Latex-based paints are the most common type of paint you'll find in a home improvement store. These paints are easy to apply, but they have some drawbacks. Latex-based paints are composed of two ingredients: latex and pigments. Latex is a synthetic material that has properties similar to natural rubber, and it's made from the sap of certain plants. Pigments are the colors and other ingredients used to color a paint.
When you buy a latex paint, you'll get a can of white or black paint plus a separate can of clear latex primer. The primer is used to seal the can. Latex paints tend to be more expensive than oil-based paints, but they're much easier to clean up. Latex-based paints dry quickly, which means less time waiting for the paint to cure. They also require less maintenance than oil-based paints. However, latex-based paints aren't as durable as oil-based paints. This is especially true of oil-based latex paints, which have a lower pigment content.