Painting the surfaces of buildings, structures, objects is one of the first types of decoration that appeared in history. Today, there are thousands of varieties of paints for different purposes, with different composition and chemical properties. In this diversity, the consumer is not always able to figure it out on his own. Perhaps the most common question asked by experts is whether it is better to choose latex paint or acrylic paint.
Content:
- What are the components of paint?
- Latex paint and its types
- Acrylic paint and its types
- What is the difference between acrylic and latex paints
- Is it possible to mix
- How to choose latex paint
- How to use correctly
- Choice between glossy and matte paints
- Paint consumption
- Paints of foreign manufacturers
- Russian manufacturers
- Price
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What are the components of paint?
Water based paint
The composition of all rubber-based water-soluble paints is identical and includes:
- Binder - one polymer or a mixture of several that make up the base. They provide traction, durability and resistance to negative impacts.
- Pigment - powdered substance in the form of a suspension, which gives color to the composition
- Filler - has a similar structure to the pigment, but its molecules are larger. Responsible for such properties of the finishing material as dullness or glossy sheen, and also enhances the durability of the coloring matter
- Solvent (or water) - liquid in which coloring particles are distributed
- Additional components - additives that give new physical and chemical properties and improve the properties of latex
latex paint samples
When applied to the surface, the liquid evaporates after a while. At the same time, the particles of the polymer and the coloring pigment are combined, forming a film, elastic and durable.
The aqueous dispersion phase of all latex paints consists of synthetic rubber particles stabilized by emulsifiers, which can be:
- acrylic
- urethane
- siloxane
- polyvinyl acetate
- butadiene-styrene
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Styrene butadiene emulsion
The binder in latex colorants is synthetic rubber based on copolymers.
It gives the raw material for dyeing the following characteristics:
- Resistant to dirt and the ability to repel dust particles
- Fast drying on the surface
- The ability to evaporate moisture from the painted area due to the fact that the latex layer allows oxygen to pass through
- The saturation of pigments, why the color of such paints is brighter
- No toxic components (allowed to be used for interior decoration)
- Elasticity, modeling of a flat surface due to the filling of all irregularities and roughness
- Economy in use
latex paint
Varieties of paints and varnishes, depending on the components in the composition, are presented in the table.
| View | Specifications | What finish is it suitable for? |
|---|---|---|
| Polyvinyl acetate (water-based or water-dispersion) | Made from PVA glue, non-toxic, provides good adhesion to the surface. Disadvantages: unstable, easily washed off with water | For dry rooms |
| Butadiene-styrene | Immune to water, but fades easily in sunlight | For bathrooms, toilets, corridors, basements |
| Acrylic | High-quality, suitable for both interior work, facade decoration and painting of exterior elements | For interior and exterior decoration |
| Acrylic silicone | Reliable facade finish with high durability | For facades and rooms with high humidity |
| washable | Based on an acrylate binder polymer | For interior work |
| Rubber acrylate-latex | Creates a coating resistant to moisture, UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, elastic and quick-drying | For covering tennis courts, swimming pools, treadmills |
For interior work, the most commonly used:
- vinyl
- acrylic
- non-drip
- textural
- dense
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Acrylic paint and its types
Acrylic coatings
The binders that underlie acrylic paint are acrylic copolymers: silicone, vinyl, styrene. Manufacturers usually write this on the packaging - 100% acrylic.
Characteristics of paint based on acrylic polymer:
- elasticity
- high adhesion (adhesion to the surface)
- vapor permeability
- resistance to water and UV radiation
- range of colors up to 5 thousand shades
- color brightness and durability
- safety of use (contains no toxic substances, salts of heavy metals)
Such a coating does not crack from sudden temperature fluctuations or its abnormal performance, easy to use and suitable for most painting jobs. Acrylic films do not protect against fire.
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Painting with latex paint
There are such types of acrylic finishes:
- glossy (dissolves with ordinary water)
- glyptal (contains acrylic resin, used for residential decoration)
- special (does not require pre-priming, anti-corrosion, the most expensive)
Can be applied to surfaces from:
- concrete
- glass
- metal
- stone
- brick
- tree (Fibreboard, MDF, chipboard)
- plasters
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Acrylic paints
Strictly speaking, it is impossible to draw a clear line between two acrylic and latex paints: they have similar compositions. At its core, the first is a variation of the second: acrylic is a type of latex.
Both acrylic and latex paints have the following common characteristics:
- durability of use
- they can be applied to any coating, regardless of the relief
- strength and resistance to moisture
- UV resistance
- breathable (no bubbles when applied)
- harmless water acts as a solvent
- give a silky texture to the painted surface
- non-toxicity
However, latex paints due to styrene-butadiene dispersion:
- They have greater elasticity, so they can be used for painting wallpaper
- Visually give painted surfaces a more attractive look
- Tolerates wet cleaning or other exposure to water
Interior acrylic paint
Acrylic paints are more expensive, but also last longer, with greater wear resistance. Latex paints are best used for interior work in dry rooms without bright lighting; for exterior work, it is best to use latex-based acrylic paints.
The difference between the two compositions is most clearly seen in the comparison of water-based and acrylic paints. The former are optimally suited for indoor dry rooms, while the latter can be used everywhere and are not afraid of moisture.
Resellers of paints and varnishes often offer buyers an acrylic-latex mixture. It is cheaper than pure acrylic because it contains styrene-butadiene emulsion.
In terms of quality and physico-chemical characteristics, rubber paints are distributed from the best down in descending order as follows:
- Acrylic latex
- Acrylic Latex Blend
- Polyvinyl acetate
- Butadiene-styrene
- Acrylic silicone
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Is it possible to mix
Mixing paints based on latex
The question of whether it is possible to mix acrylic and latex paint is often asked to craftsmen. Experts do not advise to conduct such experiments. The composition of industrial dyes is clearly calibrated, therefore, when interacting with emulsions, it is difficult to predict the final result.
Both paints are water-soluble, so there will be no problems with the mixing process itself. However, the concentration of the components will change, which will change their final physicochemical characteristics.
If we talk about applying one type of coating to another, then this is possible. It is preferable in this case to make the bottom layer acrylic, and the top layer latex. Acrylic provides reliable adhesion to the surface, and copolymers make it possible to wash painted areas or protect them from rain.
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Paint for interior and exterior works
When choosing a paintwork material, you need to proceed from the purpose of the purpose of the finish. So, paints for interior work are not suitable for painting facades, and substances for exterior painting will not give comfort to the premises.
When purchasing paint, you need to pay attention to the parameters:
- Degree of whiteness (if white pigment is used) - especially important for painting the ceiling
- Finishing effect – what kind of coating gives the paint: glossy, matte or semi-gloss
- Consumption per 1 m2. Indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. When buying, it is worth considering not only the area of \u200b\u200bwork, but also the number of coating layers
- wear resistance - determines the durability of the finish with constant physical contact. On the packaging, the parameter is indicated as the number of abrasion cycles, which must be at least 3000
- hiding power - a property that determines how much the pigment overlaps the original color of the surface
- Thickening rate – the larger it is, the less the likelihood of streaks on vertical surfaces to be painted
- Moisture resistance - it is important to consider when decorating premises associated with the use of water (bathrooms, toilets, utility rooms)
Water-dispersion acrylic paint
On the packaging of high quality acrylic latex paint, the following marks are possible:
- "resistant to dry abrasion" (you can wipe with a dry cloth and remove dust with a vacuum cleaner, broom)
- "for dry rooms" (Assumes low operating load on the surface, should not be a source of moisture nearby)
- "indelible" (can be washed, but there will be stains and streaks on the film)
- "washable" (contains dirt-repellent components, wet cleaning is possible)
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Painting with water-soluble paint
When using paints based on acrylic or with the addition of copolymers, the work is carried out in the following sequence:
- The surface is prepared for painting: cleaned of old paint, dirt
- If necessary, strengthen with a primer and eliminate irregularities and roughness with putty
- Treated with sandpaper for leveling
- The first layer of paint is applied with a roller (not foam rubber) or a brush, painting over all hard-to-reach places with it.
- You need to paint not in patches (so the coating will be uneven), but in continuous lines from one edge to the other
- Let dry, then apply 1 or 2 coats. There should be no streaks on the surface. The average polymerization time of the compositions is 5–6 hours at a temperature of +20 degrees
The quality of staining with latex paint depends on:
- proper surface preparation
- paint material quality
- choice of application tool
- adherence to painting technology
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Semi-gloss acrylic emulsions
On a cleaned surface, latex-based paint gives the effect of:
- glossy
- matte
- semi-gloss
- semi-matt
- completely matte
- completely glossy
When performing interior work, the gloss parameter must be taken into account, because different textures have different characteristics and change the perception of the room.
So, glossy surfaces visually expand the space, are less susceptible to pollution and dust settling. However, gloss requires perfectly smooth surfaces, it does not hide defects and loses its attractive appearance with frequent washing.
Matte paint, on the contrary, hides irregularities well and is easy to clean, but dirt and dust accumulate on it faster. In addition, visually, a space where the walls or ceiling are matte looks smaller and darker.
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Painting non-woven textured wallpaper
When calculating the required amount of paint, the area and texture of the surface are taken into account, to be painted.
For acrylic enamel average consumption rates: for smooth surfaces - 185 g/m2, for uneven or textured - 200 g / m2. Even more latex-based acrylic will be needed for painting non-woven wallpaper (up to 250 g / m2).
To paint the facade, you will need at least 185-200 g / m2 material. If decorative plaster is to be painted, then more raw materials will be needed - up to 250 g / m2. The maximum consumption of acrylic enamel falls on wall decoration: the figures exceed 1 kg per square meter, plus a reserve of 5–7%.
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Paint Caparol
The best manufacturers of latex paints for interior and exterior work are still considered foreign companies, who specialize in paints and varnishes.
Tikkurila
Paint "Joker" from Tikkurila
The world-famous Finnish company began producing water-based paints back in the 1950s and has not lowered the quality bar so far. Latex paints and varnishes of this company are safe for humans, non-toxic, dry in 1.5–2 hours. One liter of paint is enough for approximately 8 m of surface.
The most popular Tikkurila latex-based products:
- Euro 2. Used for painting ceilings, children's rooms - the composition includes only environmentally friendly materials
- Euro 12. Variety with increased wear resistance, suitable for painting walls in the kitchen, in the corridors
- Euro Facade Aqua. Suitable for facade painting, silicone included
- Luya. Used for interior work, prevents the formation of mold on the walls
- Euro Ceiling. Designed for painting the ceiling.
Akzo Nobel
British paint "Dulux"
A manufacturer from the UK that produces latex paints under the Dulux brand.
Popular means: Creations Moonlight (for finishing the ceiling), Latex Matt (matte interior paint), Brilliant White (high vapor permeability).
Manders
Paint “Little Green by Manders”
A British manufacturer with a worldwide reputation, which is known for a large palette of color choices.
Worthy of attention: Intelligent Exterior Eggshell (water-based for painting wood and metal products) and masonry paint (for surfaces made of brick, stone, plaster).
DAW SE
Paint Samtex 7 E.L.F.
The German company that produces the brand of paints Caparol pays special attention to the resistance of the film to wear.
Top quality products: Samtex 20 E.L.F. (for interior coatings), Aqua Inn N°1 (matte for walls and ceilings), Seiden Latex (for painting areas with a high surface load).
Russian manufacturers
Paint of the Russian brand "Lakra"
There are quite a lot of companies producing paints using modern technologies in Russia today.
The most famous brands:
- Parade. Paints withstand wet cleaning and are durable - the service life of the coating is more than 10 years. They are divided into segments: Classic, Professional and Delux. Manufactured facade, interior products, for walls and ceilings
- Olimp. Produces paints: Alpha (matte for ceilings), Beta (for painting walls), Delta (can be used for painting non-woven wallpaper), Elastic (fills in surface roughness, resistant to wear, high hiding power)
- lakra. Products: Interior Paint Latex Base A LAKRA PROF IT (suitable for painting walls in the living room, bedroom), Moisture-resistant White (for corridors), Washable White (for kitchen, office)
Price
Marshall Paint
Foreign-made paintwork materials are expected to be more expensive than Russian counterparts, but their quality is much higher. The minimum price of Russian-made acrylic enamel is about 200 rubles per 1 liter. The cost of foreign quality products that will last a long time starts from 1500 rubles.
The average cost of the most popular latex materials is presented in the table.
| The product's name | Cost, rub. |
|---|---|
| Tikkurila Euro 2 | from 740 |
| Tikkurila Euro 12 | from 1500 |
| Tikkurila Euro Facade Aqua | from 3000 |
| Tikkurila Luya | from 1500 |
| Caparol Samtex 20 E.L.F. | from 600 |
| Caparol Seiden Latex | from 700 |
| Tikkurila Euro Sealing | from 1000 |
| PARADE DELUXE Brilliant Silky Shine | from 5000 |
| PARADE CLASSIC W1 Ideal ceiling | from 300 |
| PARADE PROFESSIONAL E1 SUPERWHITE | from 1500 |
| Lacra interior | from 700 |
| Facade lacra | from 1150 |
| Paint for walls and ceilings | from 500 |
| Olymp Alpha | from 400 |
| Olympus Beta | from 300 |
Latex interior paint
In view of the high cost of paint materials, one way to save money can be to purchase leftover paint through social networks or online message boards.
A person who bought more material than he needed can sell a container of the required volume on Avito much cheaper than the store offers. Another way to reduce the cost of buying raw materials - purchase it in wholesale building markets, warehouses or online.
The separation and comparison of acrylic and latex raw materials is nothing more than a common misconception. These two types of polymeric materials are made from the same base and differ only slightly in composition and consumer characteristics.
However, it is they that must be taken into account when buying, always asking the seller which polymer in a particular coloring matter. So you can avoid cheating and get a beautiful durable finish for your home for a reasonable price.
About whether there is a difference between latex and acrylic paints, see the video:
VIDEO: Acrylic and Latex paints, what is the difference
Latex paint or acrylic: what is the difference and which one is better to choose for different types of work (Photo & Video) + Reviews
How to choose a polymer composition for painting wallpaper, says the video with expert comments:
VIDEO: Color workshop. Wallpaper paint
Latex paint or acrylic: what is the difference and which one is better to choose for different types of work (Photo & Video) + Reviews
Everything is revealed correctly, I think that both acrylic and latex paint are good, but each for its own business. Plus, you need to take into account the quality of the paint, that is, the manufacturer. Personally, I use acrylic more often and it suits me quite well so far.
Thanks for the information, I decided to update the kitchen, but I won’t invest much, because. selling an apartment. Those. it must be both beautiful and economical. I’ll try inexpensive acrylic paint for walls and I want to repaint the facade of the kitchen, I saw how they remove the film and repaint the doors, but I use tikkurila paint there. I'll try Marshal. Indeed, there is doubt. Maybe I’m saving in vain, maybe the paint is not as dense and opaque as tikkurila. Let's see. As you write - it should work. Thank you
Thank you for your kind words 🙂 Good luck!