Let's face it. Most remodeling ideas involve paint. Whether it's your walls, wooden furniture or a thrashy window frame you picked up from the street in the hope of distressing it to perfection! You then watch tons of videos on youtube and read countess blogs none of which tell you what exact paint to use. Some let on the secret but the limited information on materials specific to the Indian market is, let's say, almost nil.

On top of it all, the paint brands aren't very clear on the use and application of their products. Unlike anywhere else in the world, Indian paint manufacturers don't make sample packs for you to try. It's either a 1lt or a 4lt pail. Not really fair on the pocket, is it? I learned it hard way, which includes stripping the whole thing off primer and repriming because I had used the wrong thinner, another time I bought 1lt paint for metal and that wouldn't stick to metal. Conclusion, a lot of time, effort and money was wasted because the paints had me confused 🙁.

So let's simplify this.

Oil Based or Water Based: What's the difference?

Broadly all paints fall under two types: Water-based also known as latex paint and Oil-based paint. Acrylic paint, chalk paint, Distemper, etc are some examples of water-based paints while enamel and automotive paint are examples of oil-based paints. When referring to whether the paint is oil or water-based, we are actually talking about the type of solvent used in the paint, which is the liquid component of the paint that evaporates as the paint dries.  Oil-based paints use an organic solvent in the makeup of the paint, which is typically mineral turpentine. As the name suggests, the solvent used in water-based paint (also known as acrylic paints) is almost all water.

You may use water-based paints without priming the surface, but it is recommended that you prime no matter what paint you choose.

Characteristics of Oil-based and Water-based paints

These two types of paints are further classified by finish, the appearance they offer. Broadly, there are 4 types of finishes: Flat or Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss and High Gloss.

At the same time, they are also classified by area of use: Interior paint or Exterior paint.

Thus, all paints are a combination of these three factors. Some examples would be:

Oil-based interior paint with a gloss finish or Water-based exterior paints with a matte finish.

ALL water-based paints come in Flat or Matte finish. It is not possible for water-based paints to be glossy, the sheen actually comes from Oil in the paint. Except in some cases where brands make specialty Paints, like Dulux has made a water-based paint with a glossy-ish finish for application on wood and metal.

Oil paints, on the other hand, come in all 4 finishes. So the choice here is more. Also because oil paints are made by adding pigments to oil, the color shade choice here is higher too.

Areas of application

But all this still doesn't tell you what paint to use on the Almari in your room or on the console in your living room or your dining room wall. This is how you decide;

Metal: If the surface to be painted is metal, don't think any further, go for oil-based paint. Because water-based paints don't stick to metal.

Walls: All wall paints are water-based. Products differ based on quality but from distemper to emulsion, everything is water-based.

Wood: I am going to elaborate on this one. Painting wood is a tricky one because here you get to make a choice.

Your choice depends on the following factors;

Durability: If the surface to be painted is often used or is likely to attract dirt, dust or stain, it is recommended to use oil-based paints. This is because they are durable and washable. So your bookshelf, an outdoor bench or your nightstand is better painted with an oil-based paint.

Asian paints make excellent oil-based paints for wood. Go for Woodtech PU Pallete - Interior/Exterior depending on location. If you are looking for a high-end finish go for Woodtech Insignia. The difference is in the quality and hardness of paint. For usual work on a budget, PU Pallete works just fine. Both these types are available in Matte and Gloss finish.

Another super cheap option is using Enamel paints on wood. Asian paints specify it on their 'metal paints' list, but they can be safely used on wood as well. Enamel paints are available in both glossy and satin finish

If durability is not a concern, you can go for water-based paints. Chalk paints are available in a variety of colors and are easy to apply with a brush.

The look: Depending on what look you are going for you will choose between both types of paints. When trying to achieve a distressed look, like that of peeling paint you should work with water-based paints. These paints dry faster, sand better and therefore are ideal for a layered distressed finish.

The same goes if you are interested in a matte chalky looking finish which is easy to apply. Water-based paints have another advantage that they do not emit fumes and the cleaning up after is easy.

If you want a velvety rich look, go for oil-based paints mentioned above.

I will now close this post with the hope that you have the answer to "What paint do I distress this window frame with?". But that's not enough. There's a whole process involved in the preparation of the surface for painting wood, but that's for another post.

Until then, if you are confused, use the comment section and let the community help you. 🙂

Related post: DIY cabinet makeover using oil-based paints