What is the Difference Between Acrylic and Latex Paint
Most homeowners are torn between using acrylic or latex paint when remodeling their home. For a start, the two types of paint are the only ones that are allowed for insured homes because they are not highly flammable like oil based paint. In fact, the confusion looms because a majority of homeowners don’t understand the differences between the two types of paint. Some assume that they are one and the same thing.
This article will elaborate on the features that are used to differentiate the two paints.
Variance in Composition
If you have ever latex paint, you must have realized that it was easy to clean the brushes after finishing the job. In addition to that, latex paint has to be mixed with water before it’s applied on any surface. This is because latex paint is water based. This explains why an old layer of latex paint can be easily removed by washing the surface with water and a piece of cloth. Acrylic paint on the other hand contains chemical compounds that make it to be more flexible than latex paint. That’s why the brushes can’t be cleaned with water. In fact, acrylic paint is mixed with thinner before it’s used on any surface.
Benefits of using Latex Paints
Latex offers many benefits. For a start, the paint is very easy to apply as you will only need to mix it with water. Besides that, the paint dries up very fast. You can paint your house early in the morning and move in after just a few hours. The paint is also very affordable when compared with other types of paint. If you are broke, you would rather go for latex paint because you won’t have to rob a bank.
In addition to that, latex paint produces less fumes and odor. Some are even odorless. This makes it an ideal choice for people that have allergies or asthma. Moreover, latex paint doesn’t encourage the buildup of molds. However, the paint can’t be used on wet surfaces as it will spread in uneven manner. The downside is that the paint tends to peel off much faster. That’s why one coat of latex paint is never enough. This also explains why it’s used in enclosed surfaces.
Benefits of using Acrylic Paints
Most outdoor projects demand for the use of synthetic resins for specialty coatings. Acrylic paint is highly recommended for such projects because it responds well to the changes in weather and environment. Also you must know that there are different brushes for various types of paint and you must find the best brushes for acrylic paint if you want a successful paint job. When the paint is exposed to high temperatures, it expands instead of disintegrating. And when the same paint is exposed to low temperatures, it reacts by contracting.In other words, it reacts like plastic material. This means that the paint is long lasting because it can survive from the scorching sun and winter.
Although a surface that has been painted with acrylic is easy to clean, the brushes and rollers that are used for the job must be cleaned with a thinning solution. The other downside is that the paint takes several days to dry after application. You can’t therefore occupy your house in a day’s time after it has been painted with acrylic paint. If you’re not confident in your painting skills you should check out the price of painting services in Singapore and hire a professional painter. Moreover, the paint produces irritating fumes and odors which makes it not to be ideal for painters that suffer from allergies or asthma.
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