What are the differences between latex and acrylic paints, their descriptions and which one is better to choose
Polymer paints are very popular today. These materials are distinguished by a large assortment, ease of use and excellent decorative properties. When choosing latex or acrylic paints, you need to know which is better. They differ in their properties, composition, purpose. There is also a price and expense difference. All these parameters are very important during repair work.
Characteristics and description of paints
Acrylic and latex paints are very popular today. However, these materials differ in some characteristics that should certainly be taken into account.
Latex
Latex is understood as a natural material obtained from the sap of rubber plants. This ensures the safety of the train. Of course, there is also synthetic latex. It is a polymer that has adhesion properties. Styrene-butadiene acts in their role.
In fact, latex is not a material, but a particular state of a substance or a mixture of components. This is called an aqueous dispersion. At the same time, the particles of the mixture are suspended in water, which makes it possible to achieve perfect adhesion to the surface.
Latex paint is stain resistant and does not accumulate dust. In addition, it helps to form a dust-proof surface. The substance is breathable and breathable.
This is particularly important for lung pathologies or allergies. Also, this feature is important when there are young children in the house. This characteristic has a beneficial effect on the appearance of the coating. In this case, oxygen bubbles do not form on the painted surface.
Water-based paints based on styrene-butadiene polymers have many advantages. These include in particular the following:
- Long period of operation. However, it is important to take into account that in open rooms the material can quickly fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, durability is characteristic only for coatings that are not exposed to the influence of the sun.
- High degree of wear resistance. This allows more than the ceiling to be painted. The composition can also be applied to the walls.
- Low price. Latex paints have the lowest cost among all types of water-based compositions.
- High degree of resistance to humidity. It helps with wet cleaning. However, this does not at all mean that painted surfaces can be permanently washed. Also, do not use this substance in bathrooms.
- Excellent elasticity. With the help of a coat of stain, it is possible to hide small defects on the walls or ceiling. The same feature is perfectly manifested when applying paint on wallpaper.
- Decorative appearance of the surface. The material helps to make it silky.
- No damp smell on application. It is observed when using acrylic analogues.
- High degree of adhesion with various types of wall materials, including porous.
At the same time, latex paints have some drawbacks. These include in particular the following:
- The risk of burnout under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
- Exposure to strong temperature variations. Therefore, the compositions are not suitable for application on facades.
- Risk of fungus and mold growth. Therefore, before applying such substances, it is necessary to use a primer mixture with the addition of antiseptics.
It should be borne in mind that recently many companies offer latex dyes intended for facade work. They contain at least the main binder, styrene-butadiene.
Acrylic
These materials differ in types. These include pure acrylic, which is characterized by a high degree of elasticity, excellent strength, resistance to ultraviolet rays and temperature extremes. This material provides reliable protection against corrosion and has excellent physical characteristics. These paints are quite expensive, but they can be used in any climatic conditions. They are suitable even for facade work.
Another variety is considered paints made on the basis of acrylic copolymers. They contain vinyl or styrene. Such compositions are called acrylate. They are not so expensive and are characterized by their versatility.
The advantages of acrylic materials are:
- Sustainability.
- High adhesion to various substrates.
- Elasticity.
- UV resistant.
- A large number of shades.
- Resistant to temperature fluctuations. In this case, you should not be afraid of the appearance of cracks on the surface.
- Frost resistance. The coating can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees. When using special additives, this parameter is -60 degrees. Therefore, acrylic paints are suitable for facade work.
- Fungus resistant.
- High vapor permeability parameters.
This type of material also has some disadvantages:
- High price.
- The presence of a foreign smell. This minus is considered conditional, since after drying the unpleasant smell disappears.
The main differences between paint materials
There is a clear difference between acrylic and latex materials. Thus, acrylics are often described as more resistant and of better quality than those made of latex. Moreover, they are more expensive. However, in reality, the properties of the materials are largely the same.
By composition and properties
Previously, paintings had significant compositional differences. Although both materials are water-based, acrylic resin acted as a binder in acrylic dyes and latex or rubberwood milk in latex.
Today, almost all manufacturers have eliminated the use of natural latex. Therefore, the dyes, called latex, contain artificial thermoplastic resins that resemble acrylic materials. Accordingly, the properties of the paints are largely the same. The covers are washable and breathable. However, there are a number of differences.
On appointment
Acrylic paint has a wide range of uses. It can be used without restrictions.The composition can be applied to all materials and can be used in various places, including outside buildings. At the same time, it is forbidden to choose latex substances for facade work.
In addition, they should not be applied in rooms with high humidity.
According to the resistance and durability of the coating
The durability of the coating is influenced by a number of factors:
- wear resistance;
- UV resistance;
- resistance to high humidity.
If you focus on ideal operating conditions, then both types of dyes differ in approximately the same indicators. They are about 20 years old. In practice, however, acrylic coatings are more durable. Latex substances are not resistant to exposure to sunlight and high humidity.
Concealment power
This term is understood as the ability of the dye to cover the original shade of the surface. To indicate this parameter, a scale from 1 to 5. The specific indicator depends on the ratio of binders and pigment. It is also influenced by the size and number of particles.
Acrylic and latex paints are often classified in class 2 covering power. However, some European companies also offer class 1 substances. Such materials make it possible to dispense with the application of 1 coat of paint.
Resistance to humidity and burn-out
Paints differ in their moisture resistance parameters. It is allowed to wipe the surface with latex with a damp cloth. In this case, the acrylic substance can be applied in rooms with high humidity.
Resistance to burnout also presents certain differences. Latex substances are afraid of ultraviolet rays. They fade quickly when exposed to sunlight. Acrylic paints can stay in open areas for 10 years.However, they will not lose their original shade.
For safety of use
Modern dyes are considered harmless. However, acrylic and latex materials contain chemical components. Therefore, when using them, it is important to observe basic safety rules and use personal protective equipment. This will help to avoid negative health effects.
Cost and material consumption per 1 square meter
Latex dyes based on styrene-butadiene copolymers are less expensive than acrylic materials. The price difference is around 15-65%.
At the same time, it is not necessary to indicate specific numbers, since they depend on many factors. These include in particular the following:
- brand popularity;
- the number and type of stabilization components;
- kind of loads.
When carrying out repair work, it is imperative to take into account the consumption of material. This parameter is influenced by the elasticity of the substance. The higher this indicator, the less dye is spent per square meter. When using acrylic paints, this parameter is 0.2-0.25 kilograms, for latex paints - 0.15-0.2.
What is better?
To choose the right paint for walls or other types of surfaces, it is important to consider the following:
- Acrylic paints are considered versatile. This means they can be used indoors or outdoors without restriction. In the presence of special stabilizing additives, these substances can be used in rooms with high humidity - in the kitchen or in the bathroom. Water resistance parameters are often indicated on the packaging.
- Latex paints can hardly be called universal. They are allowed to be used exclusively for painting interiors. Also, these substances are not recommended for use in conditions of high humidity or sudden temperature changes. At the same time, latex paints are cheaper. Therefore, they are often chosen for hallways and storage rooms.
Can I mix?
Experts advise against conducting such experiments. Industrial dyes are distinguished by verified compositions. The interaction of emulsions can lead to unpredictable chemical reactions.
What do the masters advise
In general, crafters claim that acrylics are better than latex. They are distinguished by high parameters of strength, moisture resistance and reliability. Therefore, if financial resources are available, it is recommended to choose acrylic materials. If price comes first, latex substances are considered more preferable.
Both acrylic and latex dyes have certain advantages and disadvantages. They should definitely be taken into account when choosing a specific composition.