Whether you are starting a painting business, opening a paint store or painting your company's building, latex paint is a worthwhile investment. Latex paint is durable. It has a wide selection of finish options and it is available in numerous colors.

When you are getting ready to purchase latex paint, it is vital to leave room in the budget for all of the latex paint pricing and costs you may encounter. Consider the following suggestions to help you plan your latex paint budget accurately:

1. Purchase interior latex paint that meets your needs.

2. Factor in the cost to buy exterior latex paint.

3. Add up the cost of latex paint applicators.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider the cost of interior latex paint

Interior latex paint is available in a variety of finish options, including eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, gloss and flat. The finish you choose will affect the cost you pay for the interior latex paint. Additionally, if you opt to purchase low VOC paint, which is more environmentally friendly, you can expect to pay slightly more per gallon than traditional latex paints.

I recommend: HealthyHome.com is a latex paint provider that offers environmentally friendly latex paint. Prices range from around $5 to over $120 depending upon the amount of paint and the type of paint you need. This company also offers detailed latex paint information. ThePaintStore.com offers a varied latex paint list that includes interior paint. Prices start at around $25 for a gallon.

Include the cost of exterior latex paint

Exterior latex paint is weather resistant, which means that is less likely to peel or fade than interior paint. The price you pay for exterior latex paint generally depends on the quality of the paint. Additionally, color paint is usually more expensive than white paint.

I recommend: For a varied latex paint directory, check ePaintStore.com. This company offers exterior latex paint starting at around $40 for a gallon of low VOC latex paint.

Remember to include funds for latex paint applicators

Rollers and paint brushes are the least expensive latex paint applicators. However, if you a custom wall finish, a faux finish applicator is what you will have to invest in. For companies that do a considerable amount of painting, a paint sprayer is usually a good investment.

I recommend: DrillSpot.com sells latex paint applicators, including rollers and painting mitts. Prices start at around $5 for paint applicators. Northern Tools sells latex paint sprayers. Prices range from around $100 to over $5,000.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When working with latex paint, wearing masks or respirators is recommended, especially if you aren't using low-VOC paint.

Latex paint is one of the most common types of paint used in residential and commercial projects. It is easy to use because it dries quickly, comes in a rainbow of different colors, and it's easy to clean up the spots and spills. Because latex paint dries quickly and is easy to work with, many contractors buy it in bulk, in neutral colors, to finish a job.

If you need more latex paint information from your supplier, you consider the following when asking about the best paint for the job:

1. The durability of a latex paint.

2. The specific style (semi-gloss, flat, exterior, etc.).

3. The paint's price per gallon.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose a latex paint provider that offers different types of paint finishes

Latex paint comes in a variety of styles. You can choose from flat interior paint, washable interior flat, semi-gloss, glossy, and similar types of outdoor paint. The type of paint you choose will need to work with the overall look and feel of the interior or exterior of the building. Choose what best suits the design or decor.

I recommend: Glidden is a quality paint manufacturer that provides many forms of interior and exterior latex paint. Valspar is another company that offers many latex paint types for indoor and outdoor use.

Buy latex paint in large quantities to save money on large jobs

If you plan to use a common color for many of your commercial construction jobs, choose a company that will supply you with large quantities at wholesale prices. There are many companies that offer discounts to builders and contractors.

I recommend: Benjamin Moore is a company that offers discounts and special deals to contracting companies that buy in large quantities. West Whittier Paint is a wholesale store where you can look at the latex paint directory and choose paint from a variety of different brands.

Find latex paint made specifically for floors

In certain buildings, such as a warehouse or another type of building that has concrete flooring, latex paint can be used to add color and a layer of protection. After using latex paint on a floor, a clear coat or sealant will protect the paint job for years to come.

I recommend: You can find all types of floor paint from the latex paint list at Dutch Boy or from Behr. These are two great paint brands that can provide you with all the color options you need.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember to always choose 100-percent acrylic latex paint for exterior surfaces. The finish for acrylic is very pliable and works well for all exterior applications. With interior surfaces, you have more choices; but acrylic latex paint is still a durable option.