Acrylic enamel: types and application

Acrylic enamel is one of the most popular and popular finishing materials. Such paint coatings are sold in many stores. Moreover, they are presented by the wide range. But it is important to know in advance what types of acrylic enamels exist, and to get acquainted with the features of their application.

Enamel is one of the varnishes of paint and varnish coatings intended for finishing various surfaces. Materials with acrylic bases are quick-drying. In addition, they have antiseptic properties.

Today the market of finishing materials is unusually rich in various products. It is possible to pick up a suitable paint and varnish covering for any interior and any conditions. Versatile are modern acrylic enamels that can be used to design not only residential, but also industrial premises and even roads. For example, the composition of the AK 511 is designed specifically for road markings.

Such compositions are good because they are suitable for use in such conditions that are not designed for any other coloring mixtures. Due to its durability, high-quality acrylic enamel can be used in the facade of the house. Even under the influence of harsh climatic conditions, such coatings are not subject to deformation. They are not afraid of precipitation or frost, nor the aggressive rays of the ultraviolet. Not every paintwork material can boast of such qualities.

The composition of acrylic enamels is similar to the composition of other enamel mixtures. It contains components such as desiccants,accelerating the drying time of the coating, as well as making the ink layer more durable, inhibitors, antiseptic components, modifiers.

As for the basis of acrylic enamel, organic solvents - petrochemical products - are used as it. In addition, one or another color scheme is present in the composition of such coloring mixtures, which paints the composition in a certain shade. Also in acrylic enamels there are special resins.

Acrylic enamel is distinguished by the fact that it can be applied to almost any reason. Such mixtures easily fall on metal surfaces, and for wood they are an excellent choice, since they protect it from rotting and rapid destruction.

After complete drying, acrylic enamels acquire a smooth, often matte texture. The stores also sell gloss and semi-gloss compositions. Such coatings are characterized by increased durability and reliability. It’s not easy to damage them.

Acrylic enamel has its advantages and disadvantages, like any other finishing material.

For a start, it is worth considering the positive qualitieswhich are inherent in this paintwork.

• Acrylic enamel is not afraid of adverse climatic conditions. She is not afraid of rain or sunshine.

• The film, which forms on the basis of acrylic enamel, has high vapor-permeable qualities. Thanks to this characteristic, moisture easily and quickly evaporates from the surface of the base. That is why such enamels are most often chosen for finishing wooden floors, for which contact with water is destructive.
• Acrylic enamel is elastic. This property ensures the safety of an attractive appearance of the composition in conditions of temperature differences. Moreover, elastic coatings are not subject to cracking. Elastic acrylic enamel is very easy to lay down on any base. The application of such a paint coating is not difficult and does not take a lot of free time.

• On the basis of acrylic enamel does not leave inaccurate smudges, as it lays down smoothly.
• With the help of such a paint-and-lacquer mixture, even the darkest coating can be made lighter.
• Acrylic enamel does not emit harsh chemical odors, so working with it is much easier than with conventional dye mixtures that have a characteristic aroma.

• With acrylic enamel on the basis of the desired consistency is very simple. For this solution it is possible not only to mix with a solvent, but also to add one or another color to the mixture.
• Acrylic enamels are fast drying. For example, when applied to wooden walls such coatings dry in 2-3 hours.
• Such finishing materials can boast a long service life. Having put them on walls in the dwelling, you for a long time will forget about the next repair as they will not lose attractive appearance and other operational characteristics.

Ideal finishing materials do not exist, and acrylic enamels are no exception. These paints have a number of disadvantages.

• Currently, the stores are a lot of fake enamels that can not boast of good quality and ease of application.For this reason, experts strongly recommend to purchase products manufactured by well-known companies. And remember: low-quality composition may produce too low cost.
• If you need to apply acrylic enamel not in one, but in several layers, you will have to wait each time for complete drying of the next layer.

• Acrylic enamel should not be stored at low temperatures. This is due to the fact that in the composition of such a paint-and-lacquer mixture there is an aqueous base that can freeze in the cold. Because of this, the entire composition can change its consistency and become unusable.

There are several varieties of acrylic enamels. Each of them has its own characteristics and features.

Acrylic water-dispersion enamels do not incorporate solvents, which indicates their environmental friendliness and non-toxicity. In addition, such paint coatings contribute to the rapid evaporation of excess moisture and moisture directly from the floors.Due to this property, fungus or mold does not appear on the walls.

Water-based enamels, based on acrylic binder component, can boast of high light resistance. Even under the influence of aggressive sunlight, such finishing materials do not lose their color saturation and are not covered with yellow.

After all the finishing work has been completed, the dispersion enamel is easily and quickly washed off from the tools and containers in which it was mixed.

Water-dispersion enamel almost does not smelltherefore, they can be safely used for interior decoration. In addition, such mixtures quickly dry on different grounds.

Water-dispersion mixture can be tinted as you like. Thus, you can get the enamel of the shade you like without applying any extra effort - simply add a suitable color to the composition.

Today, reliable fire retardant enamels with an acrylic base are very popular. Most often they are used to enhance fire safety in private and public facilities. There are organically diluted enamels - they must be applied with specialcaution, especially when it comes to interior decoration.

Such enamels can be safely applied to various bases. However, some manufacturers produce mixtures designed only for finishing steel and metal surfaces.

Such compounds under normal conditions are almost indistinguishable from normal. Under the influence of fire, they become very different, because they have special intumescent components:

• graphite (powder);
• antiprene;
• polymeric varnish.

Aqueous emulsion acrylic enamels have good technical characteristics.

• They are not afraid of mechanical effects. In addition, such compounds do not suffer from contact with sunlight.
• Water-based enamels are not afraid of moisture. Of course, in this case we are talking about quality compounds, and not their cheap fakes.
• Paints are eco-friendly and safe.

Such building finishing materials are characterized by high hardness and wear resistance. In addition, they are not afraid:

• dampness and moisture;
• exposure to petroleum products;
• industrial gases;
• animal fats.

This two-component enamel without odor is most often used in the finishing of metal structures, as well as engineering and hydraulic structures and bridges. Acrylic-urethane mixtures have anti-corrosion properties.

Acrylate enamels consist of:

• water base and solvent;
• binding components;
• coalescent;
• thickener;
• antioxidant preservative;
• antifreeze.

The advantages of acrylate enamels include:

• environmental friendliness;
• the ability not to attract dust and dirt;
• Breathable structure;
• quick drying;
• possibility of cleaning and washing with a damp cloth;
• can be applied to any overlap.

Such enamels are used both for interior decoration and for building facades.

Enamels can be given any color with the help of a well-chosen color scheme.

The most popular are the paint mixtures of the following colors:

• classic black, white, beige, brown (easy to fit most styles of interior and exterior);
• colored (green, red, blue, yellow, blue, orange) and pearlescent options.

Renew interior and give it a special chic, you can use the "golden" enamel or a mixture that imitates metallic.

Also the surface of acrylic enamels can be:

• glossy;
• semi-gloss;
• matte;
• semi-gloss.

In order to choose the right acrylic mixture, you should consider the features of the surface on which it will be applied.

• Acrylic enamels are great for finishing the bases of wood. The composition may be universal or water-emulsion / water-dispersion.

• Metal bases can be finished with water-dispersion enamels, however, it is recommended to add anti-corrosion components to them beforehand. Also for steel and metal elements, special flame retardant and acrylic-urethane mixtures, which initially contain anti-corrosion components, are perfect.

• Acrylic enamel can be selected for ordinary plastic. For this, it is perfectly acceptable to use a universal or special mixture for PVC structures. As a rule, such compounds are used for both internal and external decoration.
• To finish the floor, it is recommended to purchase acrylic washable enamels that do not attract dust and dirt. Such compositions are often treated and various pieces of furniture.

• If you need to finish radiators, then experts recommend using heat-resistant products designed for metal, concrete and brick structures. Also in the shops you can find specialized compositions intended for radiators and heating systems.
• For kitchen and bathroom, it is recommended to use high-quality water-dispersion enamels with antiseptic components. Such paint coatings will not suffer from an increased level of humidity in the room.

Acquire paints made by well-known and large brands in stores. So you can protect yourself from buying low-quality goods. You should not "chase" for too low prices - they may indicate the fragility and weak strength characteristics of the finishing material.

Enamel must be prepared before direct application onto a flat surface. Dilute the mixture in two ways.

• It is permissible to use plain water. It is worth paying attention that it does not have excess impurities and debris. After applying such a mixture on one or another base, it is necessary to immediately remove the dripping drops that are on the floor. When the composition is completely dry, remove traces of it from the floor will be very problematic.

• The second method should be used in cases where you plan to apply enamel with a spray gun. Paint and varnish composition can be diluted with a special thinner designed for acrylic blends. Such components allow you to achieve the optimal consistency of enamel.

Currently in the domestic and foreign markets there are a large number of major brands that produce high-quality and beautiful acrylic-based enamel.

The most popular and popular manufacturers, the products of which consumers leave positive feedback:

• "Prestige";
• "Expert";

• Tex;
• "Halo";

• Lacra;
• "Rainbow";

• "Eco-luxury";
• Novbythim.

These companies produce high-quality acrylic enamel, characterized by durability and long service life. Most buyers were satisfied with the purchase of such finishing materials.

To learn how to paint a wooden door with acrylic enamel, see the next video.