What are acrylic paints, their types, composition and properties
The composition of water-based acrylic paints, invulnerable to technical parameters, allows them to be used in various fields. Strength, durability, variety of colors - these are the main advantages of acrylic mixtures. Painting interiors is more in demand every year than using wallpaper. Thanks to the efforts of professional technologists, the range of acrylic synthetics for finishing is constantly updated.
Description, characteristics and scope of acrylic compounds
The base of the painting is acrylic. It is an artificially isolated synthetic polymer with special technical properties. The chemical characteristics of acrylic allow it to be combined with water-based coloring pigments. Once dry, the mixture hardens while retaining the dye. The film does not crumble under the influence of moisture, does not have a tendency to crack or peel off. This makes acrylic bases particularly in demand.The qualities of acrylic synthetics allow them to be used in different fields:
- when decorating premises inside or outside;
- to decorate various objects;
- in painting, as an alternative to oil painting;
- to paint cars.
Information! Safe bases are used to make nail polishes and art kits for children.
Composition and properties
The acrylic base consists of traditional elements, the proportions of which can be changed depending on the destination of the material.
| Element | The description |
| Bonding bases | Specially dissolved components with water and solvent. They retain the coloring pigment and are responsible for the resistance of the coating. |
| Dye | A color pigment that provides saturation for the selected hue. |
| Additive, filler | Elements that offer water resistance, density, glossy shine or matte finish. |
Information! Acrylic gives a glossy surface or a matte finish. It depends on the purpose of the composition. When adding auxiliary components, they artificially create a semi-gloss or semi-matte finish.
Facade
Acrylic is increasingly chosen for facades. This method of finishing assumes a quick application and ensures the durability of the coating. An important feature is the ease of dismantling for subsequent repairs. The acrylic is washed with alcohol-based solvents and cleaned with simple spatulas.
Interior
Walls and ceilings are treated with interior compositions inside. The basic rule for using acrylic for decoration is the correct selection of color schemes.
Bath enamels
Acrylic enamels are often used for the restoration of old bathtubs. This method allows you to keep the old tub and completely replace the topcoat.
Automotive
Car enamel can be matte or glossy.
For the nails
The acrylic base used to color platinum nails is completely safe. There are no chemical additives in the composition that can be harmful to health.
For drawing
Liquid acrylic paints combine the ease of application of gouache with the resistance of oil paints.
Color spectrum
The advantage of acrylic paints is the variety of colors. At the same time, you can make a shade yourself, if you add the selected color scheme to a white base. The base is distinguished by the degree of whiteness:
- super white;
- White;
- milky white.
The base coat used for dyeing is considered a beige base. When mixed with tinting paste, it gives calm and even tones, which are successfully used for interior decoration.
Reference! In addition to classic colors, acrylic compositions are presented in pearlescent, golden or silver shades.
Advantages and disadvantages
Acrylic paints are chosen as the main material or as an auxiliary decorative element. They look great in combination with other textured materials.
Advantages of acrylic:
- absolute security;
- compliance with fire safety requirements and standards;
- ease of use and application (with brushes, sponges, guns, rollers);
- presented in a diverse color palette;
- resistant to external influences;
- applicable for indoor and outdoor decoration;
- provide a strong and durable finish.
The disadvantages of acrylic bases are called the need to adhere to a certain temperature regime when working with them, as well as the quick setting feature of the top layer.
How to work correctly with acrylic paints
Working with acrylic bases requires compliance with certain rules:
- the surface intended for painting must be free of dirt, traces of grease, mold, mildew;
- the walls and ceiling for painting are primed, treated with putty;
- take suitable tools for application (for hard-to-reach places - wide and narrow brushes; for wide surfaces - rollers);
- the paint is applied in one direction, controlling the amount of paint.
Reference! First, corners and hard-to-reach areas are painted with a brush, then they begin to work with a roller.
Main Manufacturers
Manufacturers dominate the paints and varnishes market, take into account the needs of the modern consumer, and also monitor the development of the properties of modern finishing materials. Product catalogs are updated annually.
"Texas"
"Tex" has been a leading brand in the Russian domestic market for 20 years. The company produces antiseptic bases, tinting pastes, decorative coatings and traditional acrylic blends.
"Tex" is responsible for the quality of compositions, guarantees the durability of the coating and provides consumers with a wide range of colors.
The company is engaged in turnkey interior decoration, provides the services of specialists in the selection of colors and technical characteristics of paintwork.
Dulux
British brand present on the market since 1926. It is the largest manufacturer in the world of varnishes and acrylic synthetic paints.The company's products meet international quality standards, coatings and related materials are sold in 120 countries around the world.
Tikkurila
Finnish company that produces all types of paints and varnishes. Paints are distinguished by the presence of a wide color gamut, durability and guaranteed quality. Tikkuril water-based acrylic paints are produced on the basis of high quality acrylic resins. Acrylic paints are characterized by increased moisture resistance and elasticity.
Caparol
German brand with a long history. The production of trains began in 1936. Since then, the brand has been increasing the number of sales every year and launching materials that meet modern market requirements. Tint mixtures for alkyd paints are produced in plastic tubes of various sizes. This innovative approach has been accepted and approved by consumers around the world.
Sniezka
A Ukrainian manufacturer supplying acrylic paint to the world market under the "eco-product" label. The paints are harmless to human, suitable for interior decoration and home decoration. Snezhka paints are distinguished by the presence of a diverse range of calm light tones, created by mixing many shades.
Acrylic paint for painting
Acrylic bases are used for creativity. They are sought after in painting, scrapbooking, decoupage and painting using various techniques.
"Acryl-Art"
The series of paints "Acryl-Art", which are produced by the company "Tair", is a material for professional use.
"Acryl-Hobby"
"Acryl-Hobby de Luxe" is a special series of paints, which is presented in different pastel shades. They have good covering power, do not fade after drying. This series is designed to create works using the shabby chic technique.
"Discolor"
"Decolor" is a series of paints that are used to imitate the texture of precious metals. They are often used to restore or paint surfaces that require careful handling.
Storage conditions
Acrylic compounds are stored without loss of quality for 12 months. Opened boxes can be stored in a dark, dry place, provided that the temperature regime is observed. The air temperature should not fall below 0 degrees or rise above + 25 degrees.
Attention! The manufacturer warns that acrylic bases should never be frozen, otherwise they will lose their technical qualities.
If, after completion of the work, the paint remains at the bottom of the jar, it can be stored for several months and used for its intended purpose:
- it is recommended to put a sheet of aluminum foil under the cover: this will prevent the paint from drying out and will facilitate the removal of the cover;
- so that the top layer is not covered with a dense film, the lid should tightly close the jar;
- to prevent hardening, a little warm water is poured into the jar.
If the paint has hardened, it can be thinned with warm water. It should be borne in mind that the coloring pigment can lose brightness and saturation.