Should you use oil or latex paints?

Latex paint is a great choice for most instances, but there are still situations where a solvent-based paint may be preferable. To help decide which is best in your case, consider the following:

What are the advantages of latex paints?

• They have a less objectionable odor, which makes them good for repaints and painting in occupied areas, where solvent odor is an issue.
• They clean up with soap and water; there's no need to work with hazardous and/or flammable solvents, and no used solvent to dispose of afterwards.
• Latex paints dry faster, and can be recoated sooner; this makes them a good choice for painting in occupied areas, where someone might touch or brush up against the freshly painted surface.
• Latex paint binders hold up better in sun-exposed areas, because they're more resistant to UV (ultraviolet) radiation; alkyd and oil binders will absorb more of this radiation and break down more quickly.
• Latex paint films are less prone to yellowing over time, especially with white, light off-white and pastel colors.
• Latex paint films are more breathable; they allow small amounts of water vapor to pass through the film, so the chance of blistering is reduced. This is especially important when the surface being painted is slightly damp.
• Latex paint films have better gloss and color retention, so they'll keep a 'like-new' appearance longer.
• Latex paint films are more elastic, so they can expand and contract with the substrate better; this means they'll be less likely to crack and peel over time.

What are the advantages of solvent-based paints?

• Solvent-based paints are less sensitive to application conditions, which means they can be applied over a wider temperature and humidity range (however, the surface must still be dry for good adhesion).
• Solvent-based paints can be applied in a thicker coat with less sagging, for better coverage.
• Solvent-based paints have better flow and leveling characteristics, so they'll dry to a smoother finish, with fewer brush or roller marks (this advantage is reduced somewhat for low V.O.C. alkyd paints).
• Solvent-based paints provide better surface penetration, especially on weathered wood; this means improved adhesion and better surface protection.
• Solvent-based paints have better adhesion on smooth surfaces.
• Solvent-based paints initially have a sharper, richer-looking gloss (however, they also tend to lose their gloss faster over time).
• Solvent-based paints initially provide a harder, more durable finish (however, they also tend to become more brittle over time).