What is the difference between latex paint and regular paint?

Author: Devyn Windler  |  Last update: Thursday, April 24, 2025

Acrylic paint contains synthetic resin for enhanced adhesive qualities and elasticity, making it ideal for high-wear and outdoor surfaces. Latex paint, often based on polyvinyl acetate (PVA), is typically less durable but more environmentally friendly and suited for interiors.

Why would you use latex paint?

Latex paint is easy to clean up with soap and water, dries quickly, and emits fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to oil-based paints. It's widely used for both interior and exterior painting due to its durability, color retention, and resistance to mildew.

What are the downsides of latex paint?

Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks when using latex paint. Latex paints are generally less durable than their oil-based counterparts. They tend to fade faster than oil-based paints. As a result, oil-painted surfaces will likely need to be repainted more often over time.

What is latex paint best used for?

Latex paints have been around since the 1940s, and they've become a popular choice for interior painting projects. It's made of synthetic polymers emulsified in water, and it can be used to paint over almost any interior or exterior surface.

Does latex paint yellow over time?

Latex Paint

Latex paints also tend to resist yellowing with age in areas protected from sunlight. They emit fewer odors, clean up with water and are not flammable. Latex paint takes a shorter amount of time to dry than oil paint.

Chalk Paint vs. Regular Latex Paint for Furniture | Battle of the Paints!

Does adding water to latex paint change the color?

When you water down exterior paint, it changes the color by making it lighter. This means that the end result often differs from the sample patches or the digital renderings, if the contractor provided them at all. Watered-down paint also causes inconsistencies, especially when the water and paint are poorly mixed.

What paint does not turn yellow?

Acrylic paints do not tend to yellow as much as solvent-based paints, and are the only sure way to protect against premature yellowing.

What is the best exterior paint?

Oil-based paints are traditionally the best exterior paints since they easily repel water. However, all-acrylic paints are also a good choice for their weather-resistance qualities. These products ensure that your exterior paint job remains vibrant and intact for years to come.

What does latex paint not stick to?

Latex paint won't stick to oil-based paint and will eventually peel off, as shown in the picture above.

Can you paint directly over latex paint?

Yes, waterborne alkyds are designed for superior adhesion and can often be applied directly over latex paints without a primer, though surface preparation remains crucial.

Who should avoid latex?

People with spina bifida should always avoid latex products. People who undergo multiple surgeries or medical procedures. Repeated exposure to latex gloves and medical products increases your risk of developing latex allergy. Healthcare workers.

What are the disadvantages of latex?

Cons (with some equivocation)

LaTeX comes with a steeper learning curve than a word processor to get anything out of it, and tweaking the results to your liking can consume quite a bit of additional time. If you don't get a lot of pleasure from the results it produces, LaTeX is probably not for you.

Where do you use latex paint?

Best Uses for Latex Paint
  • Aluminum siding.
  • Ceilings.
  • Concrete.
  • Drywall and plaster.
  • Interior projects.
  • Painting large areas.
  • Stucco.
  • Wood.

Is Sherwin Williams latex paint?

Latex – Get the longest-lasting finish with the best gloss retention. Sherwin-Williams latex paints are easy to work with, dry quickly and are extremely durable. Latex paints clean up easily with soap and water.

What paint has the hardest finish?

So we've established that gloss or semi-gloss is the most durable option overall, but most of us don't want to live with high-shine walls.

Is Behr paint acrylic or latex?

BEHR PREMIUM PLUS Exterior is a 100% Acrylic, low VOC formula designed for a long-lasting finish that resists moisture, fading & stains and provides a mildew and corrosion resistant finish. It delivers exceptional hide and excellent touch-up while also providing comprehensive all-climate protection.

Why not to use latex paint?

Compounds used in the formulation of some latex paint can cause it to be toxic to many aquatic organisms. Since most storm drains drain to streams, rivers, bays and the ocean, dumping excess latex paint into storm drains or rinsing painting equipment into the gutter or storm drain is prohibited.

Why is my paint still tacky after 24 hours?

When paint remains tacky to the touch and refuses to dry, the issue often lies with quality of the paint. But the problem may also be linked to your painting environment (in terms of humidity and temperature) ​or application issues like failing to prepare the surface properly or not letting the paint dry between coats.

Why is my white paint not covering?

Check for any cracks, holes, or rough patches that might affect the paint's ability to adhere and cover evenly. Make sure the surface is clean and free of dust, grease, or old paint residue.

What paint lasts the longest outside?

High-quality 100% acrylic latex paints, renowned for their fade-resistant properties, stand out as the best option for enduring vibrancy and protection against the elements.

What exterior paint do professional painters use?

Professional painters frequently utilize premium paints, such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, for their work. Sherwin-Williams is widely regarded as one of the top paint brands, providing a broad range of premium quality paints, including environmentally friendly options.

Which paint stays white longest?

Water-Based Paints

They are non-yellowing, so whites stay looking good for longer.

What color kills yellow in paint?

Black: Darkens but kills “brightness” of Yellow/Orange tone. Compensating: If color is:Too Orange: Add small amount of Blue. Add small amount of White to compensate darkening effect.

What is the best white paint that doesn't go yellow?

Johnstone's Trade Professional Gloss Brilliant White

Despite being oil based, which can result in yellowing, this professional gloss paint has an anti-yellowing formula which makes it our top contender!

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