Latex Paint Durability

Overview

• Paint can generally be divided into two types, alkyd and latex. Alkyd paint is oil-based, while latex paint is water-based. Latex paint has enjoyed a surge in popularity due to its ease of use, durability and coverage. Latex paint made up just 30 to 35 percent of the architectural coating market in the 1970s. Today, it makes up more than 80 percent of paint sales. Many people enjoy the easy cleanup and low odor that latex paint provides. Latex paint is also easier to apply than its oil-based counterpart. While oil-based paint is sticky and actively needs to be worked into a surface, latex flows easily from the roller and provides good coverage with less effort. Latex paint also dries in as little as one hour, so there's less time spent waiting between coats.

Characteristics Affecting Durabilty

• The type of binder used in latex paint influences its durability. The most durable paints are 100 percent acrylic, while vinyl acrylics come in second. Polyvinyl acetates rank third. Unlike oil-based paint, latex paint is a breathable coating. Because it allows moisture to escape, it can be painted over a slightly damp surface. Oil-based paint often peels and cracks in damp or humid areas when the moisture tries to escape. These problems aren't an issue with water-based paint. Latex paint also offers superior color intensity without the chalkiness that sometimes develops in its alkyd counterpart.

Types of Finishes

• The level of gloss also influences a paint's durability. A flat finish hides slight imperfections, but it's the least durable sheen. Flat paint is generally reserved for areas that don't get a lot of wear and tear, such as ceilings. A satin or eggshell finish has a soft, pearl-like luster and holds up better. Satin and eggshell paints are ideal choices for active families. Semigloss paints are stain-resistant and especially durable. Use semigloss paint in kitchens and bathrooms, where the walls may need to be wiped down more often. A glossy finish is smooth and shiny. Paint with a glossy finish makes imperfections more apparent, but the toughness and ease of cleaning makes it a good choice in certain areas. Use glossy paint on trim and cabinets.

Considerations

• Prep work is essential to a satisfactory durable finish. Prior to painting, wipe down the walls, and repair any nail holes or wall imperfections. Apply a coat of primer if you're painting over a darker color. Use high-quality brushes and rollers, and splurge on the 100-percent acrylic paint if you can afford it. Older homes require special attention. Walter J. Gozden, technical director at the Paint Quality Institute, cautions against applying latex paint on top of multiple layers of oil-based paint. Flexible latex paint applied on top of brittle oil paint may cause peeling. If you have more than five layers of oil-based paint on the exterior of your house, you should stick with oil.