Previously, we discussed how color and sheen were the two most important aspects to consider when choosing paint for your house. Regarding sheen, we created a paint sheen chart to help you choose the ideal paint based on shine and performance.
Two of the most popular types of paint on the market today are acrylic and latex paints and for good reasons. Both types of paint have unique benefits but also have differences. Today, we will compare and contrast acrylic vs. latex paint to help you decide which one to use for your next project.
When comparing acrylic vs. latex paint, you should know that acrylic is chemically bound, and latex paint is water-based. So, acrylic is more elastic (contracts and expands better) than latex paint. Acrylic paint is frequently used in artwork, houses, and furniture, while latex paint is easier to use and cheaper.
Acrylic paint is made from pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion.
An emulsion is a stable mixture of components that do not usually mix well; oil and water, for example, can be mixed together but will still settle and separate.
So, during an acrylic emulsion, chemical emulsifiers are added to force the water and acrylic polymer into a stable mixture until the water either evaporates or is absorbed.
This type of paint is known for its versatility and durability. It is also fast-drying, which makes it a popular choice for artists who need to work quickly.
Acrylic paint can be used on various surfaces, including canvas, metal, concrete, masonry, brick, wood, and particle boards, making this paint a suitable choice for all-around painting projects.
Acrylic paint is also known for its bright, vibrant colors, which can be mixed and blended to create unique shades and paint picturesque murals or artwork.
When you paint your house with acrylic paint, your place looks vibrant and magnificent. You can use acrylic paint for interior wall paint as well as exterior paint. Besides walls, you can even use it to paint several other objects in and around your household, such as furniture, doors, and wood trim.
There are many benefits to using latex paint for your house painting project, including various uses.
For instance, this type of paint is easier to apply for homeowners who are trying DIY projects. So they can easily paint small areas like their bathroom or bedroom.
Latex paint is a water-based paint that comes in various shades, including matte, eggshell, or semi-gloss. So, as we explained in our paint sheen chart, this type of paint can be used in dining rooms, closets, and ceilings when you buy matte sheen.
Buying eggshell latex paint can cover moderate-traffic areas like living rooms, dining rooms, home offices, and interior woodwork.
When getting semi-gloss latex paint, you can paint bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, exterior walls, basement walls, exterior trim, front doors, and window frames.
Another great benefit of latex paint is that it is cheaper than acrylic paint. Last but not least, latex paint is safer since it produces fewer fumes, making it perfect for DIY house painting projects.
Acrylic paints are more durable and adhere to indoor and outdoor surfaces better than latex paints.
Acrylic paint sticks to many surfaces, including metal, wood, and concrete, and it stretches and shrinks without cracking or losing its adhesion.
But since acrylic paint is more expensive, you should hire a good house painter to do the project for you.
For smaller tasks like wood and furniture renewal, acrylic paint is ideal. AMK Painting is a trusted house painter for San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Miramar, Coronado, Carmel Valley, Pacific Beach, and North Park.
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