What’s the difference between oil-based paint and water-based paint?
As the names state, the paints are either based on oil or water. Water-based paints (or acrylics) are cleaned up with water. These paints may have an odor, but it is not toxic or that strong. These paints also have many applications and last a long time. Oil-based paints can only be cleaned with mineral spirits (paint thinner, lacquer thinner, acetone, etc.). They tend to dry slower, and emit stronger odors. These paints should only be used in very well-ventilated areas. These paints have specialized functions and are not often used anymore.
