Many people are choosing water-based paint instead of traditional oil-based paint for their woodwork. Here are some reasons why this switch is a good idea.
Why Choose Water-Based Paint?
Non-Yellowing Finish
Water-based paints keep their white and bright look much longer. Oil-based paints have linseed oil, which can turn yellow without enough sunlight, but water-based paints stay fresh for years. (FAQ – LinseedPaint, n.d.)
Quick Drying
You can apply another coat of water-based paint after just two to three hours. (How Long To Wait Before Applying A Second Coat Of Paint, n.d.) This lets you finish painting a whole room in one day, instead of waiting days between coats.
Low Odor
Water-based paints have very little smell, so you won’t have to deal with strong paint fumes in your home. This makes painting much more comfortable.
Eco-Friendly
These paints have fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so they are better for the environment. (Chemicals of Emerging Concern in Water-Based Paint Products, 2024)
Easy Cleanup
You can clean your brushes and tools with just water. There’s no need for white spirit or strong chemical cleaners.
The Trade-Off
Water-based paints do not last as long as oil-based ones. (The Pros and Cons of Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Paints, n.d.) If you have pets, young children, or areas that get a lot of use, oil-based paint may be a better option.
Testing Your Existing Paint
Before you begin, find out if your current paint is oil-based or water-based. Here’s what to do:
- Apply methylated spirits (available at any DIY store for a few dollars) to a cloth.
- Rub it over the painted surface.
- If paint comes off on the cloth, it’s water-based.
- If no paint transfers, it’s oil-based (Painting Over Oil-Based Paint, n.d.)
Choosing the Right Products
Primer/Sealer
Start with a good primer, such as Zinsser BullsEye 123, for your first coat. This water-based primer:
- Dries in 30 minutes (Painting over oil-based paint with water-based paint, n.d.)
- Can be recoated in one hour
- Works as both primer and undercoat
- Ensures excellent adhesion to oil-based paint (Can I Paint Over Oil-Based Paint with Water-Based Paint?, 2021)
Top Coat Options
For a Satin Finish:
- Quick-drying satin wood (look for “quick dry” on the label)
- Johnstone’s Aqua water-based satin (highly rated by professional decorators)
For a Gloss Finish:
- Craine Fast Flow quick-dGives a high-gloss finish, reaching about 60% or more of the shine you get from traditional oil-based gloss. (Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Gloss, n.d.)-Use this with a quick-dry primer undercoat that works with your chosen gloss.mer undercoat
Selecting the Right Brush
Do not use traditional pure bristle brushes with water-based paint. These natural bristles soak up water, which makes them swell and clog, leading to a poor finish. (Importance of Quality Brushes, n.d.)
Instead, choose brushes with synthetic filaments:
- Purdy brushes – Industry favorite, highly regarded by professionals. (Purdy Brushes and Rollers Voted Best by Professionals, 2024)
- Hamilton Prestige range – Traditional manufacturer with excellent quality
- Worcester Silver Tip sets – Cost-effective option that performs well.
Synthetic bristles are smooth and shiny, so they spread paint evenly and do not soak it up. (When Should I Choose a Synthetic Paint Brush?, n.d.)
Step-by-Step Application
1. Prepare the Surface
- Sand lightly with 240-grit sandpaper
- Work in the direction of the grain.
- Use gentle pressure. You only need to break the shiny surface.
- Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust.
2. Apply the Primer
- Pour BullsEye 123 into a paint kettle.
- Dip your brush about half an inch into the paint.
- Work the paint into the brush.
- Apply smoothly in the direction of the wood grain.
- Let dry (30 minutes to 1 hour)
3. Apply Additional Coats
- Apply a second coat of BullsEye 123
- Wait for it to dry completely.
- Apply one coat of your chosen finish (satin or gloss)
The Results
After two coats of primer and one coat of water-based finish, you will see the difference right away. The new paint will look bright white next to the old yellowed oil-based paint, and it will stay fresh for years.
