Navigating the do’s and don’ts of fixing up your place

I’ve wrestled with this a lot, especially since my place is pushing 120 years old. Tried a couple of low-VOC paints on the interior trim last spring - honestly, they went on fine but I’m not convinced they’ll hold up like the old oil-based stuff. Maybe it’s nostalgia talking, but I still lean toward the classics for exterior work, especially where moisture’s an issue. Has anyone else found a low-VOC that actually stands up to kid and pet traffic? I’m still searching...

Yeah, I hear you on the old oil-based stuff - it just seems to last forever, especially on exterior wood. I’ve tried a few “eco-friendly” paints inside and, honestly, they’re decent for walls but trim and doors? Not so much. My hallway baseboards took a beating from muddy boots and the paint chipped way faster than the old finish ever did. Maybe there’s a unicorn product out there, but I haven’t found it yet... For now, I’m sticking with oil for the high-traffic spots, even if it means airing out the house for days.

I get where you’re coming from - oil-based is tough to beat for durability, especially in older homes like mine. But I’ve actually had decent luck with some of the newer waterborne alkyd paints on my trim. Last year, I redid the kitchen doorframes (kids, muddy paws, you name it) and they’ve held up better than I expected. Not quite as bulletproof as oil, but way less hassle with fumes and cleanup. Maybe worth a shot if you’re ever feeling adventurous...

Yeah, those waterborne alkyds have come a long way. I used to be pretty skeptical, but I’ve seen them hold up decently on high-traffic trim. Not quite the same as old-school oil, but you don’t have to deal with the mess or that lingering smell for days. I still default to oil for stair treads or spots that really get hammered, but for most trim, the newer stuff’s honestly not bad. Just gotta prep well - nothing beats a solid sanding and tack cloth before you start.

Just gotta prep well - nothing beats a solid sanding and tack cloth before you start.

- 100% agree on the prep. Skipping that step is just asking for trouble later.
- I’ve used waterborne alkyds on door frames and baseboards in my last place. Didn’t notice much difference in durability compared to oil, but the cleanup was way easier.
- Only thing I’d add: watch your dry times. Some of those newer paints set up fast, so you don’t get as much time to fix brush marks.
- For stair treads, I’m with you - oil’s still king. Tried waterborne once and it scuffed up quicker than I liked.
- If you’re painting over old oil, a bonding primer is a must. Learned that the hard way when my first coat peeled right off...
- Pro tip: keep a damp rag handy for drips. The waterborne stuff wipes up easy if you catch it quick.

Honestly, the new formulas are good enough for most jobs, unless you’re dealing with serious wear and tear. Just gotta pick your battles.