Latex or acrylic paint: which is better?

What is the difference between acrylic compounds and what is better to choose - enamel or paint

The difference between paint and enamel is vapor and moisture resistance. As an additional coating, a thin layer of varnish can be applied to the enamel; it lays poorly on the water-dispersion base and does not affect its durability. Therefore, acrylic paint is better suited for outdoor work, and enamel can be used to cover metal fences, doors, and a car.

In terms of weather resistance and durability, acrylic materials are unequivocally superior to alkyd materials, which makes them the best for outdoor use.

For application on leather, paper, fabric, an acrylic base is better. This is possible due to the high elasticity and breathability of the composition.

Pros of using enamel:

• durability of a glossy surface;
• brighter and more saturated colors;
• wear resistance;
• creates a protective film;
• when processing metal, it provides additional protection against corrosion.

Acrylic enamel is used not only for work in private construction, but also in urban development.

Positive aspects of using acrylic paint:

• allows air to pass through when processing any surfaces;
• resistance to ultraviolet light, temperature extremes;
• transparency and colorlessness;
• environmental friendliness;
• can be sanded and polished.

The composition of acrylic enamel includes alkyd varnish, coloring pigments, solvent. Depending on the manufacturer, fire-fighting, antifungal additives, antiseptics are added to the enamel. Drying time after application can take from several days to several weeks. In addition, the specific smell requires additional ventilation of the room.

Under the acrylic paint from a polymer emulsion, you can apply any kind of primer or simply paint the base material free of dust. The basis of the composition is represented by acrylic resin, dyes, odorless water, as well as chemical impurities. It dries up in 2-3 hours, after which it is recommended to immediately apply a second coat for a more even coverage.

Manufacturers

Today, latex-based paints are very popular and in demand. Many well-known manufacturers offer quality, durable and reliable options. There are many positive reviews about the products of many companies, such as Tikkurila, Parade, Dulux, Dufa, Din Profilux, Pufas. Among the Russian manufacturers, it is worth highlighting the company "Lakra" and "Tex".

Finnish Tikkurila paints have an excellent reputation. They can be used to paint previously painted, putty, concrete and plastered surfaces. The company offers a wide selection of them, so you can easily find the best option depending on the application.

Eco Joker paint is based on acrylic without the addition of organic solvents

The matt washable surface attracts attention with a silky effect. Eco Joker paint is a good choice for painting various surfaces

It looks beautiful on wood, wallpaper and concrete. Perfect for painting brick, cardboard, plaster, plastered surfaces.

Eco Joker interior paint can be applied to both new and painted surfaces. It is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and children's rooms. Another advantage is that it dries very quickly and a new coat of paint can be applied after just two hours.

"Euro 2" is a good solution for painting ceilings, since it is based on a copolymer dispersion. The paint is matte, environmentally friendly.It can even be used for bedrooms and children's rooms. "Euro 3" is perfect for painting wooden surfaces or fiberboard. "Euro 20" is suitable for wet rooms, as well as for painting radiators.

The English company Dulux offers products with good hiding power. Tinted paints can be used to create stylish interior designs. They are characterized by fast drying and excellent viscosity. Dulux Easy is a good solution for painting wallpaper, while Dulux V Sheen is a good solution for painting surfaces that require frequent washing.

German manufacturer Dufa, owned by Meffert AG Farbwerke, is one of the largest manufacturers in Europe. It offers products for interior and exterior use, regardless of the type of surface.

The products of the German company Pufas are well-known in the Russian market. The brand offers a wide range of colors, ease of use, versatility and affordable price.

Latex paint "Matt-Latex" is safe for health, as it contains no solvents. It is characterized by elasticity, economy, excellent moisture resistance, durability, gives a glossy shine to the surface and its complete drying takes place in a day.

The products of the Swedish company Parade have been in demand in many countries of the world for many years. The brand offers high quality products at an affordable price, offering a wide range of both interior decoration and facade work.

Parade Diy paint is water resistant, therefore it is an ideal option for decorating bathrooms and kitchens. It fits perfectly on the surface, while it is notable for its low consumption. The affordable price will appeal to every customer.

Paints and varnishes of the Russian manufacturer "Lakra" have a good ratio of price and quality. It offers facade and interior options, a wide range of colors, excellent quality, strength and elasticity. Many consumers leave extremely positive reviews about the brand's products.

The Russian company "Tex" offers high-quality acrylic-based paints. The advantage of the product is that it does not drip or run off. The painted surface is breathable and not prone to mold and mildew formation. If we talk about the shortcomings, then before using the product, you must first apply a primer to the surface to be painted.

Properties

The qualities of the water-dispersion material depend on the copolymer of the dispersion, from one of the 5 listed in the paragraph "Composition":

1. polyvinyl acetate;
2. styrene butadiene;
3. styrene acrylate;
4. acrylate;
5. versatata.

Let us consider in turn the properties of water-based paints containing one of them in the base:

• yellowing, lack of resistance to water, for this reason, a narrow scope - only in rooms with normal humidity levels, on surfaces that do not require wet cleaning, not exposed to mechanical stress;
• good water resistance, but susceptibility to UV radiation, slightly wider application, but still limited to indoor surfaces;

• porosity of the coating, which forms vapor permeability, resistance to fading in the light, tight adhesion to many surfaces - high adhesion, as a result of wider application, on internal and some external surfaces;
• the highest resistance to light, all the advantages have been improved and allow the active use of this type of acrylic water-dispersion paint in unprotected conditions of the natural environment - outdoors, that is, in external decoration (facades made of different materials - wood, plaster);
• excellent quality characteristics comparable to all the advantages of the listed acrylic paints.

Latex acrylic paints based on synthetic rubber - styrene butadiene, with silicone additives, have a number of advantages:

• resistance to water - form a washable surface, applicable in rooms with high humidity;
• elasticity - will not crack;
• adhesion;
• vapor permeability, but it is better to use a preliminary primer against fungus;
• wear resistance - for rooms with intensive loads;
• a variety of decorative effects;
• incombustibility.

Like all water-based paints, it is environmentally friendly, since it does not contain toxic organic solvents, it dries quickly and is odorless.

All water-dispersible materials can be tinted, they are easy to work with and resistant to alkalis.

Properties and features of both types

In order to determine what water-based and water-based paints are, as well as how they differ, several important factors must be taken into account:

• their constituent components;
• specific gravity;
• viscosity;
• consumption;
• application features;
• expiration dates.

Water emulsion

First of all, we will get acquainted with water-based paint and its main characteristics. This type of coating contains water with particles of special polymers and pigments. Sometimes mineral, acrylic or silicone resins may also be present. You can change the viscosity of such a paint by adding a special solvent in various quantities.

The average consumption of water-based paint is about 210 ml of the product per 1 square meter of the painted area. However, this figure may vary depending on the type of surface, the degree of dilution and some other factors. The specific weight of this type of coating, as a rule, is no more than 1.5 kg.

The important advantages typical for this type of paint are:

• high level of environmental safety;
• absolute absence of odor when the coating dries;
• ease and simplicity of application;
• convenient color change by tinting;
• a wide range of tools for application;
• favorable and affordable cost.

Today there are several varieties of water-based paint, each of which has its own unique properties:

• mineral;
• acrylic;
• silicone;
• silicate.

All of them differ from each other both in composition and in scope. The most budgetary option is mineral water-based coatings. They are usually based on cement or slaked lime. Such coatings are used for painting many types of surfaces, but they cannot boast of a long service life.

The most expensive coating is a silicone water emulsion based on high quality silicone resins. You can cover any kind of surfaces with such paint.

For rooms with a high level of humidity, it is recommended to use silicate water emulsions, which contain liquid glass, as well as coloring pigments.

Water dispersion

Now let's move on to water-based paints. These coatings are based on aqueous dispersions, as well as acrylic, latex or polyvinyl acetate binders. In this regard, the scope of application of the paint differs, as well as its strength and moisture-resistant properties.

The simplest and most inexpensive option is a water-based paint based on PVA - polyvinyl acetate. In most cases, it is she who is used to paint ceilings in various rooms. It is highly undesirable to use it in the bathroom and in the kitchen due to its low moisture-resistant abilities. Another significant drawback of this type of paint is its tendency to get dirty rather quickly.

And finally, the third type of paint is acrylic water dispersion.Due to its high protective properties and ideal resistance to adverse weather conditions, it is ideal for use both inside and outside buildings of various types. It can be applied to concrete and wood surfaces of walls and ceilings. High humidity does not threaten such a coating at all.

Definition

Water-soluble paints and varnishes are a combination of precisely selected proportions of chemically active components. The components improve each other's properties, increase important characteristics, and reduce the indicators of undesirable effects.

Main components:

1. The polymer is a bonding base, improves the adhesion of the solution to the painted surface, prolongs the service life, and resists negative factors.
2. Pigment is a powder suspension that colors the base. Added by the manufacturer, sold separately.
3. A filler with a structure similar to the pigment, enhances the fastness of the paint, gives the surface a matt, glossy finish.
4. The solvent is the basis of the mixture, is added in the required amount by the manufacturer, increases and decreases the viscosity of substances.
5. Additives - contribute to the improvement of characteristics, the emergence of new properties.

The division into groups is done by choosing a similar binder polymer:

• polyvinyl acetate;
• styrene butadiene;
• acrylic silicone;
• acrylic;
• rubber acrylate-latex.

Advantages

There are many characteristics that attract buyers. There is an insignificant difference between the same solutions from different manufacturers, therefore, it is recommended to view the properties of interest in the instructions before purchasing.

Main advantages:

1. Ease of application by any known method, good coverage of the base.
2. Lack of a sharp, unpleasant odor. It is allowed to paint children's rooms.
3. Good coating quality, long service life.
4. Environmentally friendly basis, safety, there are no chemical impurities that adversely affect health.
5. It is produced in white, pigments are used to give shades.
6. Efficiency - a small expense when compared with other varieties.
7. Availability - prices are relatively low, good quality.
8. Dries quickly, re-staining is carried out after 6 hours.
9. Moisture, ultraviolet light does not have a negative effect.

disadvantages

There are several criteria that repel buyers:

1. Increased requirements for the base - perfect evenness, no debris, high adhesive qualities. A thin layer does not hide irregularities, defects, chips of the previous finish.
2. Cracking of the surface occurs under the influence of low temperatures, their drops, drafts.
3. Harmless composition - an advantage and a disadvantage. The coloring solution is harmless to humans, microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, pests. It is recommended to treat the base with antiseptic agents before staining.

Comparison of latex and acrylic paint: what's the difference?

As you can see, the main physical properties of latex and acrylic paints are the same. But their main difference is the composition, because acrylic itself is more resistant than rubber.

• Usually paints are distinguished by the quality of the painted surface. Acrylic paint looks more presentable and externally hardens the surface. While latex paint allows you to cover the most embossed surfaces. In terms of colors, acrylic and latex paints are practically not inferior to each other.
• But the pricing policy is significantly different - latex paint is several times cheaper than acrylic products, and this cannot but attract a buyer.
• In addition, most manufacturers focus on a wide color palette, which is obtained by mixing two paints, so that often on the modern market you can find a hybrid paint based on a copolymer, but with the addition of rubber and styrene.
• Although there are similarities between acrylic and latex paint - they are similar in many physical properties. After all, both paints are water-based, which makes them resistant to moisture.
• True, latex and acrylic paints are distinguished by their resistance to external factors. The latter material turned out to be more durable, albeit with a slight margin.

In conclusion, I would like to add only that everyone should choose the appropriate option for themselves, starting from the ratio of price and quality. After all, the main difference between acrylic and latex paint is cost. The first coating, due to its physical characteristics and composition, is significantly more expensive than a latex material. But it is also considered a very stable budget option.

Acrylic paint

Acrylic paint is water-based and also based on copolymers. The copolymer contains silicone, styrene, vinyl - this is one of the main differences between acrylic paint and latex paint, therefore, acrylic paints are considered to be of better quality than latex ones, and they are in much greater demand. This is both a plus and a minus, since this composition is very expensive. Copolymers (included in these paints) give the paint much better resistance than the artificial rubber that is part of the latex paint.

This type of paint (acrylic) does not crack due to temperature changes. Acrylic paint also has advantages in use. First of all, this paint is easy to use. Secondly, you can work with it even at very low temperatures (-30 degrees Celsius). Also, after it has dried, a very strong film forms. Acrylic paint can last for about 20 years. Acrylic paint is suitable for both exterior and interior work. Of course, acrylic is the best paint at the moment. It is used in almost all types of painting work. Due to its quality and ease of use, this type of paint is very popular among users. After painting, the brush used to paint any surface is very easy to wash off. Acrylic paints also have their own types, which are endowed with their own individual properties. They can be considered individually.

Types of water dispersion paint

The scope of VD paint is very wide, respectively, there are several types of material, different in composition and properties.

Latex based

Styrene-butadiene dispersions - excellent quality paints for interior use. Pros:

• due to their high moisture resistance, the compositions are suitable for painting walls in bathrooms and kitchens (washable paint) and ceiling decoration;
• the coating is resistant to abrasion and does not require complex maintenance;
• the material has high elasticity and the ability to mask small cracks on the painted surface;

Latex-based water-dispersion paints are an exclusively interior finishing material, since such a coating quickly turns yellow under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and collapses in the cold.

Acrylic based

Waterborne acrylic paints have earned an excellent reputation in the market. These materials are widely used for facade work, as well as for indoor walls and ceilings. Advantages:

durability - a high-quality coating can last up to 15 years;
lack of toxic substances in the composition, hypoallergenic;
the material does not smell;
the coating repels moisture and washes perfectly;
create a vapor-permeable film, which is extremely important for walls and ceilings in damp rooms: mold does not appear on "breathing" surfaces;
the coloring agent has good adhesion and is suitable for finishing plastered, concrete, brick and wood surfaces;
the composition is non-flammable (fireproof);
working with water-based paint is extremely simple;
the coating dries quickly, tightening fine cracks, resistant to mechanical stress.

When you use water-based paint for the ceiling, walls and other surfaces inside the room (for furniture, doors), no special conditions are needed, it is enough just to exclude the appearance of drafts. When carrying out facade work, you have to take into account several factors that will definitely affect the result.

How regular latex paint can differ from acrylic paint

First of all, it is necessary to unambiguously define what is called acrylic and what is called latex, let's clarify the terminology!

Acrylic paint is a synthetic polymer based on ethenecarboxylic (propenoic) acid.

Latex paint. Here the situation is more complicated. Latex is an aqueous dispersion of natural or synthetic rubber particles that are stabilized by emulsifiers, like that. And now begins what we actually started this whole conversation for. Natural latex is called the sap of some plants, and synthetic latex is water dispersion of styrene-butadiene, polyvinyl acetate, acrylate urethane and similar synthetic particles. From the above, it follows that the acrylic dispersion is a special case of latex as such.

Thus, to talk about latex and acrylic paint, which is better? strange to say the least, to say the least. We can only talk about comparing different types of latex paint with each other.

And yet we will try to answer the question of interest to many, albeit incorrectly posed question. To do this, let's make an assumption, what did the managers, who were not particularly scrupulous, mean by acrylic paint. Most likely, it meant a dispersion of acrylic polymers. In this case, the styrene-butadiene dispersion should be referred to as latex paint. If our assumptions are correct, then the answer will look like this: acrylic paint differs from latex in good strength, more resistant to washing, less fading in the sun, but its cost is higher.

Having sorted out this intricacy, let's move on to the really important issues.

First of all, let's find out what components the latex paint consists of.

The most important place is occupied by binding components. It is on them that the service life, wear resistance and other important characteristics depend.

The binders in latex paints are either polymers or a mixture of them in appropriate proportions. It is on them that the operational properties of the future coating depend;
A dye that determines the color of the future coating. It is an insoluble powder miscible with binders;
The filler differs from the colorant in its large fraction size. In addition, the strength of the glossy surface of the coating depends on the properties of the filler;
A solvent, which is most often played by water;
Various additives that serve to impart different specific properties required in a given situation.

Thus, the most important component of any polymer emulsion is the binding components; it is they that determine the durability, wear resistance and other important characteristics.

Varieties of polymer binders

Although a wide variety of different polymers can be used to make latex dispersions, 4 types of latex dispersions are currently most commonly used:

1. acrylic polyvinyl acetate;
2. acrylic silicone;
3. acrylic styrene butadiene;
4. acrylic.

All latex varieties are divided into two main groups: for interior painting and for facade work. Facade paints are characterized by the use of various antifungal components, and their binders are highly durable and durable.

In turn, dispersions for interior work are also divided into several types: these are acrylic, drip-free, vinyl and textured.

Acrylic paints are the best options for woodworking.

Drip-free, used for painting poorly processed surfaces and in hard-to-reach places.

Vinyl coverings are intended for painting and tinting walls indoors.

Textured paints allow hiding minor defects of the painted surface, and also claim some artistic properties.

Next, we will consider the main characteristics of the most commonly used latex dispersions.

Polyvinyl acetate paint

This paint is more widely known as a water-based paint. It is produced on the basis of PVA and does not contain any organic solvents other than water, therefore it has practically no smell. The main advantage of this coating is good adhesion. The relatively low cost of this emulsion provides it with wide popularity. The disadvantages include:

1. The impossibility of using it for facade work, although this can hardly be considered a drawback, rather a specificity, since the cost of such a paint clearly does not provide for outdoor work.
2. But the fact that it does not withstand a drop in temperature is already a more serious drawback, since it excludes its use in unheated summer cottages and other similar premises.

Styrene butadiene latex paint

The main difference between this mixture from the previous one is the possibility of using it in conditions of high humidity, in addition, it has quite good strength. A serious drawback is not sufficient resistance to direct sunlight, when exposed to the latter, the dyes quickly lose their properties, but this does not prevent it from being used to paint rooms where access to sunlight is limited.

Acrylic silicone paint

High strength of the coating, good resistance to weathering, increased vapor permeability allow using this paint for the entire spectrum of outdoor work. In addition, the environmental safety of this dispersion makes it possible to use it for painting interiors, where the requirements for surface durability are particularly high.

Acrylic latex paint

Acrylate emulsions have the highest performance of all latex emulsions. It appears that blended resin paints are only being created to somewhat reduce the cost of acrylic latex paints. Of course, their cost is significantly higher than the cost of any other similar dispersions, but the result is worth it.

Now, after a thorough analysis, we can finally answer with confidence the question of latex paint or acrylic, which is better? Well, in general, that's all, now you know enough, and the choice, as always, is yours.

Output

In general, acrylic paints of any kind can be used to paint both walls and ceilings. In this regard, latex paints are inferior and they require a certain type with their additives, so you need to be careful when buying latex paints. The main advantage of latex paints over acrylic paints is moisture resistance, a room where frequent ingress of water on the painting area is possible, acrylic paints are not recommended. Also, only water cannot serve as a solvent for acrylic paints, but there are special thinners - this is another disadvantage of acrylic paints over latex paints, since we have already learned that water is a solvent for latex paints. But nevertheless, ordinary latex paints cannot cover all surface defects, acrylic paints cover all defects much better, and when buying a special type of acrylic, you can completely forget about this problem.The question is about the price, if the owner is ready to spend money on the purchase of acrylic paints - this is the best option for painting.

Even in terms of self-painting, it is better to use them, because it does not require certain skills.

But if you do not pay much attention to various defects or they are insignificant, then latex is also the right choice, since the price of these paints is small. However, if you do not have the ability to paint, then it is better to hire a painter.

Keep in mind that latex paints are not suitable for all rooms. The room must be well heated, as latex paints do not tolerate low temperatures. However, if stains appear on a surface painted with acrylic paints, it is harder to get rid of them. In the meantime, if stains appear on the latex-painted surface, they can be removed with plain water.

Acrylic and latex paints are generally the same, each paint has its own pros and cons, so you shouldn't stop there. The main thing is to always monitor the cleanliness of the room, then there will be no problems in the future. And when using acrylic paints, the owner can forget about updating the interior for a long time for twenty years. There is a separate type of paints - acrylic latex paints. It is also gaining popularity and is also suitable for painting walls and ceilings. In general, if you need a very high quality painting and do not think about means, acrylic is the most excellent option. But if you need to save on painting, latex paints are perfect for the interior of the room. The choice is yours!