Yes. Latex paint is water based: the binder sits in water, and the water leaves as the paint dries. In a store, latex and acrylic mean the same family. PRO, NEO, EKO and PRIME are all water based and clean up with soap and water.
Latex, acrylic, 100% acrylic
Latex is the old name that stuck. The binder in a modern latex is acrylic, sometimes blended with vinyl. A 100% acrylic binder holds color outside and survives scrubbing better, which is why PRO is 100% acrylic and goes on exterior walls.
What water based changes
- Cleanup: brushes and rollers rinse in warm soapy water. No thinner, no solvent rags.
- Smell: far less than oil paint. EKO has zero VOC, less than 5 g/L on its data sheet.
- Drying: dry to the touch in about an hour, second coat in 2 to 4 hours at 77F.
- Cold: it can't freeze. Paint between 50F and 90F, and don't leave cans in a winter truck or a cold garage.
Can latex go over oil paint?
Yes, with prep. Rub a hidden spot with a rag and rubbing alcohol. Paint on the rag means latex. A clean rag means oil: sand the gloss dull, wipe off the dust and put a bonding primer down first. Then any of our paints go on top.
Which one to buy
- PRO: 100% acrylic paint and primer, inside and outside, four sheens. $58 a gallon.
- NEO: acrylic for walls and ceilings, flat or satin, inside and outside. $49 a gallon.
- EKO: zero VOC interior flat. $39 a gallon.
- PRIME: acrylic primer for bare drywall, plaster and wood. $179 for 5 gallons.
We tint PRO, NEO and EKO to any color in Brooklyn. Delivery in New York and New Jersey is $15, free over $150.
Questions we get
Is latex paint the same as acrylic paint?
In a paint store, yes. Latex is the old name, and the binder in a modern latex is acrylic.
Can I thin latex paint with water?
Our data sheets say do not thin. Use it from the can.
How do I clean latex paint off brushes?
Warm water and soap, before the paint dries in the bristles.