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Step 1
Use latex wall paint for interior walls. If you do so, inside paint finishes won't yellow as easily, and walls exposed to direct sunlight won't fade out as much. Latex wall paint also doesn't easily crack or peel.
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Step 2
Environmentally friendly, latex is non-toxic. Paint fumes are very minor and short lived (though not so minor that you shouldn't use adequate ventilation when you paint). Latex is also non-flammable, unlike oil-based paints and solvents, which must be disposed of like toxic waste.
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Step 3
Choose from a flat, gloss or stain finish. Latex wall paint is especially good for sheet rock, but it's versatile enough to be used on an almost-wall finish (though often with a primer needed). Metal and wood, however generally do better with other paints.
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Step 4
Decide what you want from your paint before you start. Latex wall paint is great but it has some disadvantages. You can't scrub it like an oil- based paint and in some instances (on new wood for example) it has to be sanded between each coat. It also yellows and chips more easily than other paints. It takes about a month to dry thoroughly enough to be washed and it doesn't always adhere well to shiny surfaces.
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Step 5
Thin latex paint with water if it's needed (it usually isn't) because it's water-based. Latex is easy to paint with. It glides on smoothly and evenly. It's a snap to provide touch-ups as the area retouched will blend without visible lines.
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Step 6
Apply second coats of latex after about one hour of drying time. You can easily apply two coats in a day. Clean up quickly when you're done and then sit back and admire your new look.
