- Let's compare the composition
- Peculiarities alkyd paint
- Advantages of the material
- Advantages of acrylic
- Consider the disadvantages
- Main differences
- What not to do
- Summarize
When the need arises to paint any product or surface, we go to the store. What we see on the shelves: a lot of coloring compounds, the properties of which we have no idea about, or we don’t understand what is the difference between one and another enamels. Let's compare alkyd and acrylic primers. Let's identify the main differences between these compositions, which one is better to choose for coating wood, and determine whether these paints are compatible with each other.
Then combine the painted area with light and crossed strokes to move to the next area with a soft brush upward. Enamel Enamels, with a gloss, semi-matt or satin finish, provide a durable and impenetrable finish. They should be applied carefully and in multiple layers, starting with a primer on the wood and then a base coat to finish with one or more final coats. You should also keep the area well ventilated when using enamel because the substances released can be very strong and potentially dangerous.
Let's compare the composition
Acrylic paint is based on a polymer emulsion - acrylic mixed with color pigments. The role of solvent is played by ordinary water, so the material does not have a strong odor. Acrylic is known as liquid glass", is used as a binder in other building mixtures. In addition to the main components, the paint contains improving additives that affect the viscosity and temperature stability of the solution and the finished coating.
Its application is simple: you must apply it with vertical and parallel strokes, holding the brush as if it were a pen. Finally, brush the brush vertically on fresh paint and immediately reload it, bringing the wet edges together to achieve an even color.
Some for external wall, others for internal. Find out which one to buy for your work. There are different types of paints available in the market when it comes to construction or renovation, do you know which one to use for indoor and outdoor environments? Which one is best for painting in plaster? Learn to distinguish colors and buy the best option for your work.
Alkyd (oil) enamel consists of alkyd varnish, coloring pigments and kerosene solvent (white spirit). In addition, additional additives may be included in the composition: antiseptics, antifungal and fire-fighting additives. Therefore, alkyd enamel is often used to coat wood products. When working, careful ventilation of the premises is required, since the composition has a sharp, specific odor.
The paint used to paint the exterior surface is not the same for the interior area, the choice of product will determine the quality and durability of the paint. This is the most used type, dissolved in water, does not need solvents, it is more practical for masons, it best paint for interior spaces, since to clean it with a damp cloth, covers previous paintings, dries quickly and has no strong smell.
It is oil based, so it is not soluble in water. This is an ideal paint for painting iron or wood such as windows, doors, benches and handrails. It should not be applied to walls as bubbles may form and cause peeling. Enamel paint has a high gloss and can be washed with water. Generally used in small quantities, it is usually sold in 3 liter containers, unlike others which can be found in jars up to 18 liters.
Features of alkyd paint
The group of compounds is conventionally divided into 2 parts:
- Varnish – base;
- Dye.
The varnish is made on the basis of alkyd and solvents, but does not contain pigments. This type of solution is used as a primer for other finishing coatings and as an antiseptic for wood.
It is a non-aqueous soluble synthetic paint suitable for painting floors, water tanks, bathrooms, swimming pools. This is the most difficult type of paint because it requires solvents and catalysts to prevent bubbles or stains from forming, so they must be used by professional artists who understand the processing of the material.
Now that you know the main paint models on the market, hire a qualified labor to do your job. There are several types of paints, each with its own characteristics and various functions, let's now understand what these types are, so we have no doubt that you are drawing the wall of a room or touching the front of a house.
The paint contains colored pigments, but can serve as a surface protector. It can be glossy or matte; this property does not affect the quality of the coating in any way.
Varnish and primer of the same base are ideally compatible; they can be used on the same surface to obtain a high-quality result. In addition, materials can be mixed.
What will determine the type of paint you use will be what you paint, depending on environment, whether internal or external, or material, flooring, metal and wood. With all these options, it is important to know the main differences between the types of paint types. Keeping in mind that there is no paint for all surfaces of use, you need to choose the right product for each surface, which will important point for the longevity of your painting.
Most commonly used inside residences, it turns into a water base and dries quickly. It has easy handling to help during cleaning, if ink spills on some other coating, just wash with water. It is only in matte finish because its resin does not allow brightness changes.
Advantages of the material
Over the years, alkyd paint has remained the most common composition for coating wooden and metal surfaces. Why:
- Wide color range of bright enamels - you can choose different shade for every taste.
- Easy application does not require special skills and knowledge, the paint is well distributed over the surface.
- The layers dry quickly.
- Resistance of the coating to cleaning.
- Suitable for interior and exterior work.
- Affordable price.
It is not very resistant to sun exposure or constant detergents, making the product unsuitable for wet areas or susceptible to rain. It can be applied on various types surfaces such as masonry, plaster, concrete, fiber cement and others.
For getting best results colors must be applied two to three layers of paint with a drying interval of 3 to 4 hours. In fact, this type of paint is a model latex paint, but contains acrylic resins in its composition, therefore it has a latex appearance, being water-soluble and quick-drying. But his most important feature and what makes it different is that the acrylic resin in its composition gives this product high impermeability, making it ideal for painting exterior surfaces.
Disadvantages to consider
When choosing alkyd enamels, you need to take into account their disadvantages in order to avoid unpleasant consequences:
- A pungent odor is the main difference between a solvent-based composition and other paints.
- Low UV resistance - the coating quickly fades in the sun.
- The hardness of the coating negatively affects its service life: dried enamel is inelastic and therefore cannot withstand linear expansion of the surface. After a year or two, the paint cracks and requires updating.
This impermeability makes acrylic paint widely used in wet areas of the home, such as the kitchen and toilet. This type of paint can be washed, unlike latex, which should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. It has a mass consistency as the water base has easy application and is recommended for use in external areas, but this does not prevent it from being used in internal areas. Everything will depend on what you want. Acrylic paint comes in three finishes, and even in the matte version, it tends to be brighter than latex paint.
If there is a need to paint alkyd paint outdoors, it is worth choosing a composition with appropriate improving additives, and it is better to place the painted product in the shade.
Acrylic paint: features of use
A special feature of acrylic polymer is its plasticity. The dried coating layer is capable of stretching and shrinking with minor changes in the size of the base, so the paint does not crack after suffering frosts. So that the composition adheres well to the surface wooden product, the latter needs to be prepared for processing:
Types of Acrylic Paint Finishes. Matt: not very resistant to cleaning, but does not highlight possible surface defects. With a wide variety of acrylic paints we can highlight. Rubberized: they have a flexible film for dilation and removal of the solution depending on temperature changes, protection from moisture, rain and sun. Recommended for exterior wall paints and often used on facades and walls.
Washable: With a satin finish, they are highly resistant to cleaning. Recommended for places where many people circulate. They lose their odor within 3 hours after application and are recommended for outdoor and indoor use. The bathroom is painted with white epoxy paint.
- We remove the old unreliable coating and sand the surface.
- It is advisable to prime the base to be repaired with special compounds to prevent rotting and proliferation of microflora.
The acrylic base must be dried and free of dust. The coloring composition is diluted to a working consistency with ordinary water and applied to walls, ceilings, and products with a brush and rollers. The paint spreads well over the prepared base.
Epoxy resin is a thermoset plastic resin that hardens when mixed with a catalyst or hardener. It is a highly moisture-resistant ink, when it is not soluble in water, it is usually diluted in certain solvents, it should be applied with special labor, avoiding the formation of bubbles or for the simple fact, thus having better finish painting.
Slightly more expensive than the two types of paints above, one of its characteristics is imperviousness, so it can even be used in flooded areas such as swimming pools and water tanks. It is often worth replacing bathroom tiles with epoxy paint, which is very resistant to cleaning chemicals, making it ideal for floor paints, tiles and walk-in coolers.
Advantages of acrylic
Why you should pay attention to polymer enamel:
- The finished color does not change color in the sun and at high temperatures;
- Thanks to its elasticity, the coating does not peel off or crack;
- Long service life for wood - at least 8 years, for metal and plaster - about 20;
- The composition protects surfaces from moisture and corrosion;
- An important difference between alkyd and acrylic solutions is the absence of a strong odor in the latter. They do not emit harmful substances, working with them is safe and does not require special protection.
Consider the disadvantages
Despite the long list of advantages, acrylic paint compositions have several disadvantages:
They can be obtained either solvent-based or water-based. Instead of replacing "oil" ink, which we will explain below, unlike the previous examples, enamel paint does not dissolve in water because it has an "oil base", a material made up of the old formula.
Today have been replaced by other synthetic products which are mostly solvent based which provide a stronger odor and longer drying time, however with the advancement of technology there are already some manufacturers producing enamel paints using water based, which reduce odor and speed up the drying process.
- High price;
- Long period of gaining operational strength - about a month;
- A good composition is not easy to find. Not every manufacturer can offer the buyer truly high-quality products.
Main differences
To make the difference between the materials clear, let’s summarize the main properties in a table:
We recommend using it on iron or wood surfaces, and it is not recommended to use it on the wall as it may cause bubbles. While also a waste because it costs and is higher than usual, it has a very specific use.
Traditionally wooden doors painted with enamel paint, which makes this surface easier to clean. The enamel finish is quite distinctive and easy to perceive when in use. They can be found in matte, glitter and satin finishes. Its finish gives the impression of a film forming on the surface.
Compatibility of coloring agents
Beginning builders often have a question: are alkyd and acrylic paints compatible, can they be applied to each other?
Let's start with the fact that, by and large, there is no need to combine these compounds. Alkyd is an excellent primer for a wooden surface and at the same time a finishing varnish if applied in several layers. The material is self-sufficient even if you need to create a colored surface.
For best color results, apply two to three coats, allowing a drying interval of 24 hours. Currently little used, this paint has an oily binder that offers a matte or glossy finish, it is impervious so it can be used in areas where it is required various finishes eg furniture, windows and doors.
Its liquid composition, after application, becomes a protective layer on the wood and is made from solvents. There are pigmented varnishes that add a more premium look to wood, but this type of paint is usually clear, with a matte, satin, or gloss finish.
Acrylic paint is elastic in its structure, it is optimal to use it on products subject to linear expansion due to temperature changes and changes in humidity.
Is it possible to combine these enamels and how to do it correctly?
The golden rule of a painter: to work on the same surface, you must use products on the same basis.
Among the varnishes we can highlight. Acrylic varnish: This type of varnish serves to protect and waterproof masonry, visible concrete, clay tiles, among others, water-based with good mold resistance. For a good result, it is recommended to apply two or three layers with a drying interval of 6 hours.
Polyurethane Varnish: Suitable for interior and exterior wood surfaces such as boats, doors, counters, bar furniture. Its color is brilliant, they have fast drying and great resistance to sea and abrasion. It is recommended to apply two to three coats with a 24 hour drying interval.
Another principle: soft compounds can be applied to hard surfaces, but not vice versa.
Alkyd enamel - hard coating, works as a primer under a varnish layer or a softer coating. Acrylic is an elastic covering material, so it can be applied to a dried or old oil base. However, in this case, the service life of the finishing layer is reduced by 2 times.
Phenolic varnish: excellent for both waterproofing and plaster or concrete, also used for painting and varnishing wood. Its color is reddish brown, which gives a finish that is not matched by any other product. For best results, apply one or two coats every 24 hours.
Now that you already understand all the characteristics of the main types of paints on the market, be careful not to get scammed or spend money on buying more expensive paint unnecessarily. The market offers many types of paints, paints and other products for interior and exterior coating applications. The features and variations can be confusing to the end consumer, leaving a lot of doubt when purchasing these products.
The combination is optimal for wood. On surfaces made of other materials, there is little point in mixing layers.
What not to do
Definitely not worth applying alkyd enamel on an acrylic surface. If there is still a need for this, you need to remove the old coating as much as possible and thoroughly sand it, then prime it.
Because of this wide range options, it is important that the person doing the work knows some basic differences between the major groups of paints. Keep in mind that no paint is suitable for all surfaces and uses. Choosing the right product for each surface and location is essential to the good finish and longevity of your painting.
Below we will briefly discuss the main paint groups and their main applications to provide insight into how differentiation occurs between products. Latex is perhaps the most commonly found ink in residential interiors today, and of course you've heard of it.
Do not mix dissimilar components. Acrylic-alkyd enamel can only be produced industrially using special technologies, but it is not used in construction.
Summarize
Which paint is better? We compared the two materials with different properties. It is impossible to say unequivocally that acrylic or alkyd is better. The choice is influenced by the expected service life of the coating, operating conditions, quality of the finished surface, and budget for repairs. It is worth saying that modern consumers increasingly prefer new materials with an extended service life and improved qualities. Ultimately, over 10 years of acrylic operation, the alkyd surface will have to be renewed more than once, which will cost the same cost.
Question: “What is the difference between paint and enamel?” - sounds very often, but even those who are associated with paint and varnish materials by profession cannot always give a clear answer. There is a common belief that enamel is the same as enamel paint. Many people believe that the whole difference between enamel and paint is that the first material is shiny, and the second is matte. Of course, this conclusion is incorrect. Despite the apparent similarity of definitions, there are more significant differences between definitions such as “paint,” “enamel,” and “enamel paint” than the presence or absence of gloss.
Terminology and composition
First of all, it must be said that there is nothing in common between enamel and paints and varnishes. Enamel is a glassy formation that includes quartz, alkali metal oxides, pigments and other components. After application to the base, these components are processed thermally, resulting in a very durable, wear-resistant protective layer. Unlike paints, which are applied to the surface of the product, enamels are fused. An example of the use of enamel is enamel dishes, enamel-coated bathtubs, some types of ceramics, etc.
Paint is a broader concept than enamel paint composition. The first enamel paint and varnish compositions appeared after chemists learned to modify pentaphthalic drying oil with alkyd resins. Unlike enamel composition, ordinary paint and varnish material is made on the basis of linseed oil (natural drying oil) brought to a boil. The difference in composition is noticeable even in the markings: on cans of enamel paints there is always the abbreviation PF (pentaphthalic), but simple paints contain the MA (oil) index. Enamel paint differs from ordinary paint in its smoother and more durable coating.
Enamel paint is liquid or paste pigments, the medium of which is a solution of film formers in organic solvents. A varnish, alkyd resin or other substance with similar physical and chemical characteristics is usually used as a film former. When the enamel paint and varnish material dries, an opaque film remains on the surface, differing in different cases both in color and texture.
As for the gloss of the coating, this indicator depends not only on the film former, but also on the additives included in the paintwork materials, and therefore some ordinary paints shine much more intensely than enamel paints.
It is worth mentioning such a characteristic feature of the enamel composition as a pungent odor. For ordinary paints, an unpleasant strong odor is not at all necessary, especially if they are water-based: the odor may be absent, weak or even scented.
Despite the above, it should be noted that enamel paints are not always the best choice. The advisability of using enamel paints and varnishes depends on specific circumstances. For example, if for window wooden frames the best choice is alkyd enamel paint, then for a park bench it is better to opt for polyurethane paint and varnish.
With hardness and elasticity, the situation is more clear: enamel coatings are stronger. It should also be noted that enamels are highly resistant to moisture compared to conventional paints, which swell and crack when exposed to moisture.
Enamel paints are a relatively small segment of paint and varnish materials, in which the compositions are characterized by high strength and opacity. Enamels are especially often used in industry when it is necessary to prevent the development of corrosive processes.
Types of enamel coatings
There are many varieties enamel compositions. Only the most common ones are listed below:
- Nitrocellulose. They contain cellulose nitrate, pigmenting substances, additives, fillers and solvent. Most often used for painting metal, concrete and wood. Packaged in cans and aerosol cans. Characteristic- pungent acetone smell. Without preparation in accordance with technological instructions, combination with other paints is unacceptable.
- Organosilicon. Such compositions can be applied to materials and surfaces of all types. The characteristic qualities of silicone enamel coatings include moisture resistance, increased strength and wear resistance.
- This type of paint and varnish materials can only be combined with dried acrylic coating. Pentaphthalic and glyphthalic. Belong to the subspecies oil paints
- and are made from combined and synthetic drying oils after modification with alkyds. This type of paintwork material is compatible with polyurethane-alkyd, acrylic and epoxy compounds. Acrylic. They are a latex-based aqueous dispersion. Acrylic enamels
- Can only be combined with paints and varnishes that are water based. However, it is also possible to combine with other types of paints, subject to appropriate preparation.
Urethane and alkyd-urethane. They are characterized by very high strength and wear resistance. Such compositions can be applied to surfaces painted with oil, epoxy or pentaphthalic paints. The list of types of enamel paints is actually much wider. To get acquainted with full list
compositions, it is recommended to consider special tables of material compatibility, which indicate the names and characteristics of enamels.
Note! It is strictly not recommended to apply oil-based paints and varnishes to nitro-enamel, since nitrocellulose coagulates upon contact with another solvent. If you mix these types of paints and varnishes, the surface will begin to bubble and swell.
Alkyd enamels and oil paints Alkyd enamel coatings can be applied to surfaces painted with oil paints.
- Below are instructions for applying paintwork yourself: As always, before applying the paint composition it is necessary to prepare the surface. Without preparatory work
- it is impossible to achieve proper adhesion: the paint will peel off. Preparation includes removing the old coating. Note that the old coating should be removed only if it comes off easily under mechanical stress. If the coating is very durable, remove dirt and dust from it, and then treat it with coarse sandpaper. We sweep away all the resulting dust after work with sandpaper. We wash the surface with warm soda solution. Next, treat the surface again with a clean warm water
- . We wait until the surface is completely dry. Open a jar of paint and varnish material
- Apply enamel paintwork in three thin layers. In this case, each subsequent layer is applied only after the previous one has completely dried.
Advice! Enamel paint For the second and third layers, it is recommended to prepare it a little thicker than for the first.
At the end of the article, we remind you that working with enamel paints and varnishes is only possible with safety glasses, a respirator and gloves. Alkyds are very toxic both during the surface painting process and during drying.
