonflammable. Any spills can also be quickly and easily cleaned using just soap and water.

Oil Based Paint

• Oil based paints use organic solvents derived from petro-chemicals as a thinner. Despite the name, the pigment is not oil, but rather is made up of polyester resins called alkyds. Oil based paints are known for being able to penetrate deeper into the surface of the material, wearing better, offering better flow and levelling during the application, and drying to a smoother finish. Spills are harder to clean up, requiring the use of mineral spirits.

General Recommendation: Latex Paint

• For most situations, latex paint should be used on an exterior door. Wood is naturally porous, and will often contain a small amount of moisture. Because latex paint is more breathable, it does not bulge and crack as much from moisture build-up as oil based paints do. This factor, combined with the greater ease of use, and with the fact that latex paints are less harmful to human health and to the environment, makes latex paint the better choice.

Special Situations

• However, there are certain situations where oil based paint might work better. If the wood of the door is old and weathered, with the top layer turning soft, latex paint might have trouble adhering properly, resulting in peeling. Oil-based paints tend to penetrate more, resulting in better adhesion. Oil-based paint can also be used at lower temperatures than latex paint, which has a recommended minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit for application. So, depending on the time of year or where you live, oil based paint might be your only viable option.