Oil-Based Media

Advantages:

• Long drying time, allowing more time for achieving effects and permitting stoppage of work mid-project
• Strong durable coverage, even for exterior surfaces
• Available in a wide variety of colors, sheens and textures
• Similarity of color between wet and dry states makes color mixing easier

Disadvantages:

• Long drying time means long waits between steps, and wet surfaces can attract dust that will ruin the finished product
• Susceptible to yellowing
• Requires the use of flammable products that emit dangerous fumes
• Cleanup can be time-consuming

Water-Based Media

Advantages:

• Fast drying requiring shorter waits between steps, encouraging spontaneous paint effects, and preventing dust from settling on the surface
• Permanent types are durable and color-stable
• Available in a wide variety of colors, packaging, fluidity and textures
• Virtually no yellowing effect; can be used in dark areas and over white basecoats
• Glazes are very transparent and fresh looking even after many years
• Most related products are environmentally safe
• Cleanup with water is relatively fast and easy

Disadvantages:

• Open time is short, allowing less time for complicated effects; brush marks may show; working on large surfaces can be tricky
• Reversible types are fragile and must be sealed with non-water-based finishes
• When dry, water-based paint looks darker than when wet, so all color mixtures must be tested first
• An acrylic varnish may cause an oil- based glaze to turn yellow
• In very cold weather, polymer paint may produce a weak film
• Incompatible with certain types of surfaces
• Irreversible types require the use of synthetic brushes because the polymers damage natural hairs; brushes must be rinsed often to prevent drying out