Water-based acrylic paint: pros and cons

Any repair work requires a competent approach to the choice of materials and tools. Most often, paint is used to give any surface a presentable look. Recently, the most popular is water-based acrylic paint. But before purchasing, everyone asks whether the paint will serve for a long time and is it safe for human health? In order to answer these and other questions, it is necessary to study all the advantages and disadvantages of this type.

Acrylic paint belongs to a large water-dispersion group and is a suspension of fine solids in a liquid solution. The division within this group is almost arbitrary, since its solvent is water. Any paint of this type is a thick substance, consisting of different components, due to which it acquires certain properties.

The composition of water-dispersion paint includes elements involved in the formation of a special film on the surface that has a protective function. In addition, it contains fillers, additives and coloring pigments. Fillers can be of both natural origin and synthetic base. Thanks to them, the paint acquires certain properties. The pigment content gives the dye the desired color or shade, and additives improve the properties of the paint.

The difference between the various types of this group lies in the bonding components, scope and price.

Acrylic water dispersion paint differs from other types of this group by the presence of polyacrylates. In addition, it contains copolymers that are directly involved in the formation of a film that protects the surface. This film is vapor-permeable, which means that the material under it "breathes". The formation of mold and the development of pathogenic bacteria under the condition of a vapor-permeable surface is practically impossible, and therefore it is not at all dangerous not only for healthy people, but also for individuals suffering from allergies.

All components contained in the paint are non-toxic, and since the basis of acrylic dyes is water, and not a solvent, there is no pungent smell. And there is nothing to ignite here, so an important advantage of acrylic paint is its fire safety.

The film created on the surface of the material is resistant to moisture, in addition, the painted surface is perfectly washable. These properties are also inherent in latex-based water-dispersion paint, but they are absent in the species with PVA in its composition.

An important advantage of an acrylic-based dye is the rapid drying of the painted surface, provided that the prescribed temperature and humidity conditions are observed. In addition, the components in the composition of the paint mask small cracks well, and the surface itself is resistant to mechanical stress.

The service life of acrylic paints is long, the surface that has been painted will have a presentable appearance for at least 8-10 years without cracking, despite the influence of not always favorable external factors.

It is a pleasure to work with acrylic paint. It not only fits well on the surface, but also does not require special protective equipment.All kinds of masks and respirators used when working with solvent-based paints are not needed here, since there are no gases poisonous to the respiratory system. And in case of accidental contact with the skin, it is easy to wash it off, because the basis is water.

Almost the only drawback of this paint is the price. It is slightly higher than that of the water-based analogue.

Sometimes water-based paint is identified with water-based paint. But this is not entirely true, since they differ in composition. Despite the fact that both types are based on water, the basic components of water-based paint can be either chalk or slaked lime. It also contains PVA. The components directly affect its properties: it deforms faster and has a short service life.

Acrylic or polyacrylic paint, like many other paints and varnishes, meets certain GOST parameters. This type is marked with the letters AK and is characterized by several parameters.

First of all, this is the appearance of the painted surface. After drying, the coated layer should be smooth and even, have a uniform color without blotches and streaks.

Such an important parameter as hiding power affects the consumption of acrylate paint. It is good if 1 liter of paint weighs about 1.5 kg. A low density means that there is an excessive amount of water in the composition, and a high density means an increased content of filler.

The pH level depends on the intended use of the paint. There are specimens with both neutral and slightly alkaline values.

Such an indicator as frost resistance is determined by repeated testing of the applied paint layer under the influence of low temperatures. The level of resistance depends on the amount of frost. The higher the number, the better.

Acrylic paint is a universal type. It can be used not only for interior, but also for exterior decoration of buildings.

Most often, this type is used for domestic purposes: for painting the ceiling, walls, doors and even furniture indoors. In addition, there are special types suitable for facade work.

Acrylic paint is also used for artistic purposes, for example, for printing on fabric.

Exterior wall decoration should be done only if the air temperature has reached +5. At lower values, there is a possibility of surface cracking.

It is imperative to take into account the humidity of the air. This indicator should be no higher than 80%, otherwise a strong film cannot form on the surface. It takes at least a day for the layer to completely harden.

The quality of the coating is also badly affected by strong winds and bright sunlight. In the first case, a large amount of small debris and dust can accumulate on a wet surface. In the second case, the applied layer will dry out too quickly and unevenly, which will lead to the formation of smudges and streaks.

Anyone who starts painting is always interested in what parameters to pay attention to when choosing acrylic paint. There are several such indicators.

First of all, they always pay attention to the country that made the paint.and then to the brand name. Companies that have proven themselves in the market carefully monitor the production of all products they produce, so their products meet the declared characteristics and have the required certificates of conformity. Newly launched brands, as a rule, cannot guarantee the ideal quality, reliability and durability of their products. Therefore, it is better to opt for products from trusted manufacturers.

When buying, it is necessary to take into account all the parameters of the room where the work is planned to be carried out, including the degree of illumination, the level of humidity, the temperature at different times of the year, the type of surface, and its purpose. It is also important what kind of interior decoration is planned.

When buying paint, calculate its consumption in advance. For an acrylic mixture, this value ranges from 120-150 g / m², but for some surfaces, more paint may be required. For a preliminary calculation, you need to multiply the consumption indicated on the bank by a factor of 1.15. This will help eliminate the possibility of a shortage of the mixture. Try to buy containers with a large volume of paint. This will save you money.

You will learn even more interesting facts about water dispersion paint in the following video.