Are you completely lost on what paint type would be best for your application? Knowing the difference between paint types can give you better results and even results that last longer. However, there are many different paint types available to users. This includes acrylic, latex, oil-based, etc. Each of these does something different and can work best in interior and exterior situations. In this article, we review oil, water, and latex-based paints and whether or not they're right for your purposes. You may be surprised to learn that some are definitely better than others, especially when it comes to getting professional results.

Oil-Based Primers and Paints

Oil-based primers and paints are great for a variety of purposes. Most individuals will use these for outside use. That is because oil-based paint stacks up against adverse weather conditions better. Oil-based paints also provide a brilliant sheen that you won't see with most other paint products.

Water-Based Primers and Paints

The most commonly used paint type in the home is water-based paint. Water-based paint is great for many services, including drywall. It also has a lower VOC emission which means you'll expect less odor when it dries. Conversely, oil-based paints have higher emissions which is what leads to that new paint smell.

Water-based paints aren't as durable as oil but still produce beautiful results. The application time for water-based paints is less than most oil bases, which makes them a popular option for express paint jobs.

Latex

Of all the paint types, latex dries more quickly and is easier to work with. It isn't as durable, however. Most people enjoy using latex paints for ceilings as they don't have to worry about dripping near as much. There are a ton of finishes to choose from when it comes to latex as well. You can choose anything from flat to semi-gloss to high gloss.

Conclusion

So, which interior paint or exterior paint is right for your purposes? In general, boil base paints are perfect for outdoor use, whereas you'll see more latex and water-based paints inside the home. Talk to your paint store professionals to gauge which products best fit your needs. Or, you can simply read the label on the paint can. This is usually the easiest way to determine best practices for the product. You'll find that certain manufacturers do better at creating interior versus exterior. You also may want to consider what the finish looks like. This is very important as it will directly correlate with your results.