Room set of kitchen featuring Petrol paint.

Home Décor, Paint

Water Based Paint: Why It’s the Modern Choice for Your Home

17/06/2026
Words by
Poppy Ashworth
Poppy Ashworth · Interiors Expert

Every paint we make at Graham & Brown is water-based, and that’s no accident. Each one is thoughtfully developed to deliver beautiful colour, lasting durability and a more comfortable decorating experience from start to finish. Lower-odour finishes, quicker drying times, a hard-wearing result that stands up to everyday life: water-based paint is a practical, forward-looking way to decorate, with no compromise on performance. Here’s why we believe in it.

What is Water Based Paint?

The difference between water-based and oil-based paint comes down to one thing: the liquid that carries the pigments and ingredients through the paint. In a water-based paint, water does that job. Once you’ve applied it, the water simply evaporates, leaving a durable film of colour behind on the surface.

It’s a deceptively clever bit of chemistry, and one we’ve spent years refining. Our commitment to craftsmanship means every paint in the collection is developed to bring beautiful colour and modern performance together in the same tin.

Room set of a bathroom cabinet and mirrors featuring whispering rose paint
Room set image of an understairs drinks nook featuring chesterfield paint

Why Water Based Paint is Better for Your Home

The first thing most people notice is the smell ~ or rather, the lack of it. Water-based paints carry far less odour than traditional oil-based formulas. Our formulas are low-VOC and low-odour, meaning a more comfortable decorating experience for you and everyone you share your home with. They dry more quickly, too, which has a lovely knock-on effect: the whole project feels smoother, easier and altogether less disruptive.

Easier Cleaning and Maintenance

Tidying up afterwards should be the easy part. With water-based paint, brushes and rollers rinse clean under warm, soapy water – no harsh solvents or white spirit required. And once your walls are done, keeping them looking their best is just as simple. Our Resistance Ultra Durable Matt Emulsion is made for the realities of everyday living, offering genuinely impressive washability while holding on to its beautifully refined finish.

Bathroom room set with cabinet and mirrors featuring hot mocha paint
Roomset image of door and boot and coat corner featuring divine damson paint

Does Water Based Paint Last as Long?

Here’s a misconception worth clearing up: oil-based paints are the more durable choice. In truth, durability comes down to the quality and formulation of the paint, not the carrier it’s built around. Today’s water-based paints are developed with advanced technology that keeps the painted surface flexible over time ~ helping it move naturally with the gentle shifts of temperature, moisture and sunlight a home goes through, rather than cracking against them.

A More Considered Approach to Decorating

Choosing water-based paint is, in many ways, a more thoughtful way to decorate. A choice in favour of spaces that feel comfortable, inspiring and ready for modern living. Whether you’re leaning into calming neutrals, rich heritage tones or something altogether more expressive, our water-based premium paint collection is designed to help you create a loving home.

Outdoor image of garden gate featuring Aloha exterior paint

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Turn any house into a home with Graham & Brown's premium quality interior wall paint. Designed to go on smoothly and dry in around two hours to a flawless finish.

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Interior Wood Paint

Interior wood

Subtle details can turn a plain interior into something special. That's why our interior wood paint is the perfect partner for your Graham & Brown wallpaper, murals and paint.

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Exterior Wood Paint

Exterior wood

Protect and brighten your fences, doors and window frames with exterior wood paint from Graham & Brown. This selection of beautiful colours is for use on all types of exterior wood.

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Metal Paint

Metal

It's the little touches that complete a look, and with Graham & Brown's designer interior metal paint, you can finish metal furniture and frames to perfection.