Many factors determine the type of paint that you should use on any given paint job, including the nature of the surface you want to paint and its condition, the age of the surface, and the type of paint previously used on the surface, if any.Virtually all the paints that you might use around the home fall into two general categories:  water-based latex paints; and solvent-based paints, which are commonly referred to as oil-based paints or "alkyds."These names refer to one of the major differences between the two types of coatings - most of the liquid portion of latex paints is water, while the liquid in oil-based paints consists of petroleum distillates and other organic solvents.About 75% of all the paint that is sold today is of the latex variety.  Do-it-yourselfers use an even higher percentage of this type of paint for both exterior and interior projects. But you should take nothing for granted when painting your home. You must consider the nature of your particular job to decide which type of paint is best for your application.

Water-based latex paints have always been popular with do-it-yourselfers and professional painters because of their easy cleanup with plain soap and water.  pared to oil-based paints, top quality exterior latex paints have greater durability in the form of better color retention and chalk resistance, so they continue to look good for years.  Since they do not tend to get brittle as oil-based paints do, they have better resistance to cracking.  Latex paints also dry much faster than oil-based paints (typically in one to six hours), which allows you to quickly apply a second coat.Quality latex paints that have "100% acrylic" binders are especially durable and highly flexible.  They tend to adhere extremely well to a variety of exterior surfaces, which means they have greater resistance to troublesome paint failures like blistering, flaking and peeling, compared with other latex paints. California Paints offers a complete line of 100% acrylic latex paint. Field tests at the Dow Chemical Paint Quality Institute, where paint performance has been tested for more than 40 years, show that top quality 100% acrylic latex paints are an excellent choice when painting any of the following exterior surfaces: You can also use quality latex paints on interior trim. 

They have better resistance to chipping than do oil-based paints, which continue to harden over time and eventually become brittle. Top quality oil-based paints have excellent adhesion characteristics, which means they get a tight grip on the surface being painted.  And good adhesion is essential for a durable paint job.  However, oil-based coatings do tend to oxidize and get brittle over time, which can lead to cracking problems in exterior applications, and yellowing and chipping problems in interior applications.christmas tree ideas for guysThat said, oil-based coatings are still your best choice in two circumstances:There are also circumstances in which you should never apply oil-based or alkyd paints.  trends home decor 2014For example, they should not be applied directly to fresh masonry, nor to galvanized iron.  exterior house painting methods

In either case, the result will probably be a very quick failure of the paint.If you decide to use oil-based coatings, be aware that they are more difficult to apply and clean up after than latex paints.  They also take longer to dry - sometimes, 24 hours or more - so you cannot apply a second coat as quickly as you can with latex paint.Oil-based paints can be used for certain applications within the home - for example, on interior trim.  But keep in mind that these paints have noticeably more odor than latex paints.  That, combined with the slow dry time, may put your rooms out of service for a short while.  If you use oil-based paints, you will also have to use paint thinner to clean up drips and equipment, which means that you must use extra care in handling and disposing of rags.Selecting the ideal sheen or gloss level for an interior or exterior paint job involves both aesthetic and practical considerations.  From an aesthetic standpoint, a degree of sheen or gloss is useful in creating visual interest, particularly indoors. 

From a practical standpoint, the right sheen or gloss can help extend the life of the paint job, whether it be an interior or exterior application.California Paints products are available in a variety of sheens, so you will be sure to find one suitable for your painting project. Consult the sheen guide below for helpful descriptions on all California Paints sheen levels. Flat, Matte, Velvet Flat Non-reflective, so it conceals imperfections better than higher sheen paints Stain removal many be more difficult that other sheens due to its more porous natureGood choice for living rooms and bedroomsSheen is lower that a semi-glossPopular sheen, durable and elegantGood for walls or trim in high-use areas such as hallwaysSheen is higher than flat, slightly lower than a satinPopular with designers as it is still relatively flat but will offer washabilityGood for walls or trim in high-use areas such as hallwaysOffers good stain resistance and is easy to cleanWashable and scrubbablePopular choice for bathrooms, kitchens, woodwork and trimToughest, most durable types of paint Tends to highlight any surface characteristics Excellent choice for trim and cabinets Ideal for areas exposed to heavy traffic1.

The flatter the paint, the better it will hide surface imperfections2. Flatter paint makes touch-ups easier and more seamless3. The glossier the finish, the greater the durability4. Generally, the higher the gloss, the more washable and scrubbable the surface5. Gloss surfaces offer more mildew resistance because they are less porous Pro Tips: What Type of Paint Is Best for Exteriors? For an exterior paint job that really lasts, you need to start with the right paint. We've consulted with the pros to find out what's new and how to ensure the best results. A fresh coat of exterior paint does wonders for the look of a home, revolutionizing its curb appeal while adding a valuable layer of protection against the elements. In recent years, paint technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, leaving today’s homeowners spoiled for choice when it comes to products that are not only durable, but also resistant to mold, mildew, and dirt—the trio of threats that most commonly undermine the longevity of an exterior paint job.

Related: Exterior Paint 101 If you are trying to decide whether to choose oil or latex paint—latex being the generic term for all non-oil-based paints—the question may no longer be a relevant one: The latest and greatest paint formulations are more often than not water based. “In the past, oil-based paints were the standard for exterior projects,” explains Karl Schmitt, of Sherwin-Williams. Times have changed, however. Superior performance characteristics are now to be found among water-based products. Schmitt continues, “Some professional painters believe oil-based paints deliver a better finish.” But unless the surface to be painted is distressed (for example, weathered wood or rusty metal), Schmitt maintains that “a water-based paint is the best option for the average do-it-yourself homeowner.” Whereas “oil-based paints tend to yellow and become brittle over time,” high-quality water-based paints, such as Sherwin-Williams Emerald, retain a smooth and uniform appearance for years.

“There are some real benefits to using water-based paint,” Schmitt says. These include “improved adhesion performance, mold and mildew resistance, and low VOC emissions.” Another important benefit of water-based paints: They more or less extend the exterior painting season. It used to be that “you couldn’t paint if the temperature was below 50 degrees.” Those days are gone. Improved formulations permit successful painting to be done even on days as cold as 35 degrees. Noor Aweidah of Valspar cites further advantages of water-based paint: “shorter dry time, better coverage, and easier cleanup.” Duramax, the top-of-the-line exterior paint manufactured by Valspar, even features paint and primer in one application. What it all adds up to, she says, is a “just-painted look” that lasts for an impressively long period of time. Before undertaking an exterior painting project, Aweidah recommends that you take several factors into account. “Weather is the first thing to consider.”