A single lick of paint can brighten any surface. For residential and commercial building owners, paints are one way to express their tastes and styles. No matter how small or large the surface is, the right color and type of paint can bring about a significant facelift.
While choosing colors is a simple matter of preference and aesthetics, the paint type is entirely different. With acrylic and latex-based paints being some of the most popular options, it can be tricky to choose. How do you know the right one for your project? Find out below.
What is latex paint, and when is it ideal?
Latex paints are composed of water-based liquids, pigments, and binders. It is unique in the world of paints due to its inclusion of synthetic rubber. This, more than anything else, makes it different from oil-based paints.
Latex paints are compatible with various surfaces, including trim, furniture, cabinets, and ceilings. They're particularly great for interior paint jobs. Latex paints are applicable for the following:
Artworks
Ceilings
Stucco
Wood
Drywall and plaster
Aluminum siding
Pros
Durable
Non-toxic
Easy to maintain
Compatible with various surfaces
Cons
Dries slowly
It doesn't bind well to metallic surfaces
It may cause grain swelling on painted wood surfaces
What is acrylic paint, and when is it ideal?
Like latex paints, acrylic paints are water-based. They consist of pigments and acrylic binders. Because they have minimal VOC emissions, they're an environmentally sustainable paint option.
Then applied to surfaces, they form a thick, highly durable protective film and layer with the binder to help it maintain its structure. Acrylic paints can be used for the following:
Street art
Bathrooms
Interior trim
Siding
Cabinets
Exterior projects
Pros
Dries quickly
Water-resistant when dry
Has UV-protection properties
Adheres really well
Cons
It does not work well with previously oil-based-painted surfaces
Difficult to paint larger areas
Requires multiple coats
Latex vs. Acrylic Paint: What’s the difference?
The differences between the two are:
Composition
Acrylic paints are composed of resin and synthetic polymer, which makes them dry quickly to form a water-resistant layer. On the other hand, latex paints are made from polyvinyl acetate and tree resin.
Durability
Although the paint brand can determine a paint’s durability, latex paints fade, crack, peel, and chip quicker than their acrylic counterparts.
Adhesion
Acrylic paints adhere well to a broader range of surfaces than latex. It sticks well to concrete, wood, and metal. Although latex adheres to surfaces reasonably well, it may require a primer on certain surfaces.
Areas of use
Latex paints are great for interior walls and ceilings, while acrylic is a better choice for metal surfaces.
Shelf life
Latex paints can last up to 10 years in sealed containers, while acrylic paints have a shelf life of about 15 years. However, the latter dries faster when opened.
Drying time
Acrylic takes less than 30 minutes to dry, making it suitable for projects involving several coats. Latex paints, on the other hand, can take up to an hour to dry.
Give your building exterior a massive facelift
While you may be tempted to DIY your painting project, opting for a professional painting service is much better. At Goliath Exteriors, we can help you determine the right paint type for your project, saving you time and money and ensuring the job is done to the highest standard. Reach out to us today to get a free quote.
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