Advantages and features of acrylic and alkyd paints

Types and uses of acrylic paint

Depending on the scope of application and the types of additional elements used, acrylic solutions also have their own classification.
Each type has its own technical characteristics and features. Each type has its own technical characteristics and features.

Facade paints

From the name it becomes clear that they are created to protect the facades of houses from the negative influence of the environment. In addition to facades, they are used for painting fences, gates, and personal buildings.

The surfaces painted with them will be reliably protected from rain, snow, sudden changes in temperature, and other harmful external influences. Only the cheapest acrylic paints require additional protective agents to be applied on top. The most durable and reliable are acrylic substances containing organic solvents.

Compositions for facade work that use water as a base are considered to be flawed in terms of their protective properties against natural factors, but when marble chips are added to them, these properties become more reliable.

Facade paints are created to protect house facades from the negative influence of the environment.

When it is necessary to paint metal products, it is necessary to choose compositions with elements designed to protect against the formation of rust on it.

It is necessary to choose compositions with elements designed to protect against the formation of rust on it.

Working with wood involves adding special components that resist fungal growth. You can use colorless acrylic compounds to preserve the natural grain of the wood. Acrylic paint is ideal for coating concrete, plaster, stone, and brick surfaces.

Working with wood involves adding special components that resist fungal growth.

Interior paints

Acrylic compositions created for indoor use differ from compositions for outdoor use in the absence of components to withstand natural influences. But inside the building they also demonstrate their durability, durability (do not crumble or crack), and the ability to maintain color brightness for a long period.

Since they are easy to apply and do not require special skills, they are often chosen for painting walls and ceilings in a room, they are great for realizing the most daring design ideas. With them you can create entire wall paintings in the room.

Interior use is also possible in relation to furniture, they are suitable for transforming windows and doors. The main difference in artistic use for interior design from oil products is that they do not have a strong odor, so you can work with them at any time of the year, because you do not need to open windows in the cold.

They are perfect for realizing the most daring design ideas.

Specialized paints

There are many variations of paints that are suitable for specific applications, they have added components and are suitable for a specific application.

You can note their use for painting bathtubs; they can refresh the enamel coating of an old bathtub

To do this, first remove the old coating, and then cover the bathtub with a moisture-resistant acrylic composition, here it is important to create a thick layer of several millimeters, the surface of the bathtub painted in this way will last about 10 years

You can note their use for painting bathtubs; they can refresh the enamel coating of an old bathtub.

Automotive acrylic mixtures are also popular; they create a beautiful decorative coating that also protects the car from corrosion.

They create a beautiful decorative coating that also protects the car from corrosion.

Acrylic varnishes are widely known and are often used for manicures and pedicures in beauty salons. They are easy to apply, you can create beautiful nail designs, and this nail coating lasts a long time.

They are easy to apply, you can create beautiful nail designs, and this nail coating lasts a long time.

There are special paints for painting. They are available in tubes, cans, and other types of containers.

They are available in tubes, cans, and other types of containers.

It’s not for nothing that acrylic paints are so popular; they have a number of advantages and can be used to implement many design ideas, and simply as a protective coating for surfaces. Their main advantage is environmental friendliness and safety coupled with good practical properties. A wide variety of types makes it possible to choose the best composition suitable for a specific purpose.

Areas of application of enamels and paints

For the exterior, enamel is better, but for the interior - paint

1. External coatings. If your plans include painting outdoor areas, then you should definitely choose enamel. Paint tends to crack if it is in constant contact with moisture.
2. Windows and benches. However, enamels are not resistant to sunlight. For the mentioned elements it is better to use ordinary paints and varnishes.
3. Interior decor and cosmetic repairs. In this case, it is also better to use paint, since it has a suitable loose texture. The choice of enamel may result in the coating “crackling” some time after application.

The answer to the question of how enamel for coloring differs from ordinary paint is ambiguous. Several factors must be taken into account, including the manufacturing method, the presence of additives, the nature of the odor, etc.

In order to navigate the variety of paints and enamels, choose them correctly, and select auxiliary materials for them, it is useful to get acquainted with the accepted markings.

The name of the paint or enamel, which must be indicated on the packaging (label), contains symbols that help to find out the composition of the paint (enamel) and its purpose. Paints are produced on the basis of drying oils, varnishes and enamels - on the basis of synthetic resins. The index of letters behind the name tells you what binder the paint or enamel is made from. The letters MA indicate paints on drying oils made from vegetable oils, PF - enamels on pentaphthalic varnishes, GF - on glyphthalic varnishes, DA - on oil-phenolic varnishes, ML - melamine-alkyd resins, MC - on urea-formaldehyde resins, PVA - based on polyvinyl alcohol, BG - based on bitumen, AK - based on polyacrylates, MS - based on melamine styrene resins, PE - based on polyester resins.

The letter is followed by a number. By the first number you can judge the purpose of the paint. Numbers 1 and 5 indicate that the paints are suitable for exterior and interior use, number 2 – only for indoor painting, 0 – primer, 00 – putty.

Paints based on drying oils (MA), glyphthalic (GF), pentaphthalic (PF) and oil-phenolic (PA) varnishes belong to the group of alkyd paints. They are compatible with each other, they can be mixed in various ratios (proportions).

Paints suitable for exterior use must be prepared with fade-resistant pigments and weather-resistant binders. Some pigments - zinc white, ocher, red lead, chromium oxide - do not fade even in bright sunlight.

High-quality oil compositions are obtained only from natural drying oil. They are used to paint surfaces for protective and decorative purposes. If the main purpose of painting is to protect the surface being painted, painting is performed with compounds that form a glossy film. When decoratively finishing indoor surfaces, matte coatings are usually used, which soften the paint tones and make defects of surfaces previously prepared for painting less noticeable.

Matte coatings are obtained by reducing the amount of binder in the film, replacing it with an evaporating solvent and introducing matting additives into the compositions - waxes diluted in a solvent. Such coatings are beautiful, but their strength is low. When preparing for painting with matte compositions of oil paints, the surfaces are primed with drying oil or paint and painted at one time with a thick oil composition until glossy. In this case, the appearance of the prepared surface should be uniform. All alkyd paints and enamels are applied with a brush or roller, usually in two layers. Paint consumption per 1 square meter of surface (in one layer) is on average about 150 g. Paint consumption depends on color and hiding power; for white – at least 200 g/m².

Those who are professional painters know the answer to this question. These are painters, people who sell varnishes and paints, as well as those who certainly work with these substances. Ordinary people do not understand the differences and think that enamel and paint are the same thing. Many people think that paint has a decorative matte finish, while enamel has a shine. But all these judgments are wrong. And there are a lot of differences.

Advantages and disadvantages

Paint and varnish coatings used during the decorative treatment of walls are valued for many advantages. Main advantages:

1. Fast polymerization ensures high drying speed of the coating.
2. Easy to process and safe, the materials are almost odorless, and the emulsion fumes are non-toxic.
3. Large selection of colors, high hiding power and thin-layer coating.
4. Good grip and versatility when used on any type of material.
5. Attractive appearance after decorative treatment.
6. The tightness of the coating protects the walls from mold and the development of corrosion processes, which increases the service life of the treated material.

Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that rapid polymerization can only occur at positive temperatures.

The difference between oil paint and enamel

Oil paint and varnish mixtures are used for interior and facade work, for painting and priming various building materials. The compositions can be applied to wooden walls as the first layer for subsequent enamel coating. Taking into account the manufacture of coatings, there are 2 types:

• Thickly grated. Before you start painting, the composition must be diluted with turpentine or drying oil.
• Liquid grated. The composition is ready for application immediately after opening the can.

Oil mixtures are not often used as a finishing layer, as they have certain disadvantages:

1. Long drying time.
2. Insufficient coverage and poor abrasion resistance.
3. The drying oil contained in the composition gives a yellowish tint to the surface over time.
4. A thick layer does not allow air to pass through, which leads to the formation of cracks on the surface.
5. Toxicity of a product made from synthetic drying oil.

But this type of paint and varnish is popular because of its relative cheapness and versatility of use. The use of oil compositions on surfaces that are not subject to mechanical stress allows the coating to be used for quite a long time.

Features of the choice of paint coating are determined by the scope of use and the main purpose: almost all surfaces can be treated with the compositions, while they perform a protective function. But the protective performance of enamel is much better.

Once a can of oil paint is opened, it is not recommended to store it for a long time; the deposited additives dry out, making the mixture unsuitable for painting. Enamel compositions become thick during long-term storage; before use, they simply need to be diluted with a solvent.

There are a huge variety of different types of paint and varnish coatings, and in order to choose the right one, you need to understand under what conditions and for what purposes the surface will be used. And, of course, we must not forget that any paint is only a tool in the hands of the painter. And how the interior of the room turns out also depends on how correctly this tool is used.

Compound

In fact, the only similarity is that both are paints. They are completely different in composition.

The alkyd type can be called a more modernized version of oil paints. They are characterized by a similar mechanism of hardening and formation of a surface film (which, by the way, is somewhat stronger, but less elastic). Alkyd paints consist of polyhydric alcohols (for example, glycerin) in combination with orthophthalic acid. Actually, the word “alkyd” comes from a combination of the words “alcohol” (alcohol) and “acid” (acid).

Unlike alkyd paints, acrylic paints are made on the basis of acrylic, a polymer better known as plexiglass. Paints may contain various additional components designed to improve certain properties (add elasticity, speed up drying).

Basic properties

• Life time. Unlike alkyd paint, the surface of acrylic paint retains its original appearance much longer. It is advisable to renew alkyd paint about once a year, since oxygen and ultraviolet radiation intensively destroy the surface layer of paint. Acrylic coating, subject to the technology of surface preparation and paint application, can last from 8 (wood) to 20 (plaster) years.
• UV resistance. Acrylic practically does not change the properties of the surface film when exposed to sunlight, that is, it does not fade, does not turn yellow, and does not acquire a “matte” appearance. Alkyd compounds are not so reliable in this regard.
• Drying process. But the alkyd film dries relatively quickly, and after just a couple of days it fully performs its protective and decorative functions. The acrylic film completes its formation approximately a month after application to the surface. In this case, the coating should be protected from mechanical influences until it is completely dry.
• Mechanical stability. The longer process of forming an acrylic film is compensated by a higher level of resistance to mechanical stress (deformation, scratches).
• Decorative properties. Alkyd compositions are distinguished by a more diverse range of shades and halftones, as well as generally brighter colors. On the other hand, acrylic paint lasts longer and does not require regular updating.

Are acrylic and alkyd paints compatible?

Is it possible to apply alkyd compounds to acrylic or vice versa? Neither of these is recommended, especially if the substrate was painted relatively recently or if the surface is metal. The fact is that the specific composition of the paints may not be completely clear to us. Alkyd compositions may contain components that will appear as dark spots through the acrylic paint layer. If alkyd paint is applied over acrylic, then it may not adhere to it, that is, it may peel off.

Nitro enamels. From gunpowder to paints

More than two hundred years ago, in 1800, French economist and politician Pierre Dupont immigrated to America with his two sons and their families. Once there, the Du Ponts decided to open a gunpowder factory. One of the sons, Eleuther Dupont, had to do this, since he was familiar with gunpowder firsthand: in France, he worked at the state gunpowder factory under the leadership of the great Antoine Lavoisier.

No sooner said than done. In 1802, in Delaware, near the city of Wilmington, work began on the construction of a new gunpowder factory, soon after which boxes with the inscription “DuPont. Explosives" (explosives).

For a long time, the Du Ponts dealt only with gunpowder, but at the turn of the 20th century they decided to start producing other goods. To do this, they built a large laboratory and hired several dozen chemist scientists. Thus began an era of revolutionary discoveries, including: the first synthetic rubber (neoprene), the first artificial fiber (nylon), cellophane, Teflon, lycra, Kevlar and many others. The name DuPont thundered throughout the world.

The history of the development of automobile paints almost coincides with the history of these discoveries. In 1923, when processing cellulose fibers, chemists obtained the world's first nitro paint, which made a real technological revolution in the automotive industry. Unlike oil paints, which were applied with brushes and dried at a snail's pace, nitro paints could be applied using pneumatic sprayers and dried almost instantly. All this led to the hegemony of nitro enamels in the automotive world.

But these paints also had disadvantages. Due to its low gloss, the coating required frequent polishing (in the twenties, linen rags and polishing pastes were used for this). And the painting process itself was long and laborious. Due to the low dry residue, the nitro enamel film was too thin and brittle, so 5 to 11 layers of enamel were required to obtain a durable coating.

By the way, this is exactly how government “Chaikas” and “Zilas” were painted during the Soviet Union. The coatings of these “member carriers” consisted of up to 12 layers! Moreover, during the painting process, the application of each subsequent layer of enamel alternated with careful polishing of the previous one, and the last layer was necessarily treated with wax polishes.

Needless to say, cars painted this way looked great. There was absolutely no shagreen on their surface, the paintwork gave exceptionally beautiful, clear highlights and reflections. Later, however, the whole thing had to be almost constantly tinted and polished - fortunately there was someone...

Relatively old Rolls-Royces and Cadillacs were painted using the same technology. For example, this is what a 1938 Cadillac 60 Special looked like, painted with nitro paint.

Let's talk about the film formation mechanism of nitro paints. What do you think is the reason for their polymerization? It's a tricky question - no polymerization actually occurs in nitro paints. These paints harden, or rather simply dry, solely due to the evaporation of solvents. That is, due to a purely physical process.

The resulting film after drying is reversible, which leads to another disadvantage of nitro paints: the coating has low resistance to aggressive influences, such as gasoline and sunlight.

The disadvantages of nitro paints forced paint manufacturers to look for ways to obtain new, more durable and easier-to-use materials. Although, despite all the disadvantages of nitro paints, it is still worth giving them their due - for their time they were very good.

By the way, nitro paints are still produced (you can identify them by the NC marking). Of course, they are almost never used in car repair. They are mainly used by restorers of rare cars or owners of old special equipment such as tractors and bulldozers. And then only in order to prepare such equipment for inspection as cheaply as possible.

Differences in composition, characteristics

To find out exactly how acrylic enamel differs from alkyd enamel, you need to consider their composition. Their only similarity is that they are used to paint a variety of surfaces. However, there is a big difference between acrylic and alkyd enamel. First of all, the difference between acrylic enamel and alkyd enamel lies in their composition.

Alkyd enamel is a more modernized version of oil paints. It is characterized by similar solidification mechanisms, as well as the formation of a so-called surface film. However, unlike other types of oil products, the surface film that forms after its application to the surface to be painted is slightly stronger, but significantly inferior in terms of elasticity.

The composition of these paints and varnishes includes polyhydric alcohols. Quite often, they are made from glycerin and orthophthalic acid. In addition, the name alkyd itself owes its origin to the combination of two words - alcohol and acid.

Acrylic enamels, unlike alkyd paints, are made on the basis of a substance called acrylic. This substance is a polymer, which is also known as plexiglass. They may also contain a variety of additional substances that are necessary to improve its characteristics or properties (increasing the level of elasticity, improving drying characteristics, surface tension).

Purpose and application

Alkyd enamel, due to its universal properties and characteristics, is widely used during repair and construction work. It is used for painting almost any surface or material. Alkyd paint can be used to paint surfaces both during interior and exterior construction or repair work.

Most often, it is used for painting structures made of metal or wood. In addition, it is perfect for painting concrete, perfectly protects metal structures from the harmful effects of an aggressive external environment, and also actively prevents the formation of rust on metals. Therefore, it is most often used for painting structures in industrial buildings, as well as in a variety of household objects. For example, quite often it is used as the main means for painting heating radiators.

take care of good ventilation inside the rooms. During work, it is recommended to use gloves, as well as a respirator to protect the respiratory system.

Acrylic enamel is a universal product that is perfect for painting almost any surface. As a rule, it is used when painting surfaces made of:

• metal;
• concrete;
• tree.

It has increased resistance to low as well as high temperatures. Therefore, it is perfect for both interior and exterior decoration. Thanks to its use, any surface to which it has been applied becomes immune to the harmful effects of moisture or pests (in the case of painting wooden surfaces).

Despite their wide range of applications, these enamels are most often used for painting surfaces made of metal. It should be noted that they are not applied directly to the metal itself. Before using them, the surface to be painted is pre-treated with a primer. As a rule, cars are painted with acrylic enamels. These paints are also used for painting heating radiators, because, as you know, they can perfectly withstand temperatures up to 120 degrees Celsius.

Flow rates per 1 m?

To find out which enamel is better, acrylic or alkyd, you also need to consider their consumption rates per 1 m2. The standard consumption rate of acrylic enamel can be taken into account only when painting smooth surfaces (walls, ceilings). When painting rough surfaces, the consumption may be slightly higher than the standard value. The traditional consumption rate for painting is no more than 200 grams per 1 m2.

The consumption rates of alkyd enamel primarily depend on the type of surface being painted. For example, consumption rates when painting wooden and metal surfaces may differ slightly from each other. On average, its consumption when painting 1 m2 is 130 grams.

Recommendations for choosing enamel paints

Enamel paints are considered a fairly reliable material, however, it is simply necessary to know the recommendations for choosing a coloring composition. The following details will help you decide on the choice of coatings.

• When buying paint, carefully inspect the can; there should be no visible defects or dents or cracks on it. Remember that any violation of the seal can affect the condition of the coloring matter (the thickness of the consistency changes).
• Be sure to check the expiration date of the composition, since an expired product is not able to have the desired effect on the surface being painted. The paintwork may roll off during application.
• Look for the GOST designation on the jar abbreviations. By this concept one can judge the quality of the material. Become familiar with the symbols that may appear on packages. Just check their designation first: PF - pentaphthalic; The numbers will tell you what type of work the material is intended for.

Please note that enamel paints have individual instructions for use. You can find it on the back of the jar or packaging. Also, information about the proportions of solvent addition is often written down here. There are times when you can’t do without them.

Features of enamel and paint

Paints of various types are a common and widely used material. However, even professionals do not always understand what is the significant difference between enamels, enamel paints and conventional oil-based paints and varnishes.

It is widely believed that enamel is about the same as paint. Adding to the confusion is that the first material is shiny, while the second has a matte surface. However, the main difference goes much deeper.

In fact, there is nothing in common between these types of coatings. Enamel is a specially designed glassy formation, which includes quartz, metal oxides, as well as a large set of additional components. In the process of applying a thin layer to the surface, a subsequent heat treatment occurs, as a result of which the components are actually sintered.

Paints inherently represent a much broader concept. High-quality paint and varnish compositions take their base from chemically modified olive. Conventional paints and varnishes are made from linseed oils, which have been subjected to high temperatures and additional processing.

The difference between enamel and simple paints is the presence of alkyd resins in the first. In fact, enamel paints are indexed by the abbreviation PF, denoting the pentaphthalic component. Enamel paint, due to its special polymerizing components, is much more resistant and produces a glossy finish.

Enamel dyes are a solution of liquid or paste pigment components, in which film formers and additives are also dissolved. Alkyd resins for dye perform their functions as a top film.

The enamel is characterized by a rather pungent odor. Conventional formulations do not always include such a characteristic. Water-based paints are especially clean when it comes to volatile substances. The reason for the pungent odor of enamel paints is the complex chemical processes occurring on all layers of the applied composition.

The effects of polymerization with subsequent strengthening require the release of various organic and inorganic vapors into the environment. That is why the application of enamel should be carried out exclusively in well-ventilated areas or outside.

Despite their excellent aesthetic qualities, durability and safety, enamel paints are not always the only and best choice. Here comes the question of the appropriateness of using certain materials.

It is better to paint door and window openings with a reliable and durable substance that ensures stable preservation of the internal structure. At the same time, it is better to paint park benches with polyurethane dyes.

In terms of mechanical factors such as hardness and general elasticity, enamel paint types come first. Increased resistance to moisture and even water jets compared to any other types of dyes also work in favor of this modern type of coating.

Although the principle of film formation is similar in all enamels, there are several different formulations depending on price and consumer need.

Organosilicon types of enamel compositions can be applied to almost any type of surface, regardless of the properties of the material. Increased resistance to moisture, combined with wear resistance, makes this type of coating extremely popular in manufacturing and construction.

Pentaphthalic enamel paints are based on an oil component combined with synthetic resins and modified alkyd components.

All acrylic enamels are a latex-based water dispersion. Appropriate additives help slow down drying times and speed up polymerization.

Types of enamel coatings

There are many varieties of enamel compositions. Only the most common ones are listed below:

1. 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. A characteristic feature is a pungent acetone smell. Without preparation in accordance with technological instructions, combination with other paints is unacceptable.
2. 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.
3. Pentaphthalic and glyphthalic. They belong to a subtype of 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 familiarize yourself with the full list of compositions, it is recommended to consider special material compatibility tables, 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.

Comparison of two groups of paints and varnishes

The similarities and differences are as follows:

• Acrylic materials are more expensive than oil ones, but they do not have to be renewed every year, wasting additional money and time.
• Both groups allow you to perform work both indoors and outdoors. They are resistant to high humidity and protect the material they cover well.
• Unlike acrylic paints, oil paints are very toxic.
• Oil paints take much longer to dry than acrylic paints.
• The color palette of acrylic is much wider (compared to oil). However, the colors of oil paints tend to be brighter and more expressive after drying.

The paints have completely different compositions. The advantage of acrylic paints is that their solvent is water. Even an allergic artist can easily create masterpieces with them. Oil paints and varnishes can also be available for artists with allergies, but only if they are diluted with linseed oil, and this is an expensive proposition. Most often, such paints are diluted with turpentine, white spirit and other strong-smelling solvents.

Comparison of formulations

The basis of acrylic paint is a polymer emulsion - acrylic mixed with pigments. The solvent is ordinary water, so the material does not have a strong odor

. Acrylic is known as liquid glass and is used as a binder in other building mixtures. It also contains improving additives that affect the viscosity and temperature stability of the solution and the finished coating.

Alkyd, or oil, enamel consists of alkyd varnish, coloring pigments, and kerosene solvent (white spirit). Additional additives may be included: antiseptics, antifungal, fire-fighting additives. This enamel is often used to coat wood products. When working, careful ventilation of the premises is required: the composition has a sharp, specific odor.

Features of alkyd paint

You can find varnishes and paints.

The varnish is based on alkyd and solvents. It contains no pigments. The solution is used as a primer for other finishing coatings and as an antiseptic for wood.

The paint contains pigments. Can perform the function of surface protection. It can be glossy or matte, but this does not affect the quality of the coating in any way.

Varnish and primer of the same base have good compatibility. They can be used on one surface or mixed.

Advantages

• Wide color range.
• Easy to apply, good distribution over the surface.
• The layers dry quickly.
• Resistant to cleaning.
• Suitable for interior and exterior work.
• Affordable price.

Flaws

• Strong smell.
• Low UV resistance. The coating quickly fades in the sun.
• Hardness has a negative impact on service life. Dried enamel is inelastic and does not withstand linear expansion of the surface. After a few years it cracks and requires updating.

If you need to use alkyd paint outdoors, you should choose a composition with additives. It is better to place the painted product in the shade.

General Tips

When working with a paint composition with an enamel base, consider a few tips that will teach you how to apply it correctly:

• Choose the right brush. If enamel paint is used for decoration, you will need a special small brush, but for basic painting you can use a wide brush of sufficient hardness.
• Enamel paint should be applied using only the correct strokes. Wet the brush and start moving in one direction smoothly, without sudden changes. Returning along the same line, fill in the gaps.
• After applying the composition to the surface, move the brush to a semi-vertical position so that only the tips of the bristles touch the coating. Use this method to make neat strokes.