Paint latex or acrylic: which is better?

Before proceeding with the repair, users have many questions. Many people cannot decide which paint to use. The most popular are latex and acrylic formulations. In the construction market they are often confused, so the simple buyer may find it difficult to make a choice in favor of a certain product.

The latex mixture consists of a concentrated pigment, various dispersions, preservatives, solvent and water. Often in the composition of such materials are added substances that make the characteristics of the resulting coating is much better. As for acrylic paint, there are usually no impurities in it, but there are concentrated elements.

There are many different colors. However, the most common are latex and acrylic variants.

Acrylic versions were not always popular, as they were expensive. However, today they are in demand. In their performance and significant parameters, these paints bypassed other compounds. They are very beneficial to use. In addition, they are used for both exterior and interior decoration. Moreover, they are very economical.

There are also special acrylic paints. Having heard this name, many consumers are wondering what is the difference between acrylic and acrylate mixture. There are no big differences between them. Acrylic paint is the same in composition as acrylate. It's all about marketing strategies - the material is better sold under different names, creating the illusion of diversity.

Latex paint is used for interior and exterior. To prevent the appearance of mold in it include a certain substance. There are several varieties of popular latex paints. For example, to create a beautiful relief on the grounds using texture compositions.

Let's take a closer look at popular varieties of acrylic and latex paints.

Polyvinyl acetate paint is one of the varieties of latex compositions. In everyday life, it is referred to as "water-based" or water-dispersion paint. It is based on PVA.

In the composition of such products there are no solvents, but it has a faint odor. At the same time, this type is characterized by good adhesion properties. In addition, when it is still fresh, you can wash it off with tools and leather. An equally important advantage is the relatively low price.

The disadvantage of such paint is its washability, even after complete drying. It is not recommended to use when painting facades. Moreover, it has a chalky effect on its surface, therefore it is impossible to lean against it - clothes can get very dirty.

"Water-emulsion" is often needed when painting inaccessible places in dry rooms. The disadvantage of this coating is the lack of frost resistance, so it is not suitable for painting unheated rooms in winter. It is better not to paint a country house.

Butadiene styrene paints are otherwise called water emulsion and latex. These compounds are resistant to wear and moisture.Wash off such coatings from the base is not so easy. However, styrene-butadiene mixtures have their drawbacks - they do not like contact with light. When exposed to ultraviolet rays such paint loses its original appearance.

This material is suitable for interior decoration, because the sun's rays do not reach all surfaces inside the rooms.

Acrylosilicate varieties of paints have light and moisture resistance. In addition, they are characterized by high vapor permeability, which is especially important when painting facades.

Often, acrylosilicate mixtures get instead of silicate and silicone variants. Such finishing materials in many ways are similar to silicate paints, but they are inferior in price.

Acrylic and latex mixtures are very similar. However, the acrylic composition differs from the mixed latex variants in its content.

• in latex paint binder - styrene-butadiene;
• in acrylic - latex acrylic.

They are synthetic resins.Another fact worth noting is that natural latex, derived from a rubber tree, is not added to these paints.

Very often, such coatings do not distinguish, because they are similar to operational and physical characteristics. These finishing materials form a protective elastic film when dry. But acrylic bypassed latex on the strength characteristics of the final coating, because it is more moisture and wear-resistant.

To choose a paint, you must choose the appropriate color and understand all the characteristics that it has. Particular attention should be paid to the degree of gloss - there are several.

The highest degree is rarely bought, because it affects the specular reflection of the planes. Such an effect often adversely affects the perception of the interior as a whole. Thus, matte paint has the reputation of the most common.

No less important parameters are moisture resistance and wear resistance. The first determines the number of cycles of abrasion, which is usually indicated on the package. Cycles of wet abrasion mean that the paint is moisture resistant, and dry - not moisture resistant.

You should also pay attention to such characteristics as thixotropy and hiding. The first is responsible for the occurrence of stains. Thixotropy affects how soon the paint thickens.

Latex and acrylic formulations are used to finish many surfaces, such as concrete and wood. The possibility of their application in cold climatic conditions has made such paints more popular and versatile. However, it is worth noting that it is recommended to work with acrylic versions in conditions of temperature not lower than 10 degrees.

From all of the above, we can conclude that acrylic and latex coatings are about the same. High-quality solutions are used for both interior and exterior. Moreover, modern acrylic compositions are used for creativity - they are often used in painting. Also, these paints are automotive.

On how to avoid problems when applying paint roller, you will learn from the following video.