When selecting interior or exterior paint for your next home project, one of the most important choices is whether to use latex (acrylic) or oil-based paint. Glidden is a popular brand of paint that offers both latex and oil-based options. Knowing the differences between the two paint types can help you decide which Glidden paint is right for your needs.
Glidden Latex Paint
A majority of Glidden interior and exterior paints are latex, also known as acrylic paint. Latex paints use water as a carrier instead of solvents. Key benefits of Glidden latex paint include:
- Dries more quickly than oil-based paints, usually within 1 hour
- Low odor and fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
- Easier cleanup with just soap and water
- More flexibility allowing surface expansion and contraction
- Resists fading, cracking, blistering and peeling
Glidden latex paint works well for most interior rooms and exterior siding, doors and trim. It bonds well to a variety of surfaces including wood, brick, concrete, stucco and metal. Glidden’s latex paint lines include:
- Glidden Premium – flagship interior paint line
- Glidden Professional – premium-quality interior and exterior paint
- Glidden Essentials – affordable interior paint
- Glidden Trim & Door – specifically formulated for trim, doors and cabinets
- Glidden Exterior – basic exterior house paint
These latex paint options are available in flat, eggshell, semi-gloss and gloss sheens to suit your needs.
Glidden Oil-Based Paint
While Glidden focuses mostly on water-based latex paints, they do offer a limited selection of oil-based paints. Oil-based paints use petroleum-derived solvents as carriers instead of water. Here are some key considerations with Glidden oil-based paints:
- Takes longer to dry, up to 24 hours
- Strong odor and higher VOCs
- Need paint thinner for cleanup
- Provides a glossier, harder finish
- Resists surface moisture better than latex
Glidden oil-based paints include:
- Glidden Professional Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel – interior/exterior
- Glidden Professional High Gloss Enamel – interior/exterior
- Glidden Trim & Door Alkyd High Gloss Enamel – interior
These oil-based paints are most suitable for areas that need frequent cleaning, surfaces with existing oil-based paint or areas prone to mildew growth. Oil-based paints are harder to apply and emit stronger fumes, so ventilation is important during application.
Key Differences Between Latex and Oil-Based Paint
Understanding the differences between latex vs. oil-based paint can help guide your Glidden paint selection:
| Paint Type | Latex (Acrylic) | Oil-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Acrylic resins suspended in water | Drying oils suspended in solvents |
| Dry Time | 1 hour | 24 hours |
| VOC Levels | Low | High |
| Odor Level | Minimal | Strong solvent smell |
| Cleanup | Water | Paint thinner |
| Durability | Moderate | Very durable |
| Sheen Level | Matte to glossy | High gloss |
In summary, latex paints are lower odor, faster drying and easier to apply and clean up. Oil-based paints are harder wearing and provide a glossier finish.
Interior vs. Exterior Use of Glidden Paint
Both Glidden latex and oil-based paints are formulated for interior and exterior use. However, here are some considerations for where to use each paint type:
Interior Paint Projects
For interior rooms, trim, cabinets and doors, Glidden latex paints are recommended for their low odor, easy soap and water cleanup, and ability to resist yellowing over time. Latex paint is ideal for:
- Walls, ceilings and trim in living rooms, bedrooms, baths and kitchens
- Doors, cabinetry, furniture
- Medium to high traffic areas
- Kid’s rooms, hallways
Glidden oil-based paints can be used inside for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms where their moisture resistance is beneficial. Proper ventilation is important.
Exterior Paint Projects
For exterior surfaces, Glidden latex paints work well for siding, eaves, shutters, garage doors and trim. Their flexibility allows for expansion and contraction. Latex paints resist fading, blistering and need less frequent repainting. Use latex for:
- Wood, cement and vinyl siding
- Stucco, brick and concrete
- Doors, shutters, trim
- Garage doors and outbuildings
Glidden oil-based paints can provide greater water resistance for exterior areas exposed to high moisture like porches, railings and steps. Allow for longer dry times between coats.
How to Choose Glidden Interior or Exterior Paint
When deciding on interior or exterior Glidden paint, consider these tips:
- Surface Type – Latex works well for drywall, plaster, wood, metal and masonry. Oil-based adheres better to glossy or slick surfaces. Check what existing paint types are already on surface.
- Room Purpose – For high traffic areas and kid’s rooms, latex is more flexible and cleanable. Oil-based works for bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms.
- Finish Needs – Latex offers flat, eggshell, satin and semi-gloss. Oil-based provides ultra high gloss.
- Application Method – Latex is easier for brush, roller or spray. Oil-based works for controlled spray application.
- Clean-up Effort – Latex cleans up with soap and water. Oil-based requires mineral spirits or paint thinner.
- Odor Concerns – Latex has low VOCs. Oil-based has strong solvent odors.
- Drying Time – Latex dries in under 1 hour. Oil-based needs overnight drying.
Considering these factors will help you pick the right Glidden latex or oil-based paint for your next interior or exterior project.
Conclusion
When choosing a Glidden paint, understanding the differences between latex acrylic and oil-based paints is key. Glidden offers high quality interior and exterior paints in both latex and oil options. Latex Glidden paints provide low odor, quick dry times and easy water clean-up. Oil-based Glidden paints offer greater durability and moisture resistance. For most DIY home projects, Glidden latex paints offer convenience and performance. But Glidden’s limited oil-based paint selections address specialized high-gloss and wet environment needs. Considering how each paint type adheres, finishes and functions on specific surfaces and in particular rooms will help you pick the optimal Glidden paint for your next remodeling or redecorating project.
