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Choosing the right type of paint can be just as important as picking a color. One problem every home encounters is exposure to sunlight. UV rays will cause paint to fade, chalk and lose its original tint. Latex paint tends to resist these effects better than oil-based paints. Another enemy of outside wood is moisture. Wood exposed to wet conditions will expand and contract causing some paints to crack and flake. A breathable latex paint allows moisture to vaporize and escape before it can damage the wood fibers. Temperature change is another factor to consider because drastic changes will cause wooden surfaces and siding to expand and contract. Here again, acrylic latex is an ideal choice because it is slightly elastic, so it can deal with the stress of seasonal climate change without blistering or cracking.