Latex paints are water-thinned. They are often more popular because brushes, rollers and splatters can usually be cleaned up with soap and water. Latex paints are durable, easy to apply, and retain their color well. Either latex or alkyd types can be used successfully provided the surface is properly prepared. For high gloss trim paints, alkyds are usually preferred.
Flat paints are attractive and are often preferred on siding, masonry and stucco.
Exterior wood stains, available in solid or semi-transparent types, are popular for textured wood surfaces. Solid stains hide the color of the wood, but at the same time allow the texture of the wood to show through. Coating exterior wood surfaces with clear coatings is a somewhat questionable practice. Sunlight penetrates the clear coating, affecting the wood surface. This causes the clear coating to lose adhesion and peel off.