Paint-oil vs latex, is either better in high sun exposure area at holding color and not cracking?
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Hiya WGM...
Latex.and better yet a 100% solid acrylic (or, at least one high in acrylic content) for the very reasons you've listed above. Latex paints are far more color-fast (less likely to fade) than oil based products...and latex paints are more flexible, more able to expand and contract with the surface to minimize cracking and peeling...As one responder already mentioned, a latex paint film is generally "micro-porous" , which means it has the ability to pass moisture, in the form of vapor, through the paint film again minimizing the risk of peeling (unlike oil/alkyd products)...
I am assuming you're considering painting the exterior of your home...if so, there are other advantages to using an acrylic paint versus an oil/alkyd product including better gloss retention, chalk resistance, naturally mildew resistant, less cost per gallon, ease of applicatioin, faster drying time, soap and water clean-up, friendlier to the environment, just to name a few...
If you've experienced cracking and peeling in the past - paint, by itself, is not going to correct the problem. There is a lot of surface preparation that must take place prior to painting to ensure a successful job. Power-washing, detergent cleaning, scraping, sanding, caulking...replacing rotted boards, etc. may all be necessary to repaint.
I generally don't recommend specific brand names 'cause there are many good, high quality products on the market now that will do more than an adequate job of protecting your home - but I do recommend looking for a regional manufacturer as your supplier (generally provided by an independently owned paint store) - The reason for this is regional manufacturer's tend to make higher quality products than their national counterparts...they have to, it's the only way they can survive in an extremely competitive environment. Your local independently owned paint store will be able to walk you through all the necessary surface preparation and product recommendation to ensure best results on your exterior painting project (big boxes like Home Depot and Lowes, and to some extent the national manufacturer's company owned stores, may always have the products you need, but often times they don't have the experienced personnel needed for advice and recommendations)...
Also (and finally), when choosing your paint line - be sure to carefully read the product's label for surface preparation and application instructions...also read the compositional analysis of the product to be sure you're getting a 100% acrylic product and not an oil/alkyd modified latex...Oil modification is a feature some manufacturers use to minimize necessary surface preparation and make the product apply a little easier - The unfortunate down-side to oil modification is it lessens the lifespan of the product, it is more brittle and less color-fast, is more prone to chalking, and it provides a food source for mold and mildew.
I hope this info is more helpful than confusing...Best of luck on your painting project.
Oil paint all the way. Make sure you use a good sealer too.
Latex is the best way to go. Latex and acryllics have better color retention and the ability to breathe.
if you are talking about an exterior,latex is best especially an acrylic latex, the color eill hold up better as the oil will yellow with the heavy exposure to the sun, I reccomend Benjamin Moore Mooreguard...I am a painting contractor and it is my exclusive paint for exterior wo.rk
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