Latex Paints

Latex paints are a class of paints usually made by mixing different pigments and binders in water.  Clean up with warm soapy water, shorter drying time, and low odor are the most notable features of latex paints.

Latex paints are popular for a few good reasons:

• They quickly dry to the touch (half an hour in a typical interior application).
• They have less odor than oil/alkyd paint.
• Tools can be cleaned with soap and warm water.
• They retain their sheen/gloss longer.
• They retain their color longer.
• They are more flexible than oil based paint.
• They are V.O.C. compliant.  (V.O.C.'s are Volatile Organic Compounds) which are the amounts of unstable components let off into the atmosphere during use of a product.  Regulations of V.O.C. are in effect to help reduce pollution.  Latex paint is the least detrimental to the environment.
• Latex paints resist blistering and peeling because they do not trap moisture.

Latex paints use water to make the paint easier to spread.  Microscopic pores allow water vapor to pass through the dried paint film.  Because of this "breathing" ability, moisture is less likely to build up between the paint and the surface

How do I take care of my freshly painted surface?

Freshly painted surfaces may be washed after 30 days. Avoid touching, wiping, or wetting any freshly painted surface for 30 days. After that time dirt and stains may be removed with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and water.

Do not place objects on windowsills and shelves until paint is thoroughly dry.

Can I paint directly over wallpaper?

Painting over wallpaper is not recommended.

However, if you need to paint over a wall covering it is very important to properly prepare the surface. Be sure to remove any loose wallpaper, scuff sand* the surface, then apply Dutch Boy interior oil-based primer.

Can I apply latex paint over oil-based paint?

Yes.

Be sure to prepare the surface properly before painting. Oil-based paints should be sanded to a flat finish before painting. Thoroughly rinse to surface to remove sanding dust and dirt, then apply Dutch Boy oil-based primer and the desired Dutch Boy latex paint.

Can I apply paint directly over a semi-gloss or gloss paint?

No.

Semi-gloss paint must be dulled to a flat finish by sanding.

How long should I wait before applying a second coat of paint?

A second coat of latex paint may be applied 4 hours after the first coat.

With oil-based paint, you should wait 24 hours between coats.

Can I use exterior paint on the inside of my house?

No. & Yes

Exterior paints are formulated to be more flexible to withstand temperature and climate changes.

But when used inside are more durable and washable
 especially Exterior flat

Latex Paint and Allergies

Q. Does latex paint pose a threat to those who suffer from latex allergies?
A. No, latex paint is not made with latex rubber; in fact the name “latex” is really just a decorative way to describe rubber-based paint. Latex paint is a carefully formulated polyvinyl material with acrylic resin and has never contained natural rubber; it is natural rubber that causes an allergic reaction, so people who have sensitivity to latex products are in no danger of having a reaction to latex paint.

STATEMENT FROM THE NATIONAL PAINT & COATINGS ASSOCIATION
Latex Paint Does Not Pose a Threat to Those Who Suffer from Latex Allergies
 

The National Paint & Coatings Association (NPCA) would like consumers to know that the type of latex found in latex paints is not the same type of latex found in products that trigger latex allergies. A report aired on ABC television’s “20/20” on March 14, 1997, noted that commonly-used products containing latex have caused allergic reactions ¾ sometimes severe ¾ in approximately one to six percent of the population. These allergic reactions have most commonly been associated with surgical gloves and other natural latex products worn close to the skin. The key distinction for latex in paint is that it is generally synthetic (polymerized from various monomeric materials, principally vinyl acetate and various acrylates) and dispersed in water. By contrast, the latex used in other products is usually naturally derived from rubber tree sap and contains, among others, hydrocarbon polymers and proteins. In particular, the protein component of natural latex is regarded as the likely cause of allergic reactions. Because of these and other differences, consumers need not be concerned about using latex paint and developing the allergic reactions that have been associated with natural latex.

For more information, NPCA recommends that interested parties read and review the U.S. Centers for Disease control (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-135 entitled “Preventing Allergic Reactions to Natural Rubber Latex in the Workplace” (see http://www.cdc.gov/Niosh/latexalt.html).