Acrylic Latex Paint Basics Explained

Acrylic latex paint is one of the highest quality latex paints available. This type of paint uses acrylic resin as the binder, which gives the paint its adhesive qualities, durability and resistance. Acrylic latex paint is an excellent choice for paint applications that require high durability and superior resistance to weather conditions. Explained below are some of the basics of acrylic latex paints.

Basic Composition

Like all other latex paints, acrylic latex paint uses water as the solvent. The binder, or the solid, in acrylic latex paint is the resin acrylic. The binder holds together the color pigments, the solvent and other components of the paint. Acrylic resin provides superior durability and adhesiveness to acrylic latex paint, which makes it the preferred choice over oil paints that show more inclination to chip and crack over time. Acrylic latex paints can contain varying amounts or percentages of acrylic. The paints that are 100 percent acrylic do not use any other resins in combination with the acrylic. These paints are the most expensive and of the highest class.

Benefits of Acrylic Latex Paint

Acrylic latex paint is known for its several advantages over the different varieties of alkyd paints. The most important one is probably the environment friendly nature of these paints, because they are free of chemical solvents. These paints are also easy to clean off the surfaces of brushes and rollers. All you need is water and soap; there is no need for solvents. Acrylic latex paints are not toxic or inflammable in nature. These paints are also resistant to yellowing, which is a common problem with oil based paints.

Faster drying time is another major benefit of acrylic latex paint. It offers excellent adherence on most surfaces including wood, metal and trims. You can use acrylic latex paint on exterior surfaces, masonry, furniture and siding. These paints are resistant to temperature fluctuations and hold up very well to extreme heat or cold. Acrylic latex paint is also resistant to problems such as peeling, cracking, chipping and blistering that may be a problem in other lower quality latex paints and oil paints. This is because the acrylic resin contributes to the flexibility of the paint when it is dry.

Acrylic latex paints are washable and are highly resistant to alkali cleaners. Occurrences of staining and dirt accumulation can be easily handled without damaging the paint surface. Color retention is superior and fading is not a common issue. Though water based, these paints are resistant to moisture once the paint is dry and set. There is also a high level of resistance to the formation of mold and mildew.

Drawbacks of Acrylic Latex Paint

The high cost of acrylic latex paint may put it out of the budget range of many consumers, who may settle for a composite paint that is partly acrylic. Like most latex paints, acrylic latex paint is not a good choice for painting on a high gloss surface. It is also not a good choice for wood that has not been treated with a primer. Also, because of the water content in acrylic latex paint, it can contribute to the rusting of steel and iron surfaces.