Acrylic paint is water-based — it uses water as its carrier and dries through evaporation. Oil based paint uses a solvent (usually mineral turpentine) as its carrier and dries through oxidation, a slower chemical process. The result is two very different products with different strengths, drying times, finishes and applications.
For most Perth homeowners, acrylic paint is the right choice for walls, ceilings and exteriors. Oil based paint still has a place — primarily on trims, doors and skirting boards where a hard, durable finish matters more than fast drying.
When to Use Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint has become the standard for most residential painting in Perth for good reason. It dries quickly — touch-dry in one to two hours and ready for a second coat within four hours. It has lower VOCs (volatile organic compounds), making it safer to use indoors and easier to live around during a paint job. Cleanup is straightforward with water, and it doesn’t yellow over time the way oil based paint can on white surfaces.
For interior painting, acrylic is ideal for walls and ceilings throughout the home. For exterior painting, premium acrylic formulations like Dulux Weathershield are specifically engineered for Perth’s UV exposure, summer heat and coastal conditions — they flex with temperature changes rather than cracking.
When to Use Oil Based Paint
Oil based paint produces a harder, more durable finish than acrylic. That makes it the preferred choice for surfaces that take daily wear — door frames, skirting boards, window sills, handrails and kitchen cabinets. The finish is typically smoother and more washable, which matters on surfaces that get touched and knocked constantly.
The trade-offs are significant: oil based paint takes 24 hours or more between coats, requires mineral turpentine for cleanup, and has higher VOC levels that make ventilation essential. It also tends to yellow over time, particularly on white or light-coloured surfaces in low-light areas.
Acrylic vs Oil Based Paint — Side by Side
| Acrylic | Oil Based | |
|---|---|---|
| Drying time | 1–4 hours | 12–24 hours |
| Cleanup | Water | Mineral turpentine |
| VOCs | Low | High |
| Yellowing | No | Yes (on whites) |
| Best for | Walls, ceilings, exteriors | Trims, doors, skirting |
| Durability | Good | Excellent on hard surfaces |
What Do Professional Painters Use?
Most professional painters in Perth use both — acrylic for walls, ceilings and exterior surfaces, and oil based enamel for trims, doors and skirting boards where a hard gloss finish is needed. The combination gives you the best of both: fast-drying, low-odour coverage on large surfaces and a durable, washable finish where it counts.
At Auzz Painting Service we use premium Dulux and Solver products across both categories, selected for Perth’s specific climate and surface types. Get a free quote and we’ll advise on the right product for your job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acrylic paint is better for most interior walls. It dries faster, has lower VOCs, is easier to clean up with water, and maintains its colour over time without yellowing. Oil based paint is still preferred for high-traffic trims and doors where a hard, durable finish is needed.
Yes, but the surface must be properly prepared first. Lightly sand the acrylic surface, clean it thoroughly, and apply a suitable primer before applying oil based paint. Applying oil based paint directly over acrylic without preparation can cause adhesion problems.
Yes. Premium acrylic exterior paints like Dulux Weathershield are specifically formulated for Perth’s UV exposure, heat and coastal conditions. They flex with temperature changes, resist fading and repel moisture — making them the preferred choice for most Perth exterior painting projects.
Acrylic paint is typically dry to touch within one to two hours and ready for a second coat within four hours in normal conditions. In Perth’s warmer months it can dry faster. Oil based paint takes significantly longer — usually 24 hours between coats.
Professional painters in Perth use both depending on the surface and application. Acrylic paint is used for most interior and exterior walls and ceilings. Oil based enamel is used for trims, doors, skirting boards and surfaces that need a hard, durable gloss finish.