Water based paints are a type of paint that are specially manufactured so that they can be thinned with water itself instead of turpentine. These paints can be easily cleaned with water. Water based paints are used in a similar way as oil paints are used but it is comparatively much easier to remove water based paints from brushes and palettes while its still wet.

Water based paints have an advantage that they do not generate any cleanup solvents which decreases the HW generation. There is no need to use any harmful solvents while using these paints which lessens the emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (Voc).

Water based paints are gaining immense popularity with the public's efforts to avoid using paints that involve harmful solvents and dangerous chemicals in its application and cleanup. Whereas, water based paints grip well to almost any surface and are weather-resistant. Also, it doesn’t dry, crack or fade in the sunlight. Also, water based paints are less likely to attract the growth of mildew on it. It can be used on almost all types of surfaces without any pre-treatment. These paints have a less potent odor and take less time to dry. They don’t become brittle over time and require less ventilation that other oil based paints. Water based paints are also known to have more elasticity than oil based paints.

Water based paints use water as the medium which carries the colour pigment to the surface that is being painted. By the time the paint dries, the solvent evaporates completely. These paints have very little risks for humans and animals around because the only thing that evaporates and enters the air is hydrogen and oxygen. However in the case of solvent-based paints, solvents like epoxy, release harmful organic chemicals in the air while drying which is harmful to humans and animals, especially children.

Also, water based emulsion paints and water based latex paints are very flexible. These paints dry quickly in not more than six hours. These paints are less likely to mildew because its base is water. The oils that are used in the oil-based paints feed mildew and encourage its development.

The biggest advantage that water based paints have over any other type of paint is its price. It is cheaper than almost all other types of paints. These paints are eco-friendly in nature. Also, if water based paints dry before they can be used, they can be simply diluted by adding water and a simple additive which will help to reuse it. Also, the colour retention of these paints is better than that of oil-based paints. Oil based paints fade and chalks with time, whereas water based paints retain a better colour throughout.