Latex or oil-based paint (for interior)?

which is better for painting a living room?


does oil-based paint look nicer? i know it takes a really long time to dry...Latex or oil-based paint (for interior)?
There is practically no difference between the looks of each. You can get different finishes in either, that give a different surface ';look';.





For a livingroom, I would stick to latex paints. The oil based ones are really only necessary in areas where dirt may need to be scrubbed off vigorously, like kitchens and bathrooms and hallways.Latex or oil-based paint (for interior)?
latex. they look the same
It used to be that oil-based paint was the best you could buy. Over the years, latex paint's ingredients %26amp; coverage has improved so much, that many of the top brands are now actually better than oil! Plus, Latex paint can be easily cleaned up w/ water, while oil-based paint must be cleaned up with a solvent like paint thinner. Also, latex dries rather quickly, while oil tends to take much longer to set.





For a living room thats ';well-used'; with alot of traffic, I 'd suggest using a latex paint in a satin or eggshell finish. These finishes are pretty durable, %26amp; can be washed/wiped down with little ill effect. There are a few paint brands also, that offer a scrubable Flat finish, if you prefer a totally matte look. They will usually be marketed under such labels as ';Dirt Fighter'; or ';Kid's Room';. Check out whats available at your local hardware, %26amp; see what finish works best for you.
and it stinks! for interior, latex is really the better choice, aside from smell and drying time, it's more durable and cleans better than oil. because paint is mixed to your specifications, there is no color difference. latex looks as nice as oil
Latex. Easier to clean up. (soap and water)


Oil-base smells and has a stronger odor..


Most people thinks that goes on better. But it has to dry longer and you would have to leave all the windows open.


Latex is the best bet.


If you do not have any kids.or pets go with a Flat/Flat Enamel paint.
there are some very good latex paints out there. The clean up and drying time along with the excellent quality make it the best choice. Try signature paint from Lowe's or beur paint from home depot. semi gloss is the most durable Then satin, eggshell, finally to flat the least durable. For the ceiling they make a paint that goes on purple to help you get an even coat, but dries white. You can get that at Lowe's
I prefer not to use oil-based paint indoors just for the simple fact that it stinks and when the paint is dry it shows every imperfection on the area's that you have painted - latex paint is much better at covering flaws (eg-bumps or indents on your walls) it is also faster drying and does not smell as bad as oil-based paint.


I hope this helps.
latex on the walls and oil based for the trim
Water clean up when you use latex
A good professional painter will do it like this...1st you paint or repaint the woodwork if not stained and varnished... the woodwork includes doors, all the door trim and jams ...the crown moulding the base boards and any panel trim or moulding on the walls ...plus any cabinets especially in the bathrooms ..... the paint is always interior oil based trim paint usually a satin gloss or a semi gloss.... some folks like a high gloss ...the new hi quality paints are dry to touch in an hour and usually all dry in 24 to 36 hours depending on temp and humidity ...new paint on raw wood takes a primer and 2 coats min ....repaint same color one coat ...color change 2 coats ... paint out an inch or so onto the walls it is easier to cut in over a painted surface ...the oil base is used because it is very washable and wears very well on tyhe woodwork...








The walls are usually done in latex ... flat or semi gloss never a high gloss ...the semi gloss is good in a hall way where hands will rub etc ... the flat is not really washable but is good for style on room walls ... new wall paint always 2 coats ... same color 1 coat new color 2 coats regardless what the adds say ... the latex is usually dry enough to recoat in 1 to 2 hours





for oil base use pure bristle brushes or spray on if a new house or take doors to garage etc... clean up w/ mineral spirits...





for latex use nylon brushes a 2 to 3 inch cut at an angle brush and use for cutting arouind the trim and woodwork always use a high quality brush about $20.00 each they are so much better than the $1.00 cheapo ...clean up well with soap and water or mineral spirtits ...dry and lay flat ... when dry put back in the cardboard wrapper...on the open walls use a roller with the latex paint... read the instructions for the proper roller for smooth or textured walls ... in general a smooth wall uses a shorter nap 3/16 to 3/8 ... the textured will use 3/8 and longer ...





Always use heavy cloth drop cloths ... much better than the plastic ..


And use blue painters tape if you can not cut in cleanly by hand


......
Latex is the only way to go. It is better for the environment and therefore better for you. If you paint with oil then whenever you repaint you will need a really good primer to cover the oil. The rule of thumb is...


Latex over latex


Oil over latex


Oil over oil


Latex over oil without primer peels off.


And besides the latex paint they make today is great! It usually is dry to the touch within hours and you can do your 2nd coat alot earlier.
Oil based paints take longer to dry, and are a pain to clean up! Water based interior paints do well. Do not use flat as that is not washable. And make sure you use a good primer, such as Kilz (also water based). Clean-up consists of soap and water, and it dries in much less time!