Advantages of acrylic paints and their uses

Advantages and disadvantages

Acrylic paint is one of the most popular finishing materials today.

This demand is explained by a number of positive qualities that such coatings have:

First of all, the versatility of acrylic paints should be emphasized. They can be applied to almost any surface, be it concrete, brick, plywood, drywall or plastic. In addition, they are used in a wide variety of applications. For example, they can decorate a car or paint the doors in a room.

• Such mixtures are characterized by low gas permeability.
• Acrylic paints are not afraid of exposure to aggressive chemicals.
• These finishing materials are environmentally friendly. There are no dangerous and harmful compounds in their composition, as, for example, in oil versions. That is why acrylic paints can be safely used in decorating children's rooms.
• Such finishing materials do not have pungent and unpleasant odors even after complete drying. That is why it is much easier and more pleasant to work with them.
• Many buyers turn to acrylic mixes because they dry quickly enough. Of course, this fact is also influenced by the thickness of the applied paint layer, however, as a rule, these mixtures become dry within a couple of hours.
• A wide range of colors is another positive factor affecting the popularity of acrylic paints. Thanks to the rich assortment, such a mixture can be easily selected for any ensemble.

• Acrylic based paints are moisture resistant.
• Dirt and dust do not accumulate on these finishing materials, which is why they will have to be cleaned only as needed.
• Acrylic paint is highly durable. It is quite difficult to damage it.
• She is flexible and pliable in work.
• Another significant advantage of acrylic paint is its durability. In this case, this finish is ahead of oil and alkyd products.

Despite such a rich list of positive qualities, acrylic paints also have their drawbacks:

• The main disadvantage noted by many consumers is the high cost of this finishing material.
• In modern stores, a lot of unsuccessful copies of acrylic paints are sold, which are passed off as genuine material. Such mixtures are of low quality and do not last long.
• Acrylic paints are susceptible to freezing, so they lose many of their properties at low temperatures.
• These finishes are not solvent resistant.
• Cannot be combined with other film-forming agents.

Peculiarities

A clear feature of such paints is their environmental safety. This is due to the special substances from which they are produced. Due to the aqueous dispersion of polymers, they can be used in almost any room, for example, they are perfect for repairs in a children's room.

Water-based paints are the most versatile of all paints and varnishes. Such tools can be used when decorating interiors or building facades.

These paints and varnishes perform well when working with concrete, plaster, wood or plastic. They dry very quickly, are easy to apply to the surface and are suitable even for novice craftsmen.

Most often, water-based paints are white and are simply made for tinting. This makes it possible to obtain a huge variety of shades. You can easily apply a new one on top of the old layer.

When choosing acrylic paint, you need to carefully study the composition and label of the package - their types can be designed for different surfaces and purposes.

The water-based composition dries very quickly: it takes from 15 minutes to 2 hours to completely dry. It costs much less than one based on drying oil or acetone.

Composition and properties

The acrylic base consists of traditional elements, the proportions of which can be changed depending on the purpose of the material.

Information! Acrylic gives a shiny surface or a matte finish. It depends on the purpose of the composition. When adding auxiliary components, they artificially create a semi-gloss or semi-matte finish.

Facade

Acrylic is increasingly being chosen for facades. This finishing method is quick to apply and provides a durable finish.

An important characteristic is the ease of disassembly for subsequent repairs. Acrylic is washed off with alcohol solvents and cleaned with simple spatulas

Advantages and disadvantages

the coating is elastic, but durable;
the finish withstands the effects of rain and frost;
provides an even fit due to the strong adhesion of the elements;
dries up in a few hours;
variety of colors;
the ability to create a unique shade of the facade by mixing halftones.

high price;
the need to make several layers to completely cover the old base.

Interior

Walls and ceilings are treated with interior compositions indoors. The basic rule for using acrylic for decoration is the correct selection of color.

Advantages and disadvantages

environmental friendliness of the compositions;
durability, strength;
resistance to pollution;
the possibility of wet cleaning;
ease of application;
various colors.

• the pores that form after application to decorative plaster are prone to salting.

Bath enamels

Acrylic enamels are often used for the restoration of old bathtubs. This method helps to preserve the old bath and completely replace the topcoat.

Advantages and disadvantages

the ability to get an updated bath without replacement and dismantling;
stable topcoat;
persistent color without the presence of yellowness.

shows a tendency to chips and cracks;
requires renewal in 5-8 years;
is sensitive to abrasive cleaning agents.

Automotive

Car enamel can be matte or glossy.

Advantages and disadvantages

resistance to external influences;
no need to use varnish topcoat;
hiding small scratches, defects.

the need to apply several layers to completely cover the old color.

For nails

The acrylic base that is used to stain nail platinum is completely safe. There are no chemical additives in the composition that can be harmful to health.

Advantages and disadvantages

creation of a durable film that does not peel off for 6 days;
the ability to connect different bases: application with glitters, with colored varnishes;
the ability to simultaneously take care of the nails, since the caring elements are added to the composition.

for a strong adhesion, it is necessary to properly prepare the nail plate, use a special degreaser.

For drawing

Liquid acrylic paints combine the ease of application of gouache and the strength of oil paints.

Advantages and disadvantages

not subject to fading;
can be used when working with different techniques;
help to create unique content.

set quickly.

How to dissolve?

For dissolving acrylic paints various components are used. The easiest option is to add a certain amount of water to the mixture.This method is the most common, because it is water that is present in the composition of acrylic-based mixtures.

It is necessary to take into account the fact that after it dries, such paint forms a special protective film that provides the finish with a waterproof effect. For this reason, all tools and accessories should be cleaned as soon as possible after finishing work before the paint has dried.

Using this method, it is possible to change many characteristics of the coloring composition, after which the painted surface will acquire the original glossy or matte sheen.

To dilute acrylic paint correctly and not harm it, you should act in accordance with the following recommendations:

• a 1 to 1 ratio of paint and water will result in an optimal mass that will perfectly fit on any substrate and will serve as a base coat for further painting.
• Application of paint to which two parts of water have been added will produce a very thin layer. It will evenly saturate the surface of the base.

• The amount of water with which you dilute acrylic paint depends largely on the type and thickness of the paint layer that you plan to receive. Keep in mind that the thinner the layer, the less paintwork you need in your work. For such methods, you need to add a little more water.
• If you want to dilute an already dried acrylic mixture, then first you need to grind it thoroughly into powder. After that, the bucket (or other utensil), in which the composition is located, must be filled with hot boiled water. When the water cools down, it must be drained from the dishes and repeat the same procedure again.

Acrylic paint composition

Acrylic acts as a basis in any acrylic paintwork, but in addition to it, a number of additional components are necessarily contained.

Binders

The base, or binder mass of paint, are polyacrylates in the form of an aqueous dispersion, which are considered film-forming agents. They are responsible for the strong adhesion of the composition to the surface, due to their strength, they provide a long service life of the coating. The higher the quality of the base, the more reliable the dried film will be, the less it will react to mechanical damage.

Excipients

The carrier for the base in this paintwork material is water, which makes an emulsion from the acrylic polymer. The paint dries out due to the evaporation of water, but this process occurs too quickly, therefore retarders are added to the paint and varnish materials - substances based on glycerin or glycol.

Drying retardant for acrylic paints Sonnet

In the composition of paints, in addition to acrylic copolymers, up to 10% of auxiliary monomers can be present. The latter are able to significantly affect the properties of the material, adjusting them according to a specific purpose. Thanks to such fillers, you can change:

• elasticity;
• strength;
• hardness;
• chemical resistance;
• adhesion;
• colloidal stability.

Also, paints often contain natural minerals as fillers: talc, chalk, dolomite, calcite, kaolin, mica, barite and others. Efficiency is provided by the addition of highly reflective crystalline fillers.

Powdered talc for paints and enamels

Colored pigments

Pigments are needed to give a certain color to paint. Usually they are a powder, less often a paste or liquid, which is added to the main composition. Also, pigments increase the hiding power of paintwork materials, enhance its resistance to ultraviolet light and other atmospheric factors.

Pigments are organic and inorganic, synthetic and natural. Often, inexpensive weather-resistant substances are used for acrylic composition - oxides of chromium, iron, lead, metal sulfides. Among inorganic colors, titanium dioxide is also used, which is introduced into super-white paints and has a high refractive index of light.

Organic pigments are used less frequently.They are brightly colored tinting pastes, while they are more expensive, but have less resistance to weathering. Typically, pigment particles have a size of 300-400 microns, since it is they that optimally fill the voids between the paintwork materials and are evenly distributed throughout the material.

Solvents and other additives

Organic solvents are added only to special formulations, but most acrylic paints are diluted with plain water. The liquid reduces the viscosity, gives the proper density and provides ease of application. Additional substances in the composition of acrylic paints may include:

• emulsifiers;
• Surfactant;
• biocides;
• defoamers;
• stabilizers;
• preservatives;
• initiators.

Auxiliary additives change the quality, technical, functional characteristics of the paint, give it special properties. They also provide the required shelf life, the service life of the coating, the stability of the composition, and regulate the film formation process. For example, surfactants and emulsifiers help pigments to be better distributed in the total mass, and reduce the surface tension of emulsions. Preservatives inhibit the development of microbes, molds, fungi, defoamers reduce the formation of foam, thickeners regulate fluidity.

Mixing order of components

In the production of paint, an acrylic copolymer is first placed in a container, pigments and a solvent (water) are poured. Then a strictly measured amount of stabilizing and targeted additives and fillers is added. As soon as it is ready, the paint is packaged in containers, but each batch is preliminarily tested for compliance with GOST or TU.

Popular manufacturers

Acrylic paints and varnishes are produced by almost all companies that make paints and varnishes. Below are the brands that you can buy safely, as their quality is time-tested.

Dulux

A world-famous manufacturer that regularly produces new acrylic, latex and other compounds. High quality materials combined with reasonable prices. Paints of this brand have different technical characteristics: texture, resistance to external influences, moisture tolerance. It is easy to find a suitable option for any premises from the company's catalog.

Tikkurila

Another popular brand that presented the widest selection of various paints and varnishes on the market. "Tikkurila" is famous for its very high quality products, but its price can be higher than that of analogues. Most acrylics are versatile. There is also a separate line of acrylic-based products for baths and saunas.

Belinka

Paints of this brand are famous for their durability and wear resistance. There are universal products, as well as separate materials for walls, ceilings, wet rooms, facade paints. Many products are designed to withstand the effects of regular mechanical, physical stress, and aggressive chemicals.

Caparol

A German brand that consistently guarantees the quality and durability of coatings. During its existence (more than 120 years), the company has won worldwide popularity and recognition. All products are positioned as environmentally friendly, harmless to humans and the environment.

Litokol

The company produces high quality interior and facade paints on polymer based, stain resistant, with excellent water repellency. There is a line of products for painting decorative plasters and other building mineral substrates that include a patented protective system. All products are made using the latest technologies, do not fade, are not afraid of fungus.

Farbitex

Acrylic compositions of this brand are intended for work on concrete, brick, chipboard and fiberboard, wood, suitable for painting wallpaper. Means are universal in relation to the premises in which they can be operated. They are suitable for application to walls and ceilings in living rooms, halls and halls, corridors, and other actively used premises.

Ceresit

Various paints and varnishes for external and internal works are produced under this brand. Most paints have the following properties:

• made on a water-dispersion basis;
• white, can be tinted;
• vapor permeable;
• alkali-resistant;
• weatherproof;
• environmentally friendly.

ALPINA

Under this brand, two product lines are produced: for home use and professional. All formulations are easy to apply and have high quality characteristics. In addition to them, a variety of tinting pastes, pigments, and glazes are produced. ALPINA paints are divided into those intended for indoor use, as well as for outdoor use. There are separate lines of waterproof compounds for bathrooms, baths, saunas.

VGT

The structure of the company includes several laboratories and a research center, where the quality of products is controlled and new types are constantly being developed. When producing paints and varnishes, the climatic features of the regions are taken into account, the requirements for environmental friendliness, color purity, and moderate cost are observed. The paint is packaged in containers of 1–45 kg.

"Tex"

Acrylic compounds of this brand, as well as acrylic-latex paints, are very resistant to external factors, dense, and have good hiding power. Most of the materials are universal, while perfectly protecting the base from rusting, decay, and the appearance of mold.

The use of acrylic paints greatly facilitates self-repair in the house. They are easy to apply, have no unpleasant odor, spread evenly over the surface and consistently give excellent results even without the proper experience of the user.

How to dilute the material

Too thick paint must be diluted. Water should be used as a solvent, which is included in all acrylic paints. Also, for dilution, you can use special products that are sold in stores: they can only be a solvent or additionally give special effects (gloss, glitter, metallic).

It is important to keep the correct proportions when adding water so as not to spoil the paint. The best option is to dilute the material with water 1: 1, if the product in the jar is heavily thickened

Such a mixture will cover the walls with a dense layer without gaps, and will retain good hiding power.

You can use diluted paint as a base, and on top carry out another, but thinner layer, diluting the material in a 1: 2 ratio. Also, liquid paint can be used for cosmetic renovation of walls: the composition will cover small dirt, wash away dust, remove stains.

It happens that acrylic paintwork dries up and becomes completely unusable. Some try to dilute it, but such actions lead to the opposite effect - the material comes in lumps, becomes heterogeneous. It is necessary to completely dry the acrylic, grind it to a powder, and only then dilute it with cold boiled water. The quality characteristics of such a paint will be worse than that of the original mass; moreover, the drying and crushing procedure is laborious and time-consuming. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase a new acrylic compound, which is easy to work with, and the result will be at a high level.

Tips & Tricks

In order to create a beautiful design with acrylic paints, you need to follow some recommendations. So, many in the process of work have the question of how such compounds can be dissolved, because they are quite thick and dense. The most common solvent used is water. It can be used if only because it is included in almost all acrylic paints.

But after you dilute the paint with water, stirring it, a protective film will form on all tools. That is why, immediately after mixing and applying this paint to the surface, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse and clean all devices and tools. This must be done within an hour after the end of the work.

You can also dilute paints with the help of specially designed compositions.They are sold ready-made. In addition, with their help, you can transform the acrylic-based composition, if you do not want to buy another one or accidentally made the wrong choice. The thinner can make the paint glossy or, on the contrary, matte.

When thinning paint with water, the correct ratio must be observed. A one-to-one dilution is ideal. Then the paint will cover walls and other surfaces without creating gaps. It is better to use thinned paint first as a base and then apply it in a second coat.

If you want to apply a very thin layer of acrylic paint or to make its shade less bright, then you need to dilute it with water in a ratio of one to two. Such a composition will impregnate any surface well and will lay down in a thin layer.

Some people also experience the problem of drying acrylic paints. But to solve this problem, they only resort to diluting it with water and stirring it. It is not right. Experts recommend first turning the dried mixtures into powder, grinding them using special equipment, and then pouring the resulting powder with boiling water.

After that, you need to wait until the water has completely cooled down. It must be carefully drained so that the paint elements remain in the container again. Then you need to repeat this procedure. On the second lap, do not drain all the water completely. It is enough to leave about half of this composition so that there is enough water to dilute the paint to the desired consistency.

Although in its composition this paint will be similar to that that was before drying, but if this procedure is carried out, then its quality characteristics will become worse. With its help, it is better to paint only household buildings and some discreet interior elements. It is not recommended to paint an accent wall with such a coating.

Experts give a lot of recommendations regarding the process of applying paint and the technology of working with acrylic compositions. Before painting walls or other surfaces with acrylics, they must first be prepared. To do this, remove excess dirt and dust, clean walls and ceilings from greasy stains and streaks.

Before using such compositions, it is imperative to level all surfaces, otherwise the paint can emphasize all the shortcomings. Before applying paint, remove all old coatings, including paintwork. For this, it is better to use a quality spatula. Even small particles of paint left after cleaning can damage the new coating.

It is better to treat cleaned surfaces with a primer before applying the composition. Thus, you can protect walls and ceilings from bacteria and fungus and reduce the consumption of acrylic compound during painting. Acrylic paint should not be applied if the surfaces are cracked and uneven. All of them must be covered with putty.

Acrylic paints on the surface of walls and ceilings must be applied in a specific sequence. First you need to paint over all the corner areas and draw clear lines around the entire perimeter of walls and other surfaces using a roller. Then you need to paint the central part with it. In the corners, work with a brush to paint over them better.

In order for the white coating on the walls to look smooth and of high quality, one of the rules must be followed. So, the last decorative layer should be applied with a roller horizontally towards the window. When applying paint to walls, the minimum is two layers. But, as a rule, it is applied in three layers. Thus, you can achieve the brightest and most saturated color, and also cover up all the gaps.

The highest quality painting can be achieved using a spray gun. This mechanical method of painting requires certain skills.

Price

Marshall paint

Paints and varnishes of foreign production are expected to be more expensive than their Russian counterparts, but their quality is much higher. The minimum price for Russian-made acrylic enamel is about 200 rubles per 1 liter. The cost of foreign high-quality products that will last a long time starts from 1,500 rubles.

The average cost of the most popular latex materials is presented in the table.

Interior latex paint

In view of such a high cost of paints and varnishes, one of the ways to save money can be the purchase of paint leftovers through social networks or online message boards.

A person who bought more material than he needed can sell the container of the required volume on Avito much cheaper than the store offers. Another way to reduce the cost of purchasing raw materials is to purchase them in wholesale construction markets, warehouses or online.

Separating and comparing 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, they must be taken into account when buying, always asking the seller what kind of polymer in a particular dye. This way you can avoid cheating and get a beautiful, durable finish for your home for a reasonable price.

If 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 is stated in a video clip with expert comments:

VIDEO: Workshop of color. Paint for wallpaper

Latex paint or acrylic: what is the difference and which one is better to choose for different types of work (Photo & Video) + Reviews

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