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If you are planning for a renovation or construction, you know that painting is one of the most important parts of finishing a work. Well-painted walls and ceilings are synonymous with a pleasant, beautiful environment, ready to receive decoration and enhance it.
More than contributing to the aesthetics of a place, painting is essential for the protection of surfaces against environmental damage, humidity and mold. For this reason, the paint used must be suitable for the project. Did you know that there are different types of paint and that each one of them has its function directly related to the environment for which it is suitable?
Contrary to what many people think, there is no single universal paint suitable for all types of environments and surfaces. Painting a masonry wall inside a building is very different from painting the wall or facade of a building. Therefore, to ensure the quality of your renovation or construction, it is necessary that you are aware of the types of paint appropriate for each situation.
In this article, you will learn about the main types of paint for painting. We will talk about finishes and types of paint suitable for indoor and outdoor environments.
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What are the main differences between the types of paint?
The types of paint vary according to their composition, that is, the substances used to make the paint. Some paints are made based on solvent, others based on water. Some are acrylic paints, others are latex, lime or epoxy. The difference in the composition of the paints means that each one has its own peculiarities and characteristics.
Among the types of paint used in civil construction today, we have:
- Acrylic paint (matte, semi-gloss or satin finish);
- Latex paint;
- Synthetic enamel (water or oil based);
- Epoxy paint;
- Lime-based paint;
- Oil paint (matte or glossy finish);
- Anti-mildew paint;
- Odorless paint;
- Superlavable ink.
Each of these options has a different application and must be taken into account when choosing and purchasing the material to paint a project. Experienced painters are able to guide the best type of paint for each project, but it is not necessary that you are a painter to have the basic knowledge of each one.
Next, we will present the 4 main types of paint, their particularities and recommendations for use. Don’t miss out!
1. Know the types of paint: Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is based on water and acrylic resins, chemical compounds that give it a higher quality than many other types of paint. For this reason, acrylic paint is usually sold at a slightly higher price than the others.
The advantage of acrylic paint is the formation of a paint film that is resistant to physical and chemical effects of the environment, such as humidity, heat and dirt. It has excellent durability and adhesion and is recommended for environments that suffer from the effects of time and humidity, such as outdoor areas, kitchens and bathrooms.
Because it is a water-based paint, acrylic paint has a low odor and quick drying, so it is an excellent option for those who want to make quick renovations. It is also a suitable paint for environments that are more exposed to dirt and that require frequent cleaning of the walls, since the resin film created by finishing with acrylic paint is easily washable with a damp cloth.
In addition, it is an extremely versatile paint, as it is available in matte, semi-gloss and glossy finishes.
Features of acrylic paint:
- Water based;
- Low odor;
- Fast drying;
- Efficient coverage on the first coat of paint;
- High impermeability;
- Easy cleaning.
Acrylic paint is ideal for:
- Outdoors;
- Kitchen;
- WC;
- Places with a high flow of people or exposed to dirt.
2. Know the types of paint: Latex paint
Latex paint is composed of a synthetic polymer called Polyvinyl Acetate and, therefore, this paint is also called PVA latex. This substance that makes up the ink is also soluble in water and has no odor. The coverage of the latex paint finish is matte.
When comparing latex paint with acrylic paint, we realize that the biggest differences between the two types of paint are in durability, resistance and impermeability. Latex paint is less durable and resistant and is also not as waterproof as acrylic. However, it is sold at a lower price and has excellent yield, so it is more economical.
Although you need to dilute the latex paint to apply to the walls and, therefore, it needs more than one coat to present good coverage, the cost-benefit still pays off for those who want to save money.
Regarding the cleaning of walls painted with this type of paint, it must be done carefully so that it does not damage the painting. It is not recommended to use abrasive materials or cleaning products, only water and mild soap. Therefore, latex paint is more suitable for places that do not require constant cleaning and maintenance, such as internal areas and places with finishing in plaster, plaster or plaster.
Latex paint features:
- Water based;
- Low odor;
- Fast drying;
- Relative durability;
- Mold resistant;
- Good performance;
- Low price.
Latex paint is ideal for:
- Dry indoor areas;
- Low maintenance locations;
- Plaster, plaster or plaster finish.
3. Know the types of paint: Synthetic Enamel
The synthetic enamel was developed for the painting of metal and wood surfaces and presents the options of matte, satin or shiny finish. Although it was created for painting metals and wood, enamel paint is an excellent option for finishing outdoor areas exposed to rain and sun.
This, therefore, after the application of the synthetic enamel, the surface gains a protective film capable of resisting the chemical and physical effects of time.
The synthetic enamel can be made with oil or water. When water-based, it presents faster drying and less pronounced odor.
Characteristics of synthetic enamel:
- Solvent or water based;
- Moderate odor;
- Slower drying;
- Great durability;
- Resistant to physical and chemical effects.
Synthetic enamel is ideal for:
- Wood;
- Metal;
- External areas with high exposure to the weather.
4. Know the types of paint: Lime
Lime-based paints are very common and popular, due to their low price and easy application. It is produced by hand and has a satisfactory, albeit rustic finish. It is the best option for porous and rough surfaces, such as concrete; coating mortar etc.
In addition to being economical, painting with lime is sustainable, as it is free of toxic compounds present in industrialized paints. It is also easy to apply and manage for those who want to paint without having to hire a painter.
Whitewashing, or painting with lime-based paint, is a bactericidal and fungicidal process, so it has good results against the formation of mold. However, because it is a more rudimentary technique, the resistance of painting with lime is lower than other types of paint and it also has the most difficult coverage, requiring a greater number of coats.
Characteristics of lime-based paint:
- Diluted in water;
- Economic;
- Very slight odor;
- Fast drying;
- Bactericide and fungicide;
- Lower durability;
- It is not waterproof;
- Cleaning can damage the finish.
Lime painting is ideal for:
- Porous surfaces;
- Concrete blocks;
- Exposed concrete;
- Coating mortar.
Now, you already know the main types of paint used in most residential construction works. Did you like the article? Leave us a comment with your questions and suggestions!
