One of the biggest obstacles in painting your home is knowing which types of paints to choose. Basically there are only two types of paint to use inside your home; water based latex paints and oil based paints. The difference is pretty simple actually. For the most part you'll want to use an oil-based paint for the doors, the trim, and high traffic areas - and the water based latex for the walls.

Oil based paints are usually a bit more difficult to use than water based paint. This is because oil based paints are thicker, therefore requires different types of rollers and brushes. As well, when you use oil based paints, it's best to paint in well-ventilated areas because it has a much stronger odor. The nice thing about oil-based paint is that it's available at any paint store and can be easily tinted to almost any color.

If you're using oil-based paint, it's essential to remember that you'll usually need to prime the area first. This is because they have a tendency to peel if the area is not primed correctly. This also happens if your base coat is already oil based.

You have to clean the area before you prime it. You can buy primer at any paint or home improvement store. It can either be applied like spray paint, or brushed on. When you're painting a very dark color, or if the color you're using is dark, then you may want to consider getting the primer tinted first.

Oil based paint often will bubble during the painting process. Be sure that you don't shake this paint, but rather stir it. It's also best if you try to use just one coat when using oil based. This type of paint takes longer to dry than latex paint does, so keep that in mind. Make sure you allow enough ventilation to speed up the process.

It's vital to remember that oil based paint, is considered toxic and hazardous waste. Caution should be used when disposing of it.

There are many projects that are best suited for oil paint.

For instance trim such as window trim, crown molding, bead board, or trim around doors is best done with oil paint. The reason is that this type of paint is much more durable and can take more wear and tear than latex can. As an added benefit, it's much easier to clean than latex.

As well, if you're painting a door you'll want to consider using oil. Again, being that it's easier to clean, things like smudges, fingerprints, and dirt in general will be much easier to clean off.

You may also find that some exterior projects can use oil paint such as trim around windows and doors. Other things such as metal take well to oil, but be sure never to use it on iron or fresh masonry without properly preparing and priming.

For the most part, oil based paints are effective for much of your home, and though a little more tedious to apply makes life afterwards much easier.