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 has been known since ancient Egypt, where it was used to create paintings. From the middle of the 19th century, the emulsion began to be actively used for painting external surfaces and internal premises; it was an oil composition with the addition of soap or lime.

Latex paint is available in white only. It is based on water with synthetic latex. Before being applied to the surface, the latex particles do not come together due to the presence of the liquid. After being applied to the surface of the wall, the water evaporates, and the coloring particles are combined with each other, forming a film. The material has good adhesion to the base surface, the dried paint does not flake or bubble.

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

• Wear resistance. The latex painted surface retains its original appearance for a long time. The paint does not crack or peel off;
• No smell. This quality is one of the main advantages of latex;

• Complete environmental safety and hygiene. The painted surface is breathable and has high moisture resistance. This allows for wet cleaning and helps to maintain natural humidity and a favorable microclimate in the room;
• Aesthetic appearance. The paint is available in various gloss values ​​ranging from 0 to 100. The higher this index, the more glossy the surface will be when painted. This allows you to refresh the room and give it an elegant look;
• Heat resistance and fire safety. The paint is able to withstand exposure to high temperatures, completely non-flammable and neutral to chemicals. This allows you to use it for finishing all types of premises and outdoor work without restrictions;
• Fast drying and easy application. The time it takes for the painted surface to dry completely depends on the state of the environment. At room temperature, the paint dries in 2 hours. The elasticity and high adhesion of the emulsion make it easier to apply the material to the wall and eliminate spreading and formation of clots.

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

• Polyvinyl acetate. They are better known under the name of water-based emulsion and water-dispersion solutions.The emulsion is made on the basis of PVA construction glue, and due to the absence of solvents in its composition, the paint is odorless. Differs in excellent adhesion, low viscosity, can be easily removed from hands and clothes. After drying, it has a moderate chalky effect, therefore it is recommended for use only for painting ceilings or hard-to-reach places in heated spaces. It has low frost resistance, therefore it is not suitable for use in cold warehouses, garages and summer cottages. With frequent wet cleaning, it is gradually washed off the walls. It is the most budget-friendly option from the entire line of latex paints;

• Styrene-butadiene enamels are water-based and have high moisture and wear resistance. Recommended for use in all types of indoor spaces. The downside is the tendency to fade under the influence of ultraviolet rays. Ideal for decorating kitchens, hallways, corridors and storage rooms;
• Acrylic paints are very high quality and durable enamels. The painted surface acquires a dirt-repellent effect and is characterized by vapor permeability and resistance to corrosion. Acrylic is applied in two layers, which allows you to mask small cracks and wall defects. The coating can withstand up to 5000 wet cleaning cycles, so it can be safely used in kitchens and bathrooms. The 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 the colors and the original appearance. Due to its high performance characteristics, the paint can be used for both indoor and outdoor work. It can be applied to putty, plastered surfaces, concrete, drywall sheets, brickwork and wood. Ideal for paintable wallpaper. The washable surface has a silky glossy effect and is an excellent interior solution for decorating living rooms and halls.

In appearance and structure, latex paint is matte and glossy. The first type, in addition to matt, can have a semi-matte and deep-matte finish. 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 light spaces. The second type is presented in glossy, semi-gloss and super-gloss versions, it is distinguished by high wear resistance and an attractive appearance.

There are three types of color scheme: water-soluble, solvent-borne and universal. When choosing, you need to carefully study the characteristics of the purchased dye and make sure it is compatible with the existing emulsion. Next, you should choose a color, having previously familiarized yourself 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 presented in a wide range of colors, which allows you to purchase the entire spectrum, including black.

When choosing a latex paint, you should carefully study the markings, the indicators of which reflect all the technical characteristics of the emulsion. An important parameter is the spreading rate, which indicates the consumption of material when evenly covering one square meter of the surface. Based on this indicator, you can accurately determine the required number of cans. Attention should also be paid to the thixotropy of the mixture.This index indicates the time of thickening and complete drying, which is also important, especially when the repair time is limited.

Wear and moisture resistance are important factors. Their values ​​are also indicated on the packaging. These properties of enamel should be considered when choosing paint for a bathroom or kitchen. For the bedroom and living room, mixtures with low moisture resistance and with a dry abrasion cycle of 3000 are quite suitable. The temperature regime allowed for operation and installation should also be taken into account.

For outdoor work, you should choose an enamel adapted to external aggressive environmental influences, and do not use enamels intended for painting indoors. Outdoor models have high light and moisture resistance, as well as increased vapor permeability.

Latex paints are widely used on wooden surfaces of windows, doors and window sills. Wood enamels are also subdivided into exterior and interior paints and differ in the ratio of pigment and thickener. 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 wood surface. This is achieved due to the fact that the surface painted with enamel allows air to pass through well, allowing the tree to breathe. This reduces the risk of mold and decay processes. Latex wood paint should not be used in rooms with high humidity. This can lead to the appearance of bacteria that are harmful to the wood.

Among domestic manufacturers, products of the brand are popular. "Lacra"... The enterprise has been producing paints and varnishes for 20 years. Using many years of experience and applying the latest developments in the field of making paints and enamels, the company has established the production of high-quality products, which in their properties and technical characteristics are in no way inferior to eminent foreign counterparts.

The products of the Russian company are no less well-known. "Olympus"... She is quite buyable and has a lot of positive reviews. The enterprise manufactures a full range of paints and varnishes, offering high quality at an affordable price.

Latex paint is widely used in living rooms, bedrooms and children's rooms. The tinted finish allows you to create interesting artistic images and brings warmth to the interior.

• the restrained tone of the walls is harmoniously combined with delicate provence;
• bright colors in minimalism - stylish and laconic;
• dark shades and strict lines of the interior emphasize the geometry of the space;

• color variety of modern interiors;

• latex interior enamel will fill the room with warmth and light;

• using dyes to create an unusual look in a teenager's room.

For an overview of latex paint, see the following video.