Latex paint: what is it and where is it applied?

Latex paints are a popular finishing material and are in high demand among consumers. The material is known since the days of ancient Egypt, where it was used to create paintings. From the middle of the XIX century, the emulsion began to be actively used for painting exterior surfaces and interiors, it was an oil composition with the addition of soap or lime.

Today, latex paints are aqueous emulsions based on polymer particles that can be painted in any color using color schemes.

Description and characteristics

Latex paint is available only in white. It is based on water with synthetic latex. Until latex particles are applied to the surface due to the presence of liquid.After applying to the surface of the wall, the water evaporates, and the coloring particles merge with each other, thus forming a film. The material has good adhesion to the base surface, the dried paint does not peel off and does not bubble.

The emulsion is universal, easy to use and has a number of advantages:

Wear resistance. The surface painted with latex paint, for a long time retains the original appearance. Paint does not crack or peel off;
Lack of smell. This quality is one of the main advantages of latex;

Repairs can be carried out in the presence of children, do not require additional measures to prevent the absorption of paint odor products or household things,

Full environmental safety and hygiene. The painted surface passes air and possesses high rates of moisture resistance. This allows for wet cleaning and helps to maintain the natural humidity in the room and a favorable microclimate;
Aesthetic appearance. The paint is available in various gloss values, which vary from 0 to 100.The higher this index, the more brilliant the surface is obtained by painting. This allows you to refresh the room and give it an elegant look;
Thermostability and fire safety. The paint is able to withstand high temperatures, it is completely non-flammable and neutral to chemical reagents. This allows you to use it for finishing all types of premises and carrying out outdoor work without restrictions;
Fast drying and easy application. The complete drying time of the painted surface depends on the state of the environment. At room temperature the paint dries in 2 hours. The elasticity and high adhesion of the emulsion facilitate the application of the material to the wall and eliminate the spreading and the formation of clots.

The disadvantages of latex emulsions include the need to pre-treat the wall with a primer. If this is not done, then the likelihood of fungus, mold and pathogens is high. This happens due to the fact that latex is a favorable environment for bacteria.

Kinds

Latex paint is presented on the modern construction market in a wide range.Emulsions differ in composition, performance and appearance. For internal work there are the following types of them:

Polyvinyl acetate. More known under the name of water emulsion and water-dispersion solutions. The emulsion is made on the basis of PVA construction glue, and because of the absence of solvents in its composition, the paint has no odor. Differs in excellent adhesion, low viscosity, easily leaves from hands and clothes. After drying it has a moderate chalk effect, therefore it is recommended for use only for painting ceilings or hard-to-reach places in heated spaces. It has a low frost resistance, so it is not suitable for use in cold warehouses, garages and cottages. With frequent wet cleaning gradually washed off the walls. Is the most budget option of the entire line of latex paints;

Styrene butadiene enamel are made on a water basis and have high rates of moisture and durability. Recommended for use in all types of indoor spaces. The downside is the tendency to fade when exposed to ultraviolet rays.Ideal for kitchens, hallways, corridors and storerooms;
Acrylic paints are very high quality and durable enamels. The painted surface acquires a dirt-repellent effect and is distinguished by vapor permeability and corrosion resistance. Acrylic is applied in two layers, which allows you to mask small cracks and wall defects. The coating can withstand up to 5000 cycles of wet cleaning, so it can be safely used in kitchens and bathrooms. Enamel is not prone to fading, which allows it to be used for painting walls in sunny rooms without the risk of losing the brightness of colors and the original appearance. Due to its high performance, the paint can be used for both internal and external works. It can be applied to a plaster, plastered surfaces, concrete, sheets of drywall, brickwork and wood. Ideal for wallpaper for painting. The washable surface has a silky glossy effect and is an excellent interior solution for the design of living rooms and halls.

In appearance and structure latex paint is matte and glossy.The first type, except matte, can have semi-gloss and deep-satin execution. This type of enamel well masks the imperfections of the walls, but visually reduces the room, therefore it is recommended for use in spacious and bright spaces. The second type is presented in a glossy, semi-glossy and superglossy design, it is characterized by high wear resistance and an attractive appearance.

The disadvantage of glossy compositions is their inability to conceal the flaws of the walls and the high price.

How to choose a color scheme?

There are three types of color schemes: water soluble, organic soluble and universal. When choosing, you need to carefully study the characteristics of the purchased dye and make sure that it is compatible with the existing emulsion. Next, you should choose a color, having previously got acquainted with the table of tones, the brightness and saturation of which depends on the color of the base and the amount of dye added. On the modern market colors are represented in a wide range of colors, which allows you to purchase the whole range, including black.

Then you should test the color scheme. To do this, mix a little dye with an emulsion and apply it on the prepared surface.Evaluate the result should be during the day with natural light and after complete drying of the paint. In this way, it is possible to estimate the degree of gloss of a tinted surface. Dye should be added gradually, while stirring the emulsion.

How to choose?

When choosing a latex paint, you should carefully examine the markings, the indicators of which reflect all the technical characteristics of the emulsion. An important parameter is hiding power, which indicates the consumption of material with a uniform coating of one square meter of surface. Guided by this indicator, you can accurately determine the desired number of cans. Attention should be paid to the thixotropy of the mixture. This index indicates the time of thickening and complete drying, which is also important, especially when limiting the repair time.

Important factors are wear and moisture resistance. Their values are also indicated on the packaging. These properties of enamel must be considered when choosing paint for a bathroom or kitchen. For a bedroom and a living room, mixtures with low moisture resistance and a dry abrasion cycle of 3000 are quite suitable.It is necessary to take into account the temperature regime allowed for operation and installation.

For outdoor work, one should choose enamel adapted for external aggressive environmental influences and not use enamels intended for painting inside the room. Street models have high light and moisture resistance, as well as high vapor permeability.

Enamels with high thermal resistance of matte finish should be chosen for painting the furnace. Otherwise, the gloss from constant fluctuations and high temperature exposure may dim. For painting plastic surfaces should choose enamel for outdoor use.

Is it possible to paint a tree?

Latex paints are widely used for applying to wooden surfaces of windows, doors and window sills. Enamels for wooden surfaces are also divided into paints for exterior and interior applications and differ in the ratio of pigment and thickeners. The drying time of the emulsion on a wooden surface is 20-120 minutes, it depends on the looseness and moisture level of the wood, as well as on the temperature of the surrounding space.

The use of latex paint significantly extends the life of the wooden surface. This is achieved due to the fact that the surface painted with enamel, well passes air, allowing the tree to breathe. This reduces the risk of mold and rot. In rooms with high humidity, latex paint for wood should not be used. This can lead to the appearance of destructive bacteria for wood.

It is recommended to paint wooden surfaces in two layers. This is due to the fact that wood absorbs paint well, and enamel should be applied twice to form a better coating.

Manufacturers Overview

Brand products are popular among domestic manufacturers. Lacra. The company has been producing paint products for over 20 years. Using many years of experience and applying the latest developments in the field of manufacturing paints and enamels, the company has established a production of high-quality products, which in their properties and technical characteristics are in no way inferior to eminent foreign counterparts.

No less well-known products of the Russian company. "Olympus". She bought enough, and has a lot of positive feedback. The company manufactures a full range of paint products, offering high quality at affordable prices.

The Finnish Tikkurila, the German Caparol and the English Dulux are deservedly considered the leaders of the European market. The products of the corporations have the highest quality and are in high demand all over the world.

Beautiful examples in the interior

Latex paint is widely used for decoration of living rooms, bedrooms and children's rooms. Tinted coating allows you to create interesting artistic images and brings warmth to the interior.

discreet tone of the walls in harmony with the gentle Provence;
bright colors in minimalism - stylish and concise;
dark shades and strict lines of the interior emphasizes the geometry of the space;