Choose the Right Type of Paint

Selecting the correct paint for the surface and environment prevents premature cracking and peeling. Using interior paint outdoors, flat paint in a bathroom, or oil-based paint over uncured latex are common mistakes that lead to paint failure regardless of how well the surface was prepared.

Paint Selection Guide

• Use kitchen and bath paint (mildew-resistant, semi-gloss or satin) in high-humidity rooms
• Choose 100% acrylic latex for most exterior surfaces -- it expands and contracts with temperature changes better than vinyl-acrylic or oil-based paints
• Use alkyd or oil-based paint only where its hardness and adhesion are specifically needed, such as trim, cabinets, or metal surfaces
• Always use a compatible primer -- latex primer under latex paint, shellac-based primer to seal stains or odors

Tips

• Higher-quality paints contain more resin and pigment, which means better adhesion and durability -- this is one area where spending more pays off
• Consult the paint manufacturer's data sheet for recommended surfaces and conditions
• Never apply latex paint over uncured oil-based paint without a bonding primer -- the latex will peel
• For exterior wood, consider a solid-color stain instead of paint -- stains penetrate rather than forming a film, so they do not peel