LATEX PAINTS CONTAIN FINE DISPERSIONS OF high molecular weight film-forming resins in water. Common film-forming resins include vinyl acetate-acrylic co-polymers, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymers, acrylic copolymers, or styrene-acrylic copolymers although many other types of systems are also commercially available. Formulations of latex paints are complicated by the presence of pigments, surfactants, dispersants, biocides, defoamers, thickeners, freeze-thaw stabilizers, and coalescing aids. Paints must be formulated such that good stability and excellent coating properties can be achieved over a wide range of application conditions. Many important paint properties, including scrub resistance, porosity, and gloss, are linked to the quality of film formation that is achieved. Film formation in latex paints is promoted by the addition of coalescing aids, which enable the latex particles to consolidate and yield a continuous film.