Acrylic paints: properties and applications. Composition and characteristics of acrylic paints, application in painting and artwork

Painting work is usually the final touch of the repair, so the attitude towards them should be as responsible as possible.

The quality of staining depends on:

  • from the conscientiousness of preparing surfaces for painting;
  • use of high-quality paint composition;
  • the right choice of tool for applying paint;
  • strict adherence to work technology.

A large selection of paints on the shelves of building supermarkets sometimes misleads even specialists, not to mention ordinary consumers. Therefore, before you buy paint, you need to understand this abundance.

And indeed it is. But there are so many of these paints supplied by various manufacturers that the choice does not become easier. A person often cannot understand how these colorful compositions differ and why their cost can differ significantly.

Nowadays, everyone knows that latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree. Do latex paints contain natural rubber? Of course not, because it is a very expensive material. Scientists have long been able to create synthetic rubber, which is in no way inferior to natural rubber in properties. And it is from it that the dispersed phase of all modern latex paints consists.

In this case, rubber is produced on the basis of various copolymers and can be:

  • styrene-butadiene (SBR);
  • polyvinyl acetate;
  • urethane;
  • siloxane;
  • acrylic.

And this is not a complete list.

There are various types of paints based on latex, which have different composition, purpose and appearance. If we talk about the appointment, then the paints are divided into compositions for interior and exterior use. The latter contain additives that prevent the formation of mold and fading.

Compositions for internal work are divided as follows:

  • vinyl - used to paint the ceiling and walls;
  • dense - for ceilings;
  • acrylic - can be used for painting wooden products;
  • texture - allow you to create relief surfaces;
  • drip-free - do not leave streaks.

By composition, latex paint mixtures are divided into the following varieties:

  • Polyvinyl acetate - they are based on PVA glue. They are also called water-based or water-dispersion. These paints have such advantages as: good adhesion, almost complete absence of smell, low cost. But they are not resistant to water, so they are used only for interior decoration inside the building.
  • Styrene-butadiene - paints resist moisture well, but are not lightfast, that is, they quickly fade. Therefore, they should not be used in those places. where the surface is exposed to direct sunlight.

  • Acrylic-silicone - are not afraid of either moisture or light, therefore they are used mainly for finishing facades.
  • Acrylic - expensive, but very high quality compositions. The paint has good hiding power, does not require frequent renewal and can be used both inside and outside the building.
  • Washable paints based on acrylate binder.

These compositions do not contain solvents, are environmentally friendly, and are able to create a silky effect on the surface. They can be used for painting any materials and premises.

In appearance, latex paints are divided into three types:

  • Matte - hide small surface irregularities, retain their properties for a long time.
  • Glossy - create a shiny surface that visually increases the size of the room, easy to clean.
  • Semi-matte - have average performance.

Real acrylic paint produced abroad is based on high-quality polyacrylates and does not contain latex dispersions. But its cost is very high. Domestic manufacturers produce acrylic paints based on aqueous acrylic dispersion, which is a type of artificial latex.

The paint is a mixture of polyacrylates mixed with rubber (most often styrene-butadiene).

Thus, latex paint is a butadiene-styrene dispersion composition. And acrylic is a mixture of polyacrylates with latex of various origins. Such compositions are better than conventional styrene-butadiene (that is, latex), but also more expensive than them. The film formed by them has greater strength and better adhesion, they are easier to apply.

At the same time, acrylic-latex compounds are of lower quality than those made using latex-free technology (only based on solid polyacrylates). But for the price compared to them win.

On the market, you can also find such a term as "acrylic-latex" mixture. It means that we have acrylic paint mixed with latex. The main component of such a mixture is an acrylic emulsion, and a small amount of styrene-butadiene latex has already been added to it. This option is cheaper than real acrylic paint, but more expensive than those made from acrylic rubbers.

Thus, the choice of paint depends on your goals:

  • Plain latex can be chosen for little-used dry rooms with not too bright lighting.
  • Acrylic (latex-based) can be used both outside and inside the building in any room.
  • Acrylic-latex compositions should be purchased for very high-quality interior decoration.

If there is a laconic inscription “latex” without decoding on a can of paint, then ask what kind of substance it is based on. After all, the properties and quality of the paint depend on this.

Acrylic paint has high performance and technological characteristics, is made on the basis of polymers of acrylic and methacrylic acids and their derivatives: esters, amides, nitriles and others.

Classification of acrylic paints and varnishes

Depending on the chemical composition, polyacrylic resins can have a variety of physical properties: from glass-like hard plastics to rubber-like elastomers with an elongation of up to 1000 ... 2000%. Absolutely colorless and do not darken during aging, relatively high heat resistance: they decompose at temperatures above 260 ° C, do not change color when heated to 175 ° C. In composition, they are close to nitrocellulose materials, but they began to be used as paints and varnishes much later.

The unique properties of polyacrylic resins explain their wide and varied applications, from classic organic glass and sanitary ware to fabrics and textiles.

Polyacrylic-based paints and varnishes are divided into:

  • cold drying based on thermoplastic polymers;
  • hot drying based on thermosetting polymers;
  • water-soluble high-temperature drying;
  • water emulsion natural drying.

In materials cold drying organic solvents are used, during the curing process they evaporate in 1 ... 3 hours at room temperature. In addition to film-forming polyacrylic resins, the composition includes plasticizers - esters. To increase the hardness of the coating, additives are used: phenol-formaldehyde resins, acetobutyrate and cellulose nitrate, and others. The content of non-volatile substances is up to 30%. For primers, pigments with passivating and anticorrosive properties are used. The advantages of materials include transparency and colorlessness of films, light and weather resistance, wide operating temperature range: -50…+180 °C.

Polyacrylic paints and varnishes stoving have higher performance. Drying is carried out within 15…30 minutes at temperatures of 125…180 °C. Acrylic thermoset oligomers contain terminal reactive groups that interact with each other or with curing agent groups at elevated temperatures. The composition of hot-drying paints and varnishes includes organic solvents and hardeners (driers). Additives are used to reduce the drying temperature, remove air and light stabilizers. The content of non-volatile substances is about 50%. Advantages of materials: high hardness and gloss, moisture resistance, good mechanical properties, weather resistance and service life.

Mixtures of alcohols, acetates, cellosolve, ketones, aromatic carbohydrates, and others are used as organic solvents for both types of materials. Inorganic and organic compounds are used as pigments.

High temperature drying water soluble polyacrylic paints allow to significantly reduce the harmful effects of water on the substrate, suggest the use of "metal". The increased polymerization temperature optimizes the film formation process, the obtained spatially cross-linked polymers provide higher protective properties of the coating. Drying is carried out at temperatures of 110 ... 150 ° C for 10 ... 45 minutes. They have limited use.

Water based acrylic paint


Technical characteristics, in comparison with polyvinyl acetate and other water-based paints, have significant advantages: higher water resistance, weather resistance and physical and mechanical properties, resistance to aging and alkali action. Are applied to internal and external works in construction.

The popularity of water-dispersion paints is evidenced by the Wikipedia article "Acrylic Paints", which does not even mention paints and varnishes based on organic solvents.

The composition of acrylic water-dispersion paints includes:

  • monomers of acrylic copolymers;
  • auxiliary monomers;
  • water;
  • pigments and fillers;
  • functional additives.

If the monomers of acrylic copolymers are the basis of the paint and determine its "base" specifications, then additions of up to 10% of auxiliary monomers can significantly influence its properties and regulate them in relation to a specific intended purpose. In this case, it is possible to regulate not only the strength, hardness, elasticity, chemical resistance of the resulting coatings, but also the rheological parameters of the paint, its colloidal stability, and adhesion.

Pigments and fillers

Pigments not only provide the desired color and coverage of the coating, but are also used to increase resistance to UV radiation and other atmospheric factors.

As color pigments, mainly cheaper and weather-resistant inorganic chemical compounds are used: sulfides and oxides of chromium, iron, lead and other metals. For white paint High Quality rutile titanium dioxin is used, which has a high hiding power due to a high refractive index. Anatase modification of titanium dioxin at a lower price has a lower refractive index and reduced resistance to ultraviolet radiation.

Organic compounds are used less often, usually in the form of pigment pastes for tinting. They have brighter colors, less weather resistance and higher cost.

As a white organic pigment, additives of dispersions of non-film-forming polymers 300–400 µm in size are used, which form air-filled voids in the dried state, providing light scattering at the polymer/air interface. Additives provide a significant increase in opacity and a decrease in the content of expensive titanium dioxide, improve the distribution of its particles throughout the entire volume of the coating.

Natural minerals are mainly used as fillers: calcite, chalk, talc, dolomite, kaolin, barite, mica and others. The best results are shown by crystalline structure fillers with high reflectivity and reduced oil absorption.

Functional Additives


Auxiliary substances provide the necessary technological and operational characteristics. They regulate the process of film formation, facilitate the storage, preparation and application of paints and varnishes, ensure the stability of paints and the durability of coatings. Give materials special properties.

Functional supplements include:

  • emulsifiers and surfactants;
  • initiators;
  • organic solvents (coalescents);
  • stabilizers;
  • preservatives/biocides;
  • defoamers.

Emulsifiers and surfactants optimize the distribution of pigments and fillers by changing the wetting and stability of the primary particles. decline surface tension emulsions due to the introduction of surfactants provides the necessary wettability of the painted surface for the formation of a defect-free coating. Initiators allow you to control the beginning and the process of polymerization.

Additives of organic solvents (coalescents) optimize the polymerization process, perform the function of temporary plasticizers. Evaporate during the drying process, reduce the rate of film formation, increase film strength and frost resistance of the dispersion.

Stabilizers suppress the tendency of component particles to coagulate, agglomerate and settle, caused, among other things, by the thermodynamic instability of polymer dispersions. As stabilizers, neutralizing agents and buffer substances are used, which increase ionic compatibility and reduce dispersion flocculation.

Preservatives suppress the possible development of microorganisms such as mold, bacteria and fungi during the period from the manufacture of the paint to its use. Defoamers reduce both the excess formation of surface foam and internal microfoam during production and transportation. Thickeners regulate rheological properties.

Types and application of acrylic paint

According to the intended purpose, acrylic paint and varnish products can be:

  • for wood;
  • for fabric;
  • on glass;
  • elastomeric - for surfaces subjected to deformation (bending, elongation, torsion);
  • on concrete;
  • for metal;
  • automotive;
  • for outdoor work, including facade;
  • for internal works, is divided into the following types: for walls, floors, ceilings, baths and others;
  • texture or plaster;
  • artistic;
  • in aerosol cans.

Artistic use


Compared to oil paints, they have several advantages:

  • durability, lightfastness, does not turn yellow and does not crack over time;
  • elasticity, strength of adhesion to the surface, which allows the use on flexible materials;
  • water resistance after drying;
  • practically any materials for application: fabric, paper, ceramics, glass, wood, plastic, leather and more;
  • good hiding power, diluted with water or solvents;
  • acrylic paint has rich, bright colors, dozens of shades;
  • versatility, variety of use techniques, transparency regulation, use in airbrushing.

The quick drying time of acrylic paint is generally considered an advantage, but requires extra attention and care when using. If the paint has dried, then it will not be possible to dilute it with water. Paint containers must not be left open. Difficult to use palette. To increase the drying time, retarders are used or periodic spraying with water from a spray bottle. It is desirable to pre-treat the surface with primer before painting, which reduces not only the drying rate, but also the consumption of paint.

Painting with acrylic paints of decorative and applied arts is widely used everywhere. It is possible to obtain various degrees of gloss of the paint surface, from glossy to matte, which expands the possibility of its use, improves the design of products. Acrylic varnish is applied for additional protection of the painting.

The quality and price of paints for drawing can vary significantly. Sets can have from several colors to several dozen. In any case, you should not mix paints of different brands, since the composition of different manufacturers can vary significantly, which affects their compatibility. In addition, when mixing more than three colors, their brightness may decrease and a “dim” color scheme will result.

Acrylic paint: advantages and disadvantages

Acrylic paints and varnishes have the following advantages:

  • strength, elasticity, transparency;
  • good adhesion;
  • coatings with varying degrees of gloss, from glossy to matte surfaces;
  • in terms of durability, it is several times higher than oil and alkyd paints;
  • weather resistance, light resistance, resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
  • well amenable to grinding and polishing;
  • use temperature -50…+175 °С;
  • washable, resistant to mineral and vegetable oils, lubricants and gasoline;
  • high manufacturability, simplicity and ease of application,
  • fast drying: 15…30 minutes at high temperature drying, 1…3 hours at room temperature;
  • ecological harmlessness, have no smell;
  • fire safety of water-based and water-soluble paints.

Among the shortcomings can be noted:

  • insufficient resistance to solvents;
  • acrylic paint is poorly combined with other types of film formers;
  • loss of water-dispersion materials of their properties during freezing;
  • relatively high price.

Video: acrylic paints

Rich choice various kinds acrylic paint materials allows you to buy the necessary paint for specific conditions of use. It is necessary to check the quality certificate of the purchased material and its compliance with GOST.

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In addition to the fact that acrylic paints are environmentally friendly (that is, they do not emit toxins either during application or after drying), users are often attracted by the fact that acrylic does not have a strong smell, which makes them literally run out of the house during repairs. It is acrylic that should be used if you are planning a small redecoration in one of the rooms in the summer - this way you can avoid a lot of domestic inconveniences.


Another important quality of acrylic is its permeability to water vapor. All water-soluble materials, when dried, form a polymer film that will not allow external moisture to pass under the coating, but at the same time allow water vapor to evaporate easily; this is the reason why acrylic paints are often used in the "apron" area when decorating the kitchen. In addition, such a coating is fire and explosion-proof, and also surprisingly durable. Acrylic paints can be applied both with a brush and with a roller, they dry within 30-50 minutes, and the number of shades will amaze even the richest imagination: there are more than 15 thousand colors in the catalogs of well-known manufacturers (MONICOLOR, NCS, RAL, DAWN) - as they say , only you can choose!

The final properties of a water-soluble paint will depend on all the components: on the quality and quantity of fillers, coloring pigments, various additives - hardeners, plasticizers, antifoams. However, as experienced craftsmen say, first of all, the properties depend on the type of binding base. Take, for example, popular and very cheap PVA-based paints: they are affordable and hold color well for a long time, but at the same time they are very unstable to regular washing, so it is better not to use them as facade paints. But for interior decoration, this is just the most excellent option: PVA paints form a smooth matte finish within half an hour after application, which will have excellent light resistance and will delight you with a bright shade for many years.

And here is another regarding a budget option- paints based on styrene-butadiene dispersion. Compared to materials mixed with PVA, they have significantly greater water resistance, but they easily turn yellow from exposure to sunlight; therefore, you should not use them in bright, bright rooms, but it is better to use them for painting wallpaper or for working on plaster or cement in interior rooms.

The undisputed leaders among water-soluble paints are products created using an acrylic binding base. Of course, such paints are at least one and a half to two times more expensive than all the types described above, but at the same time they are much more versatile and able to withstand even the most merciless use: repeated washing, including with a brush, direct sunlight. In addition, acrylic paints form a much stronger adhesion to any surface, be it concrete, wood or paper - it is no coincidence that designers use them for all kinds of painting.

Acrylic paints dry by gradually evaporating water; in this case, a polymer film is formed from the pigment, which is securely fixed in acrylic fibers. What is another huge plus of this type of coatings - they are in the assortment of almost all well-known and even just beginning manufacturers of paint and varnish products: from such global "giants" as Tikkurila, Beckers and Caparol to more modest domestic brands: "Rainbow", "Tex" , "Hercules"; accordingly, the price range is more than huge, from budget repairs to luxury finishes.

What will we paint?

When you buy a cherished jar, the first thing you should pay attention to (besides color, of course!) Is the so-called scope of the paint. According to this indicator, all compositions can be divided into four groups: facade, interior, universal and highly specialized.



The highest operational, technological and decorative requirements are imposed on facade materials: they must have good resistance to ultraviolet radiation, mechanical stress, any precipitation, temperature changes - and it is desirable that these properties be preserved for at least five to seven years. That's why facade paints the thickest ones: the concentration of the binder is naturally increased in them, more resistant pigments are used - this is also reflected in the price, which differs markedly from all other types. Many people ask the question - is it possible to use facade paints for interior decoration? Yes, you certainly may! You just need to think in advance whether it is rational: the cost of repairs will increase, and some properties of the coating (for example, Caparol uses a nanotechnological silicon structure to make the paint dirt-repellent) will simply remain unclaimed.

For paints intended for interior work, the most important indicators will be such indicators as environmental friendliness (therefore, the amount of binder base in them is minimal), high decorative qualities (and, on the contrary, more pigment is added), resistance to pollution, washing and mechanical abrasion. Paints pass the so-called abrasion test - how many times the coating in a dry and wet state will withstand brushing before the uniformity of the paint layer is disturbed.


If you cannot accurately predict what type of work you are buying paint for, it is better to choose universal, glossy or matte. Such materials are recommended by manufacturers for painting any surfaces inside and outside the premises, as well as pipes and communications, ships, cars and motorcycles, furniture, decorations, etc.

And finally, in the group acrylic paints includes a lot of "special purpose" products - carefully read what is written on the packaging! A number of manufacturers produce special snow-white enamels for radiator batteries, which are distinguished by high heat resistance and abrasion resistance; such enamels are applied very densely and thickly, so it simply does not make sense to use them for wide surfaces. There are special products for processing wood, concrete, brick and metal, for ceilings and thin walls – the market is gradually moving towards the highest possible specialization.

The decorative features of acrylic paints are also very different - first of all, the paint can be glossy or matte, with varying degrees of this property (which depends on the amount of reflective pigment in the coloring composition). The operational properties (resistance to washing and mechanical stress, ease of cleaning, the possibility of using “hard” chemicals) are much higher for glossy paints - however, a glossy film will emphasize all the irregularities of the wall, which will not look too good in a small typical apartment. Therefore, many owners prefer a matte finish, despite its less durability and the need for frequent updates - matte walls and ceilings look "noble" in a room of any size.

Reading the label

When choosing a paint, pay attention to the main characteristics noted by the manufacturer. You should be interested in parameters such as resistance to washing and abrasion, color fastness, resistance to fungi and mold. These values ​​are usually expressed quantitatively - in numbers: for example, the number of brushings before the first damage to the surface appears (this value usually ranges from 10 to 30 times), the period (in months) of maintaining an intense surface color under regular daylight. But there are also non-quantitative characteristics, which we will discuss below.

An important point: paints that will “live” in damp and damp rooms must have high biological stability - for this, special antibiotics that are non-toxic to humans are added to their composition. In industrial premises, as well as hospitals, sanatoriums and those institutions where large-scale disinfection is carried out quite often, acrylic with resistance to surfactants is used - this must also be reflected in the annotation.

Now let's talk about the characteristics that are more important not for residents, but for those who will make repairs and paint surfaces. These properties include hiding power, drying time, adhesion, ease of application, thixotropy of the paint composition.

Hiding power reflects the number of coats of paint that are needed to cover the contrast test substrate - usually a "black and white" test is performed, where the white paint must completely cover the black base to opacity. Of course, there are materials that can fully cover the contrast substrate in one layer - for example, products from the Sherwin-Williams or Belinka concern. These paints are more expensive, but they are also spent more economically: and if you change your mind sharply and postpone repairs for a year, then an already open can of paint will calmly survive this, without thickening or drying out.

The rest of the paints can vary in the degree of covering power in a very wide range: from transparent (the so-called "glazing", or tint) to solid opaque. “Choose not a liter of paint, but a liter of the area painted with this paint” - this is what they say on many construction portals when discussing the issue of the “price-volume of paint” ratio.

Another parameter that may affect your choice is the drying time - for glossy paints it is significantly less than for matte ones, and should be in the range from 25 to 45 minutes for a quality material. However, it should be borne in mind that manufacturers provide data for very specific standardized conditions; and if you have to work in conditions of semi-tropical heat or in the cold of January in the open air, then the time may change up in high humidity or down in strong winds.

One of the most important technological parameters that determine the speed of work is the drying time. Usually this parameter is written on the packaging. However, it is indicated for quite specific (normalized) conditions, and the actual drying time is influenced by many factors, such as air and substrate temperature, indoor humidity, etc.

When choosing a paint, viscosity should play an important role - too viscous material will be difficult to apply, and if you work not with a roller, but with an airbrush, the process can be very difficult. At the same time, watery and liquid acrylic will not have sufficient adhesion (sticking to the base), and you will not get a well-painted wall. So keep a balance, think about how easy it will be to work with this paint.

Thixotropic additives are an optional but very useful detail in painting: they help to avoid smudges and increase the fluidity of the paint when mixed. Good thixotropic paint does not flow or drip from the tool, while it spreads well and forms an even polymer film - here you have all the advantages of acrylic, put together!

We work for results

We don’t think that anyone can be surprised by this thought, but still: no matter what quality of paint product you purchase, the result will largely depend on whether you follow all the requirements of the instruction manual.

When you make an estimate for repairs, keep in mind that a high-quality finish includes not only the painting material, but also all related accessories and solutions: primer, putty, enamel; and the entire line of these products must be of proper quality. For example, moisture-resistant paint alone cannot protect the surface from dampness - here both moisture-resistant putty and antiseptic primer with fungicides and bactericides should come to its aid. If you are working with a facade, then all materials should be marked “for outdoor work”, otherwise the result may not please you at all.

AT recent times manufacturers, in order to reduce the time and nerves of their customers, offer them ready-made system solutions: for an apartment, for an office, for country house, for facade decoration. Here you can be sure that the products are compatible and work as efficiently as possible. Yes, and if you purchase products of one brand, then you can save a lot on the purchase, while enlisting a company guarantee.

Another important point- the need to comply with the technology of work. Here, too, very often they try to save money, and at the same time they pay twice. For example, they apply one layer instead of two, neglect the primer or double putty - and get the wrong result that they expected.

The care of the painted surface does not end with the repair. Here, for example, is a rule that even very thrifty housewives often break: the interior walls in the house are cleaned with a damp cloth from top to bottom. If the surface is very heavily soiled and you require cleaning with a wet cloth, prevent the dirty water and detergent from running down the dry surface. Also, when washing, care must be taken that the solution does not dry on the wall surface and is in all areas for the same time. Therefore, rinse with clean water and dry the surfaces in the same order as the household chemicals were treated.

Do not be lazy - remove stains immediately after they appear, so this can be done with "little blood": plenty of water and a slightly alkaline solution. If the stain is old, then the beauty of the surface will have to be sacrificed: strong alkaline or acid cleaners soften the paint film and cause color and gloss to fade. And always avoid sandpaper and products with abrasive fillers - acrylic, like any other paint, does not like this.

After repair, the paintwork usually becomes completely chemically resistant only one to two weeks after application, so if you want to continue decorating your walls or ceilings with paintings, stucco or other decor, it is better to wait a two-week pause.

Of course, acrylic paints have many supporters and opponents; but we hope that we could at least briefly introduce you to this practical and convenient finishing material, which is useful in any household.

Acrylic latex paint on a water-dispersion basis is a modern paint and varnish material (LKM). It is characterized by a practical combination of high quality indicators and a wide range of applications. Eliminating terminological confusion, familiarizing yourself with the main characteristics of wall paint and the rules for its application will help you choose the right material.

The concept of latex and the advantages of latex paints

The juice of rubber and its varieties is the basis of latex in nature. An artificial analog is formed in the process of dispersion of synthetic rubber globules. Therefore, latex is a state of matter. The principle of operation of latex paint is based on the evaporation of a water-dispersion base after application to the wall and the formation of a durable film.

Latex paint has a lot of advantages:

  • The wall treated with latex material, at the discretion of the owner, acquires a glossy or matte surface. Depending on the proportions of the composition, the gloss reaches the level of 20-60%.
  • The coating is resistant to all kinds of mechanical stress and is extremely durable.
  • The wall surface treated with a latex mixture dries quickly. You can start applying the next layer after a few hours.
  • Fresh drops and stains can be easily removed with a damp cloth.

Important! The latex water-dispersion composition provides full air transfer, so the formation of bubbles on the wall is excluded.


Selection Options

In addition to the choice of color, there are several other parameters that are studied when buying latex wall products. special attention deserves a gloss index, there are 6 degrees of them:


In the latter case, the walls are almost mirror-like, causing fatigue, so this latex paint is rarely chosen. The leading position is occupied by a matte composition.

Wear resistance is indicated by the number of wear cycles. A composition with an indicator of at least 3000 is suitable for wall covering. If the parameter is expressed in classes, the first class is the most stable.

Thixotropy indicates the likelihood of smudges on the wall after surface treatment with latex paint. If the composition thickens slowly, the probability of obtaining defects is high. Hiding power will help determine the consumption of the latex composition for decorating walls without islands of the old coating.


What is the difference between latex and acrylic composition

The actual question of the difference between acrylic and latex paint arose on the basis of confusion in terminology. The term latex means water composition containing rubber particles of natural or synthetic origin and surfactants in the form of emulsifiers. Hevea or opium poppy juice is a natural latex. The basis of the synthetic material, respectively, are synthetic particles, among which there are:

  • acrylate (acrylic and polyacrylic);
  • butadiene-styrene (SBR);
  • urethane and others.

It follows that the acrylic composition is one of the types of latex. Among the wide range of coatings for walls on a water-dispersion basis, paint from SBR particles and acrylate copolymers is more common than others.


Therefore, the question of the differences between latex and acrylic paint is incorrect. So you can argue about the benefits of fruit juice over apple juice or the merits of citrus over lemon. Among marketers, paint containing SBR particles is commonly referred to as latex, and the composition with acrylate copolymers, respectively, is acrylic.

But differences between mixtures naturally exist. Acrylic paint provides a high-quality wall covering, for which you have to pay an impressive amount. Latex (according to marketers), that is, based on BSC particles, the paint is cheaper, but inferior in performance. There are also combined options, such as acrylate paint with latex. This indicates the dilution of the SBR acrylic composition with particles, due to which the cost of a relatively pure acrylic paint has decreased, and the quality has improved compared to the latex mixture.

Attention! The laconic inscription “Latex paint” deserves clarification, since latex, depending on the base, has different properties.

But water-based or water-dispersion composition, acrylate, acrylic or polyacrylic paint are practically synonyms.


Characteristics of acrylic compositions

Due to the presence of polyacrylate polymers, acrylic paint dries quickly after application to the wall, forming an elastic and at the same time durable film on the surface. It is characterized by the following properties:

  • Moisture resistance. Applying acrylic paint to the walls guarantees a durable coating that is not affected by water.
  • Vapor permeability. The ability of the acrylic composition to let steam out after being applied to the surface allows the walls to breathe. This ensures gas exchange and maintains a normal level of humidity. Acrylic paint can be applied indoors and outdoors.
  • Elasticity. The strength of the acrylic film does not prevent it from expanding and contracting without violating the integrity of the surface. This property is especially valuable when processing metal surfaces and facades of buildings, which are characterized by significant temperature differences.
  • Acrylic-based wall paint has high adhesion, as evidenced by its durability.
  • The temperature range in which the use of acrylic composition is acceptable is very wide. This paintwork material tolerates both low and high temperatures well.
  • Unlike products based on SBR, acrylic products are resistant to UV radiation and do not lose their attractiveness under the influence of the sun.
  • A wide color palette is appreciated by interior designers.
  • The high wear resistance of acrylic compositions is used for the production of protective paints, which are used to treat the surfaces of floors or facades.
  • The absence of organic solvents makes it possible to include acrylate products in the category of safe coatings.

Important! Thanks to the safety of acrylic blends, they can be applied to the walls of a child's room, bedroom, or dining room.


Material consumption

For purchase the right amount LKM is required to calculate the need. To correctly determine the flow rate, it is necessary to take into account the texture of the walls to be processed. The calculations are guided by the following rules:

  • The average consumption of acrylic enamel varies between 170-200 g/m 2 . This applies to the design of smooth surfaces, such as walls, pre-coated with finishing putty. When applied to a rough surface, the product consumption increases.
  • Often non-woven wallpaper is covered with acrylic composition. In this case, the average consumption increases to 200-250 g/m 2 . A properly selected roller will help reduce the amount of material consumed. A roller with a pile length of about 3 mm is capable of making a smooth surface. A tool with a long pile will help to achieve uniform coloring of textured wallpaper.
  • Consumption of acrylic paint when working with the facade also depends on the texture of the surface. The minimum figures are 180-200 g / m 2, when decorating a wall with decorative plaster focus on 220-250 g/m2.
  • In the case of decorating walls with textured acrylic enamel, be prepared for an impressive consumption of material, according to manufacturers, it ranges from 1.0-1.2 kg per 1 m 2, subject to an ideal surface, in practice, another 5% is added to the recommended indicators.

Advice! The optimum temperature when working with acrylic paint is 20 ° C in the usual humidity.

The volume of the acrylic-based water-dispersion composition is determined on the basis of 1 liter per 8 m 2, for convenience it is better to start from 110 g per 1 m 2. Slightly reduce consumption allows the use of a spray gun.


wall application technology

For interior work, white acrylic paint is often used for walls and ceilings. The technology of its application does not contain fundamental features:

  • The surface of the wall is thoroughly cleaned of the old coating.
  • A primer layer is applied, defects are eliminated with gypsum putty.
  • After a short period required for drying, the wall or ceiling is sanded with an emery grater.
  • Dust after grinding is removed and proceed to the application of a deep penetration primer on an acrylic basis.
  • Before using acrylic paint, it is better to protect furniture, floors and windows with a film.
  • After waiting for the complete drying of the primer mixture, the paint is poured into the bath and work begins on finishing the wall or ceiling using a roller with a pile of suitable length. High-quality work involves shading acrylic paint with a thin layer over the surface to be treated.

After one layer dries, start applying the next one. There may be two or three of them, in each case the presence of waves or smudges is excluded.


The characteristic of acrylic paints contains numerous advantages of the material. It is practical for interior and exterior decoration and is easy to use.