How to paint correctly with acrylic paints and the nuances of working with compositions
Acrylic paints are considered versatile. Various surfaces can be treated with such materials, including those located in the open air. However, there is no single correct answer to the question of how to paint with acrylic paints. This is explained by the fact that this material is produced in several forms, each of which has its own characteristics. This circumstance affects the area of application of dyes.
Characteristics and properties of acrylic paint
The characteristics of acrylic paints strongly depend on the type of additional components included in the composition. Such materials are based on ester polymers, or acrylic resins, which act as binders.
These paints contain dry powder pigments and a solvent. After the latter dries, the former form a dense layer with a certain shade.
Depending on the origin, the pigments that make up acrylic paints are divided into 4 types:
- inorganic and organic;
- synthetic;
- natural origin.
Some acrylic colorants do not contain pigments, but other components such as oxides or sulphides of iron, lead and other metals. And to obtain a white tint, titanium dioxin is used. The latter forms a dense surface coating.
Acrylic is considered safe because it contains mostly natural ingredients. This material, in addition to these substances, contains mica, barite, talc, dolomite, chalk or calcite. The type of components used directly affects both the performance and cost of acrylic paints.
The most valuable are those with a crystalline structure, low oil content and increased ability to reflect light rays. These materials are characterized by good environmental resistance thanks to the following components:
- Emulsifiers and surfactants. The former contribute to the even distribution of pigments on the painted surface, and the latter eliminate the risk of defects after application.
- coalescent. These organic solvents entering into the composition of the acrylic act as solvents and increase the resistance of the film obtained, including at low temperature.
- Stabilizers. They also provide surface layer strength.
- Conservatives. Suppress the spread of pathogenic microflora (fungi, mold).
- Initiators. They regulate the dye polymerization process.
- Defoamer. Suppresses foaming, which helps to maintain the characteristics of the composition both during transport and after application.
- Thickeners.
Additional components occupy about 10% of the volume of acrylic paints and determine the suitability of the material for a particular type of work.
Advantages and disadvantages
The popularity of acrylic when painting various surfaces is ensured by the following material characteristics:
- versatility (used for finishing various materials);
- dirt resistance;
- resistance to moisture and mechanical stress (dried paint can be washed off regularly);
- dries quickly (the process takes about two hours);
- good hiding power, due to which acrylic can be applied in 2 layers;
- economical consumption;
- UV resistance (acrylic does not fade for several years);
- resistance to temperature fluctuations;
- respect the environment;
- lack of smell;
- wide palette of shades;
- affordable price.
When purchasing acrylic dyes, the following circumstances should be considered:
- the composition, if dry, can not be diluted with water;
- due to the fact that the material dries quickly, acrylic after opening the box should be consumed within two hours;
- the material does not tolerate contact with solvents;
- at subzero temperatures, it loses its original properties.
The peculiarities of acrylic paints include the fact that these drawbacks can be eliminated by adding additional substances (thickeners, etc.).
Varieties
Acrylic colorants are classified in different ways: according to the type of components, characteristics and other properties. Also, a gradation according to the field of application is often used.
Outside
Exterior or facade paint is used to treat:
- drink;
- concrete;
- metal.
Such dyes, due to the peculiarities of the scope of application, better tolerate constant contact with atmospheric precipitation and dust, retain their original shade longer and are distinguished by increased adhesion.At the same time, using acrylic for outdoor use, after drying, it is recommended to apply a fixer to the material.
Internal
Interior or interior paints tolerate temperature fluctuations and precipitation worse. However, such materials have many decorative properties. In particular, the interior acrylic, depending on the composition, forms a glossy or matte surface layer. This material is used for painting ceilings, walls, baseboards and other structures. Water-based compositions are more popular in interior design due to their environmental friendliness and ability to dry quickly.
Automotive
Automotive tints are produced mainly in cans. These materials are resistant to atmospheric precipitation and aggressive chemicals (road and other reagents). These products are used for the treatment of bodywork.
Artistic
Artistic acrylic is used for finishing walls or furniture, drawing on the surface and painting. Due to the nature of their composition, these materials are generally more expensive than others.
Rules for use in painting
For artistic painting, the surface must be prepared. For this you need:
- remove the old layer of paint and other finishing materials;
- level the surface;
- eliminate defects;
- treat dust and dirt, degrease.
After this preparation, the acrylic can be applied to the surface. This work must be done quickly, since the material dries in two hours. At the end of the painting, it is recommended to treat the painting with varnish.
When creating a picture with acrylic paint, it is necessary to regularly moisten the canvas with a spray bottle.It is also recommended to use special additives that slow down the drying rate of the material. These tips are especially relevant when creating a multi-layered paint that involves the use of multiple shades.
Using acrylic in painting, it is necessary to select the material that is suitable for specific working conditions. In particular, this composition is not capable of replacing oil paints. Also, for the glazing technique, it is recommended to take acrylic with increased transparency.
Furniture painting technology
When painting furniture with acrylics, the following tips are recommended:
- before starting work, the surface is carefully sanded;
- after grinding, the furniture is treated with white acrylic paint, which in this case replaces the primer;
- the sculpted inserts are painted in a contrasting shade.
In the absence of experience in painting furniture, you can apply a stencil cut from paper or cardboard to the prepared surface, and then paint the tree with the selected composition. If such painting is carried out over a large area, it is recommended to take a roller instead of a brush.
The use of acrylic paints in manicure
Acrylic can also be used to decorate nails with an original design. In this case, you must do the following:
- After preparing the nail, apply the base gel polish.
- Using a special brush, acrylic is applied to the nail.
- The nail is dried for three minutes, after which it is covered with a transparent gel polish.
In this case, the shade of varnish is selected based on personal preferences.But masters of manicure recommend applying acrylic of dark and bright colors on short nails, on long nails - delicate, such as pink or white.
How to paint the walls with acrylic
Painting the walls with acrylic is done in several stages. First, the working surface is prepared, for which you need to do the following:
- The old coating is removed.
- The surface is cleaned of dust and other contaminants. At this stage, irregularities are also puttyed and traces of fungus (mold) are removed.
- The surface is primed.
In the second stage, the surface is painted. If the work is carried out in hard-to-reach places, the material should be applied with a brush in one layer. It is recommended to roll a large area. In this case, the paint should be applied in 2 layers, moving in the same direction each time. Thanks to this approach, the material will lie evenly over the entire surface.
If necessary, the paint can be applied in three or more layers. It makes the color richer. At the end, after the paint dries, 1-2 coats of varnish should be applied to the surface.