Been debating between latex and oil-based paint for a home project and honestly, I'm kinda stuck. Latex seems easier to clean up and dries faster, but I've heard oil-based gives a smoother, tougher finish that's more durable over time. I'm painting some trim and doors, so durability matters, but I'm not exactly thrilled about the extra hassle (and smell!) of oil-based. Curious what you guys usually reach for and why?
I faced the exact same dilemma a few years back when repainting a bunch of doors and baseboards in an older home. Initially, I leaned toward latex for the convenience factor—no harsh fumes, easy cleanup, dries quick—but after talking with a few painters I trust, I bit the bullet and went oil-based.
Here's how it went down: prep work was definitely more involved (lots of ventilation needed, and cleanup was a pain), but honestly, the finish was noticeably smoother and tougher. Five years later, those doors and trims still look sharp; no chips or dings from everyday wear. If durability is your top priority and you're painting something that sees daily traffic (like doors or trim), oil-based is hard to beat.
That said, if you're super sensitive to smells or just can't deal with the cleanup hassle, latex has improved quite a bit lately. Just don't skimp on prep—prime carefully and use quality brushes or rollers designed specifically for trim work.
I get the appeal of oil-based for durability, but honestly, I've switched almost entirely to high-quality latex enamels for trim and doors lately. The newer formulations like Sherwin-Williams Emerald or Benjamin Moore Advance level out nicely and hold up surprisingly well. Prep is still key—sand lightly, prime properly, and use a brush meant for trim—but cleanup is way easier and no lingering fumes...just my two cents from recent projects.
