If you’re planning a painting project for your home, you’re probably wondering which type of paint is best. During your research and trips to the paint store, you’ve likely seen both options and wondered, is latex and acrylic paint the same? This is a common question among DIY homeowners.
While latex and acrylic paint are both water-based, they have distinct differences, so choosing the right one is key to ensuring your paint job lasts and looks good for years to come. In this blog post, we’ll break down the difference between latex and acrylic paint, explain when to use each, and help you decide what’s best for your home.
In This Post
What is Latex Paint?
Latex paint is a water-based paint commonly used for interior walls and ceilings. Although it has “latex” in the name, it surprisingly doesn’t contain any natural latex rubber. It simply refers to its flexible, easy-to-use formula. Latex paint these days is made from acrylic resin.
Latex paint is popular because it:
- Has great adhesion, especially on drywall and plaster
- Dries quickly
- Has low odor
- Cleans up easily with soap and water
- Is affordable
For many homeowners, latex paint is the go-to choice for refreshing living rooms, bedrooms, and other low-traffic spaces.
What is Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paint is also water-based, but it contains a higher percentage of acrylic resins, which makes it stronger and more flexible than standard latex paint. Acrylic paint is chemical-based, meaning it becomes water-resistant when it dries. It also dries super fast and makes colors appear vibrant.
Because of this added durability and water-resistance, acrylic paint:
- Adheres better to surfaces
- Handles temperature and moisture changes more effectively
- Resists cracking, peeling, and fading
Acrylic paint is often recommended for exterior projects, trim, cabinets, and areas that experience more wear and tear.
What’s the Difference Between Latex and Acrylic Paint?
Beyond the name and chemical composition, what’s the real difference between acrylic and latex paint? Both paints are water-based, but they’re formulated for different purposes.
Latex paint is easy to use and clean-up, low-odor, and ideal for most interior walls.
Acrylic paint contains more acrylic resins, making it stronger, more flexible, and longer-lasting.
In our professional opinion, both are excellent options, but they shine in different situations. Choosing the right paint type depends on the surface, location, and durability needs of your project.
Appearance
Latex paint shines when it comes to variety. It’s widely available in many colors and finishes, from flat to high-gloss, making it a popular choice for interior design flexibility.
Acrylic paint offers richer color and better fade resistance. Its UV-resistant properties help it maintain vibrancy, especially in spaces with direct sunlight or outdoor exposure.
Durability
Latex paint provides good coverage and adhesion, which works well for interior walls, ceilings, and doors. However, it can be more prone to chipping or peeling in high-moisture areas or with frequent temperature changes.
Acrylic paint is more durable and holds up better over time. It resists water, UV exposure, mold, mildew, and extreme temperature shifts, making it a great choice for exteriors and high-traffic areas.
Ease of Use
Latex paint is generally easier to apply and more forgiving. It dries at a slightly slower, yet manageable pace and allows for simple touch-ups, making it ideal for DIY projects.
Acrylic paint dries faster, which can speed up project timelines, but it also leaves less room for error. Quick drying can make mistakes harder to fix once the paint sets.
Eco-Friendliness
Both latex and acrylic paints contain VOCs (volatile organic chemicals) and should be disposed of properly. Don’t toss them in the regular trash bin or wash them down the sink.
Latex paint typically has lower VOC levels and less odor, making it the better option for indoor projects, especially in spaces with limited ventilation.
Acrylic paint often emits stronger fumes due to its higher VOC content.
Lifespan
Latex paint usually lasts 2 to 10 years, which is often sufficient for interior spaces.
Acrylic paint generally lasts longer, with a lifespan of 2 to 15 years depending on application quality, conditions, and maintenance.
Maintenance
Both paint types are easy to maintain, as long as proper prep and application steps were taken. Once cured, surfaces can be cleaned with warm water and a microfiber cloth, and leftover paint can be used for quick touch-ups as needed.
When to Use Latex Paint
Latex paint is a great choice for many interior projects, especially when ease and efficiency matter.
Ideal for:
- Interior walls (especially drywall and plaster)
- Ceilings
- Bedrooms, living rooms, and low-traffic areas
Pros:
- Lower odor (great for occupied homes)
- Fast drying time
- Easy cleanup with soap and water
- More budget-friendly
- Perfect for DIY or quick refresh projects
If you’re simply updating wall color or freshening up a space, latex paint often does the job beautifully.
Planning on changing up the color in your space? Check out our guide on how to choose the best paint color for your house.
When to Use Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is best when durability and longevity are high on the priority list.
Ideal for:
- High-traffic areas
- Trim, cabinets, and doors
- Furniture
- Exterior siding and surfaces exposed to weather
Pros:
- More durable and long-lasting
- Better resistance to cracking and fading
- Stronger adhesion on challenging surfaces
- Handles moisture and temperature changes well
If a surface needs to stand up to daily use or outdoor conditions, acrylic paint is often worth the investment.
For more paint recommendations, visit our blog post on the best paint for your home.
Latex vs. Acrylic Paint: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Latex Paint | Acrylic Paint |
| Base | Water-based | Water-based with acrylic resins |
| Durability | Good | Excellent |
| Dry Time | Faster | Slightly longer |
| Surface Flexibility | Lower | High (expands & contracts) |
| Ideal Use | Interior walls | Exteriors, trim, furniture |
| Cleanup | Soap & water | Soap & water |
| Cost | Generally cheaper | Slightly more expensive |
This comparison helps clear up the difference between latex and acrylic latex paint and makes it easier to choose the right option for your project.
Screenshot this and refer back to it when you’re choosing paint for your next project.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best paint won’t perform well if it’s used in the wrong situation. Here are a few common mistakes we see homeowners make when choosing between latex and acrylic paint and how to avoid them.
Using latex paint on surfaces that need extra durability.
Latex paint works great on interior walls, but it isn’t always the best choice for high-traffic areas, trim, or surfaces exposed to moisture (like in kitchens or bathrooms). Using latex where more durability is needed can lead to chipping, peeling, or wear much sooner than expected.
Painting exterior wood or metal without the strength of acrylic paint.
Exterior surfaces expand and contract with temperature changes and are constantly exposed to sun, rain, and humidity. Skipping acrylic paint in these situations can result in fading, cracking, or premature failure of the finish.
Skipping primer before applying acrylic paint on bare surfaces.
Acrylic paint is strong, but it still needs a properly prepped surface. Applying it directly to bare wood, drywall, or metal without primer can affect adhesion and shorten the lifespan of the paint job.
Avoiding these common mistakes helps ensure a smoother application, better coverage, and a long-lasting finish that doesn’t need touch-ups in just a few months.
Get Started With Oak City Coatings
If you’re still deciding between latex and acrylic paint, here’s a simple way to think about it:
- For most interior walls: Latex paint is your best bet
- For long-lasting, high-durability surfaces (especially on exteriors): Acrylic paint is the better choice
When choosing between latex and acrylic paint, always consider the surface you’re painting, the environment it’s in, and how much daily wear it will experience. The right paint choice can make all the difference in how long your results last.
If you’re unsure which paint is right for your home, Oak City Coatings is here to help!
We proudly serve Raleigh, NC and the surrounding areas, and our team will make sure your project uses the best products for beautiful, long-lasting results.
Book your free paint estimate today and let’s bring your vision to life!
