Latex vs. Oil-Based Paint: What Beginners Should Know

Walk into the paint aisle and you'll see two main types: latex (water-based) and oil-based. Here's the difference.

Latex paint

• Dries fast, often recoatable in a few hours
• Cleans up with soap and water
• Low odor
• Stays flexible and resists cracking
• Best for: almost all walls and ceilings

Oil-based paint

• Dries slowly, usually a day between coats
• Needs mineral spirits for cleanup
• Strong odor
• Leaves a very hard, smooth finish, but can yellow over time
• Best for: some trim, doors, and high-wear surfaces

For most beginners, latex is the easy choice, and we recommend Behr's water-based paints. Today's water-based enamels also give trim and cabinets a tough finish without the fumes.

Watch out: You can't put latex directly over oil paint, or it may peel.

Not sure what's on your walls? Rub a small spot with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol. If paint comes off, it's latex. If not, it's likely oil. To paint latex over oil, lightly sand and use a bonding primer first.

Bottom line: Stick with latex for most projects, and test before painting over old trim.

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