Latex paint has become very popular over the last few years. That’s because the paint is versatile, easy to apply, and more environmentally friendly than its oil-based cousins. We’ll explain everything about latex paint and whether it’s mildew resistant below.

Why should you use latex paint?

One of the most important decisions you can make for a painting project is deciding what paint you’ll use. Thousands of years ago, our ancestors used mineral pigments smeared on rock. But today, latex paint is one of the most common interior and exterior paint options. About 75% of paint sold is latex, and the percentage continues to climb.

There are several reasons to use latex paint for your project. It’s easy to use, durable, and emits fewer gases when drying than oil-based paint. Latex paint is also inexpensive, available in different colors and formulations, and comes in many finishes from matte to high gloss.

What to know about paint

Several types of paint have been developed over the millennia. You can get paints specifically formulated to make masonry waterproof and protect roofs from mildew. Most paints for your home have four main ingredients:

• Solvents
• Binders
• Pigments
• Solids

The solvent keeps ingredients dissolved in a liquid to be applied to the surface. For latex paints, the solvent is water, while oil-based paints have linseed oil.

What is latex paint?

As mentioned above, binders are one of the four main ingredients for paint. They are plastic-like substances that make the surface of the paint tough when it dries. Latex paint used to initially have natural rubber or latex as the binder. Today the natural rubber in latex paint has been replaced with synthetic compounds such as acrylic or vinyl.

Pigments give the paint color and covering ability. They are made of fine powders or particles suspended in the solvent. Titanium dioxide tends to be the most common pigment used in primers. Solids are what is left after the made has dried. It is made up of pigments and binders, minus the solvent. The best latex paint is 30% or more solids.

Latex paint features

For Florida homeowners, there are many great features of using latex paint on your home. These include:

• Weather resistance: If your home is exposed to direct sunlight, latex paint if likely your best choice. It’s more resistant to fading and becoming chalky than oil-based paints. Latex paint is also more resistant to mildew than oil-based paints. Mildewcide is often added to latex paints to reduce susceptibility to further mildew.
• Short dry times: Another big bonus of using latex-based paint is the reduced drying time. You can recoat a latex-based paint wall in just one to six hours after applying it.
• Less mess: Latex paint is easier to clean up than other types of paint. After applying a coat of paint, all it takes is water to clean up the space.

Reach out to a trusted paint professional

With over 50 years in the business, UCI Paints is the company to trust with your painting projects in Florida. Not only do we offer a variety of high-quality, enamel-based paints to choose from, but we also provide a 100% workmanship warranty to back our work.

Speak with one of our highly trained representatives today at 954-581-6060, or reach us through our contact form to get in touch about your next painting project. You can also email us at customerservice@ucipaints.com for any painting and order inquiries.