Comparison of latex and oil paints from the Natural Handyman home repair and do it yourself website

If you've ever wondered which is the right type of paint to use, this chart should be helpful. Rather than trying to push a certain type or brand, this chart is amazingly unbiased and, if I may say, even a little politically incorrect for the "latex paint everywhere" crowd!!

LATEX
ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
Fast dry.	Shrinks more when drying, creating more surface stress.
Better fade resistance.	More temperature sensitive.
More chalk-resistant.	Less adhesion to chalk and dirt.
Breathes; less blistering.	Can stain with water-soluable contamination.
Retains flexibility longer.	Softer, normally not used in high traffic areas.
Tolerant on alkaline surfaces like masonry.
Will not yellow.
Resists mildew better.
Clean-up with water.
Good on galvanized metal.
OIL
ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
Less shrinkage.	Turns brittle with age.
Low temperatures have less affect.	Slower dry than latex.
More durable in high traffic areas.	Colors fade faster.
Seals stains better.	Chalks faster than latex.
Holds rust better on steel.	Tight film blisters faster (won't breathe).
Better adhesion on dirty or chalky surfaces.	Yellows with age.
	Peels on galvanized metal.

Latex Paint vs. Oil Paint... The Controversy Rages On!!

Latex Paint vs. Oil Paint...
The Controversy Rages On!!