KATHY'S HOME & GARDEN - SELECTING PAINT FOR INDOOR USE
Latex Paint
Latex paint applies easily with a brush or roller. The cleanup is easy with water and soap. They aren't flammable and have a relatively mild odor. Latex is appropriate for walls, ceilings, and trim in any situation where moisture isn't a problem.
Oil based paint
Alkyd or oil-base paints apply well with a brush or roller, but they need turpentine or mineral spirits for cleanup. They are longer lasting and more washable than latex paints, and are more often chosen for areas where frequent cleaning is necessary, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Oil-based paints have a strong odor while wet, but this usually disappears after a few days.
How much do you need?
Multiply the number of feet around the room by the number of feet from baseboard to ceiling. Subtract the square footage of any doors and windows. One gallon of paint will cover about 450 square feet. Always over estimate. It's difficult to match colors exactly, and it's good to have some left over for touch-ups.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
