Oil Based Paint

Oil based paint, or as it is now called solvent based paint has the paint pigment and binder dissolved in a petroleum based solvent. As the solvent dries, the color binds to the wall for a permanent application. With the availability of water based paints, the oil based are not used as much but most homes that were painted before 1970 were probably painted with oil paints.

Before painting with oil or solvent based paints, you need to put down a primer coat if you are painting on bare wood or metal. Although this seems like an extra step, the actual paint coat provided by oil paint is rather thick which may result in less actual coats than a latex paint would need. This type of paint can be applied in a high gloss finish or satin finish. Solvent based paints can be applied with a brush, roller or paint pad. Non drip versions of this paint are easier to apply and generally have better coverage.

Some of the characteristics of oil or solvent based paints include:

Durability - Color can fade with years of exposure to the sun, but this paint is more durable than water based paints especially if applying over chalky surfaces. If you are painting over an area that was originally painted with an oil base, then you should use a solvent based paint as opposed to latex.

Ease of Use - Goes on with a thicker coat than latex but is a bit harder to apply as it can show brush lines more. Use new non drip versions to lessen those lines. Has a strong odor. Can take a long time to dry – sometimes over a day, which can prolong the time it takes to paint a room if you need several coats.

Cleanup - Must use turpentine or other solvents to clean up. Generally cleanup is messy and smelly.