There are two kinds of house paints used for painting the interior and exterior surfaces of your house. They are distinctively different in several ways and both have their advantages and disadvantages. They are either oil paint and latex or acrylic paint. Before painting the house you should be aware of the differences of these house paints.

Oil based house paints are thick paints mixed from resins and oils while latex or acrylic house paints are thinner and are water-based paints. Choosing your house paint is a matter of choice and how much work you want to put into your painting project. Latex paints are popular because they are not as toxic as oil paints and therefore do not smell as bad. They are quicker to dry and are easier to clean up using water.

Oil based paints have the advantage of lasting longer, especially in high traffic areas. Interior and exterior trim are ideal surfaces to paint with oil based paints. The thick paint will protect the surface and it will be easy to clean if the surface gets stained. Oil based paints also work well for exterior house painting because they hold up well against the elements.

Oil paints can also be troublesome because they are considered hazardous waste. You cannot just through a can of oil paint in the trash. You need to take it to an appropriate waste facility.

Painting the house with oil paints can be difficult because the paint is thicker and harder to stir and apply. You cannot shake oil paints like you can latex paints. It tends to bubble up when you put it on the surface. When painting with oil, you need to wash the paint brushes in paint thinner.

With latex paints the brushes can just be rinsed with water. Oil paints are harder to remove from not only brushes, but also your skin. While latex paint may stain your clothes, they can easily be wiped off your arm, face, or wherever else they happen to splatter during your painting project. Most painters prefer to paint with latex or acrylics inside the house, because the smell is less toxic and the odor fades much faster than oil paints.

There are some interior and exterior surfaces of your house that are ideal for oil based paints, such as interior and exterior doors and trim. Always prime the surfaces carefully before painting with oil paints. A good quality primer is essential for making the paint last and avoid pealing. Before priming a surface for oil paint, wash the surface completely. You can apply primer paint with a brush, just like you would a regular paint, or it may be sprayed on.

Whatever type of paint you choose for your house painting project, oil base or latex, always select a good quality paint. Yes, a good quality paint may cost a little more but it will save you time and money in the long run because good quality paints cover better and usually do not require multiple coats, especially when applying over a previously painted surface.

Exterior House Painting Preparation

Latex Enamel Paint

Maintaining Exterior House Paint

Pressure Washing the House