Types of Paint: The Unvarnished Truth

Here's the skinny on the two basic types of paint.

Water-based (also called latex) Paints: These offer the easiest application and soap-and-water cleanup, are the fastest drying and have less odor than solvent paints. Latex performs well on interior walls and ceilings; its quick drying time prevents the kinds of ripples and sags that can occur with slower-drying alkyd finishes. For brick, concrete and cinder block, only latex should be used.

Alkyd (commonly called "oil-based") Paints: This type generally cost more than latex. (Though interchangeably referred to as "oil-based", they're not the same thing as the traditional oil-based paints that they have largely come to replace.) Application requires patience - thin coats are generally necessary to avoid problems like sagging and streaking, and the drying time is usually longer than latex.

The up side is a paint job that stands up beautifully to long-term wear and tear. Scrubbing off dirt and scuff marks won't harm the paint. Alkyd paints are the superior choice for painting floors and metal surfaces.

• Tip:  Remember - oil and water don't mix. What's on your walls right now? For best results, you should consider applying the same type of paint that's already there. But consider the following rules when choosing the type of paint you'll use.

For Interiors: You can safely apply latex over oil, or oil over latex, but only if the previous finish is:

• Flat, or
• Has been sanded.

If in doubt about what's there, you may want to cover first with a primer of the same composition (alkyd or latex) as the paint you choose to use.

For Exteriors: Oil should not be applied over latex. The best exterior combination is latex paint over alkyd primer.