Which paint is better – latex or acrylic??

Selecting the appropriate paint for your house can have a significant impact on its durability and appearance. Many homeowners are unsure about which paint type is better for their projects when it comes to latex vs acrylic.

Acrylic latex, also known as latex paint, is a water-based paint that dries quickly and is simple to clean up with water. Because of its smooth finish and good ability to hide imperfections, it is frequently used for interior walls and ceilings. Additionally, latex paints are adaptable to a variety of design tastes due to their extensive color and finish selection.

Conversely, acrylic paint, sometimes referred to as acrylic enamel, is a kind of paint in which acrylic resin serves as the binder. It is renowned for being long-lasting and resistant to discoloration, cracking, and yellowing with time. Because acrylic paints can withstand harsh weather, they are frequently used for exterior applications like siding, trim, and doors.

When choosing between acrylic and latex paints, take your project’s particular needs into account. For indoor painting, latex paint might be a better option if you value convenience of use and cleanup. The superior longevity and weather resistance of acrylic paint make it ideal for outdoor projects or areas that need a more durable finish.

Types of polymer binders

The word "latex" has two meanings for chemists. One is Hevea juice, or its artificial equivalent derived from polymers such as isoprene, urethane, styrene, butadiene, acrylic, etc. The second, which comes from the English word "latex," is a water-based emulsion of dispersed polymer particles. If you follow the official terminology, acrylic paint is simply an emulsion of dispersed particles of acrylic or its derivatives: acrylates (polymers) dissolved in water, or, to put it another way, pure latex paint.

In order to prevent misunderstandings in the future, let’s be clear about what is meant when latex and acrylic paint are compared. Styrene-butadiene copolymers or acrylic copolymers (acrylates) can be used as binders in contemporary water-soluble paints. "Acrylic paint" refers to a class of paints made from a solution of acrylates in water. And "latex paint" was coined to refer to dyes containing copolymers of butadiene and styrene.

Even though a water-based emulsion goes by a different name, its constituent parts—which consist of the following—are essentially the same.

• binders – substances responsible for adhesion, resistance to mechanical stress, service life of the applied paint layer and other characteristics, both physical and operational. They can be polymers or copolymers (the composition contains several types of polymers, including both acrylates and styrene-butadiene polymers);
• solvent – in water-emulsion dispersions it is water;
• pigments or colors – fine powder or liquid that colors the composition in any color or tone (more than 200 varieties);

• stabilizers – additives that improve the quality characteristics of paint or determine the scope of its application (for external or internal work, application to metal, wood, glass, etc.d.);
• fillers – substances responsible for the level of gloss of the surface of the applied layer of paint (matte, semi-matte, glossy, etc.).d).

Advantages and disadvantages

Paints with a water base have advantages and disadvantages. However, it is not advisable to focus on this as we are comparing paints of the same type. For this reason, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of latex and acrylic paint separately.

Latex paint

Many benefits can be obtained from a water-based emulsion made of styrene-butadiene polymers:

• long service life. However, with a reservation, since in places open to sunlight it quickly fades, and therefore durability can only be discussed in rooms without ultraviolet rays: corridor, hallway, pantry;
• high level of wear resistance, which makes it possible to paint not only the ceiling, but also the walls;
• lower price among all types of water-based paint;
• increased moisture resistance, which allows for wet cleaning. However, this does not mean that such paint can be washed frequently and used to paint the ceiling and walls in the bathroom;
• good elasticity – the paint layer hides minor defects in the surface of the walls (ceiling) well. The same property works well when painting wallpaper;
• more attractive appearance of the painted surface – silkiness appears;
• absence of a wet smell during application, which is observed with acrylic analogues;
• good adhesion with all types of wall materials, including porous ones.

• fades under UV rays;
• is afraid of sudden temperature changes, and therefore cannot be used as façade paint;
• serves as a good nutritional base for the growth of fungus and mold, which requires mandatory priming of the surface before painting with the addition of antiseptic materials.

Take note: latex paints with a small butadiene-styrene main binder have recently been available for purchase for facade work.

Acrylic paints

Acrylic paints share many of the same advantages and disadvantages as latex paints. Advantages:

• durability;
• excellent adhesion to all types of building materials;
• elasticity;
• UV resistance;
• the widest range of colors (up to 5 thousand.);
• does not become covered with a network of wrinkles during temperature fluctuations;
• tolerates frosts down to –40 o C (with the addition of special fillers, the indicator drops to –60 o C) – the facade can be painted;
• resistance against fungus;
• high level of vapor permeability – walls “breathe” under the paint.

See also: Which kind of linoleum and heated floors to choose, installation techniques, and whether a union is feasible

Among the drawbacks are:

• quite high price;
• presence of odor (disappears immediately after the walls dry).

What is the key difference between paints

Examining the benefits and drawbacks of acrylic and latex paints reveals that they are nearly identical, with the exception of one crucial factor: styrene-butadiene paints are not suitable for outdoor use because they are sensitive to sunlight and cold temperatures.

Let’s compare the key features of latex and acrylic paints to determine which is better for interior painting projects.

Performance Comparison

The primary attributes of latex and acrylic paints will be compared using the following standards:

• paint cost;
• durability;
• wear resistance;
• hiding power;
• consumption per 1 m2;
• versatility;
• moisture resistance;
• resistance to fading.

Which is cheaper?

When doing repairs, the finishing material’s price indicator frequently determines the outcome, frequently at the expense of other qualities. Styrene-butadiene copolymer-based latex paints are typically 15–65% less expensive than acrylic paint formulations.

Since other factors are involved, such as brand awareness, the quantity and type of stabilizers, the type of filler (prices for the same paint with a matte and glossy surface differ), etc., it is pointless to discuss specific prices at this time. For instance, the cost of paint with the same chemical composition can range from 300 to 3,000 rubles per liter.

Combining different types of paint has become popular recently as a way to lessen the financial burden of remodeling apartments.

Durability

Numerous factors, including wear resistance, UV ray resistance, and high humidity tolerance, determine service life. Both types of paint perform similarly under ideal operating conditions, lasting roughly 20 years. Since the sun can occasionally appear on latex compositions and increased humidity has a place, acrylic paints actually have a higher durability than t.D.

Wear resistance

There are five classes of wear resistance for each type of color. Paints can be compared in one to three classes. Regarding this metric, they are perfectly equal.

The following is how the wear resistance class is identified:

• A layer of paint with a thickness of 250 microns is applied to the painted surface;
• the surface is dried;
• After drying, the thickness of the dried layer is measured;
• A special sponge with a given force is carried out by the machine in both directions 200 times;
• The thickness of the residual layer of paint is measured.

The grade class is higher (grade 1 being the highest) the larger it is.

Hiding

Untrained observers frequently mix up two comparable indicators: covering and paint consumption per square meter. The ability of a layer of applied paint to completely cover the original color of the surface being painted, or the transparency of that paint layer, would be the essence of hiding power, if we were to put it in words that everyone could understand.

The indicator, which ranges in class from 1 to 5, is based on the number of dye particles, the ratio of binders to pigment, and the size of the filler and pigment particles. Less paint is used the higher the hiding power. This implies that you can save money by using fewer coats of more costly paint with a high opacity rating.

Although well-known European brands also have coverage class 1 (which allows you to almost always get away with 1 layer of paint, despite the bright spots on the surface being painted), most acrylic and latex paints have coverage class 2.

Consumption

The paint layer’s thickness can change while painting a surface. Everything is based on how elastic it is. The less paint used per square meter, the higher it is. This indicator varies between 0.20 and 0.25 kg/m2 for acrylic paint and 0.20 to 0.25 kg/m2 for latex paint, indicating higher elasticity.

It is important to note that the consumption of latex-based paint is incorrectly stated in online tables as 0.6 kg/m 2. Examining the consumption on the paint cans that are for sale will allow you to confirm this. In essence, it is 18–24 m 2 for a 3 kg can. Regarding the subject at hand, what is the purpose of purchasing latex paint when the consumption is nearly three times greater than acrylic paint, which is only 15–25% less expensive?

Universality

Acrylic paint is overwhelmingly advantageous when it comes to versatility because it can be applied anywhere, even outside of buildings, and on a wide variety of materials. Wet rooms and facades are not suitable for latex paint application.

Moisture resistance

The resistance of paints to moisture varies. High humidity paint rooms can be cleaned with a wet cloth or sponge, but latex cannot be cleaned with either.

Resistant to fading

UV radiation terrifies latex paint, as it rapidly fades in their presence. Acrylic won’t lose its original color tone even after ten years of regular sun exposure.

When it comes to home renovation, the decision between latex and acrylic paints frequently comes down to their unique benefits and uses. Because of their smooth finish and short drying time, latex paints—which are well-known for their longevity and ease of cleaning—are perfect for interior walls and ceilings. Acrylic paints, on the other hand, work well outdoors because of their exceptional resistance to inclement weather and UV radiation. Comprehending these differences enables homeowners and renovators to make well-informed decisions according to the requirements of their projects, guaranteeing durable and aesthetically pleasing outcomes.

What and in what case is it better to choose

We are able to provide guidance on which paint to choose and under what circumstances by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the compared paints as well as the outcome of contrasting their key attributes.

Acrylic. The type of paint is universal. As a result, there are no limitations when using it inside or outside. It can be used to paint walls and ceilings in moist areas, like the kitchen and bathroom, if specific stabilizers are present. Verify the water resistance levels on the packaging.

Latex. Styrene-butadiene paints do not fall under the category of universal coloring materials. Its application is thus restricted to a home’s or apartment’s interior. Furthermore, rooms with high humidity and abrupt temperature swings are prohibited. For instance, opening windows wide in a room during the winter can cause the paint to chip and flake off.

Simultaneously, paint has advantages when it comes to price, speed of setting, and appearance when it comes to painting walls, particularly the north side of the apartment where sunlight causes paint to fade.

Choose latex paint for the storage room, hallway, and corridor as well. It is not less than acrylic paint in terms of consumer attributes, but it is less expensive.

If you want to paint the entire apartment—apart from the bathroom and the kitchen’s "apron" with the ceiling—for less money, you can combine latex and acrylic paints in about equal amounts. It is important to keep in mind that latex alone or in combination with acrylic paint is not recommended for use in outdoor or unheated areas (dacha).

Can paints be mixed with each other?

Owners frequently wish to combine two different types of paint during renovation projects. This could be a desire to save money for the family or to alter the surface being painted (a layer of latex paint looks silky). The price difference is noticeable.

A specific answer cannot be found via internet searches. The statement "experts do not advise conducting such experiments" is ultimately what matters. Let’s attempt to gain a deeper understanding.

1. There are no technological barriers to paint mixing:

• the solvent is the same – water;
• binder polymers are in the form of dispersions;
• There are practically no coloring compositions with one type of polymer – there is always the presence, albeit in small quantities, of other representatives of the polymer group, or, as chemists say, copolymers.

Lastly, the primary point: paint manufacturers lower the cost of their goods by combining acrylates and styrene-butadiene polymers in a single "bottle" of paint that is sold.

3. Paints react differently to temperature variations and sunlight. As a result, this combination is inappropriate for painting exterior surfaces since it’s unpredictable how it will perform under pressure. However, there are no barriers to mixing for internal work.

Conclusion: When doing finishing work in heated rooms, the editors do not understand why it is impossible to combine two types of paint.

Latex Paint	Acrylic Paint
Water-based	Water-based
More breathable, good for interiors	Durable, better for exteriors
Easier cleanup and application	Excellent adhesion and flexibility
Lower VOCs, less odor	Higher VOCs, stronger odor

To get the best results when choosing between latex and acrylic paints for your projects, it’s important to understand their advantages and differences.

Water-based paint, also known as latex paint, is popular for its speedy drying time and ease of application. It is a safer option for indoor painting because it is less harmful to the environment and releases fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In comparison to oil-based paints, latex paints have superior color retention and are less likely to yellow over time.

Conversely, acrylic paint is a kind of water-based paint that has acrylic binders in it. It’s perfect for surfaces inside and out because of its long-lasting finish, which doesn’t fade, crack, or peel. Acrylic paints give a smooth, consistent look and stick well to a range of surfaces, including metal, wood, and masonry.

Take into account the particular requirements of the surface you’re painting as well as the desired finish when choosing the paint that is best for your project. For general purpose painting, latex paints work great, especially indoors where VOC emissions and smell are an issue. Because of their exceptional toughness and adaptability, acrylic paints are excellent choices for outdoor and high-traffic areas.

Paints, whether latex or acrylic, have different advantages based on the needs of your project. Whether you value durability, ease of application, environmental impact, or versatility, knowing these distinctions will enable you to make an informed decision that will guarantee the success of your painting projects.

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