What Are the Benefits of Oil vs. Latex Paint?

Qualities of Oil

• Compared to latex paints, oil-based paints provide superior adherence on surfaces with a chalky texture. Oil paints allow thicker coats than latex, providing more thorough coverage using fewer coats of paint. These paints are compatible with most painting surfaces but will require pretreatment for surfaces made of materials such as galvanized metal. Oil-based paints also have the advantage of providing a harder finish than latex-based paints and can more effectively cover imperfections and flaws in the painting surface. Oil-based paints also provide superior adherence and coverage on surfaces with existing paint.

Qualities of Latex

• Latex paints are more elastic than their oil-based counterparts, making them more resistant to cracking. This property of latex paints also makes them more suitable for the surfaces of moving parts, since the paint can flex with the object. Latex paints also offer superior resistance to chalking and fading and hold up better under strong exposure to the sun. Latex paints are water-based and are compatible with a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, concrete and most other surfaces. Latex paint cleans up with water, is less toxic than oil-based paints and is nonflammable. This type of paint also dries more quickly than oil-based paints, requiring between one and six hours to dry.

Drawbacks of Oil

• Oil-based paints contain a number of toxic chemicals that produce a strong odor while you are painting. This type of paint is suspended in solvents that are flammable and require special disposal procedures. Oil-based paints fade more quickly than latex paints and are more difficult to touch up. Although oil paints are easier to wash, their sheen can change under repeated washings.

Drawbacks of Latex

• Latex paints require a smooth working surface that may need sanding before painting. Latex paints often have difficulty adhering to smooth, glossy surfaces and are prone to chipping if the paint becomes dried out and brittle. Latex paints require a warm storage area, because they will not cover properly after the paint has frozen.