Water-based and acrylic paints: composition differences

Water-based paints have long been included in our life. Their latest variety - acrylic paintwork materials - is very popular due to its improved properties. The difference between the compositions determines the breadth of application of types of water-dispersible material.

German chemist Fritz Klatte invented PVA glue in 1912. In the first half of the twentieth century, 3 types of dispersions for water-based paints were discovered successively: PVA dispersion - the first base, synthetic rubber - the second dispersion base, and the last dispersion in terms of creation time - acrylic.

Reference: a homogeneous substance made of liquids that does not initially interact is called a dispersion. In the resulting emulsion paints, there is a solvent (here - water) and a coloring part with different additives. Due to the fact that these 2 parts of the dispersion do not interact, they cannot mix forever - they will eventually disintegrate into the original layers.

In the 1950s, two American artists released the first acrylic paints that could not yet be dissolved in water, but dissolved, for example, with turpentine. They were intended exclusively for a narrow scope - artistic.

One decade later, in 1960, one of these two artists, Leonard Bocku, created a completely water-soluble acrylic paint.

A little less than 30 years ago, acrylic water-based paints were imported to Russia, which were not produced in our country at that time. Now their production is being established on the territory of our country, and we are producing quite competitive products.

As can be seen from the history of the origin of water-dispersion materials, their types differ depending on the basis of the dispersion.

The cheapest emulsion paints - based on PVA, since they dissolve in water, are unstable to it. But they retain their color and are UV resistant.

The next type - butadiene-styrene quality is higher... Paints of this type are also applicable in interior decoration, they are more resistant to wear, but not to sunlight. They are not frost-resistant.

The latter and the highest quality type of water-dispersion paint - acrylic... It belongs to the most expensive species due to its complex and improved composition. It is practically universal and is intended for any interior and exterior surfaces on which it forms an elastic, abrasion-resistant film. This paint and varnish material is completely waterproof, has temperature and UV resistance.

The solvent in water-dispersion paints is demineralized water, purified from mineral salts.

The copolymers forming a film on the painted surface occupy about 1/2 of the total mass. These will be:

• polyvinyl acetate, its emulsion in water is a well-known PVA glue;
• styrene-butadiene - or synthetic rubber, resistant to water, unlike the first option, but unstable to UV radiation;
• styrene acrylate, its smallest particles provide good adhesion, paints with this polymer have higher quality characteristics than paints with the first 2 polymers;

• acrylate, forms a very strong adhesion to the surface, providing high protection from sunlight, paints based on it are one of the most expensive - they are widely used in outdoor decoration;
• versatat, a new film former (aka copolymer) that has recently begun to be used in the composition of water-based paints, the paint with which has excellent qualities, but is cheaper than paint on acrylate, is comparable in price with styrene-acrylate.

This is followed by various additives, which are also responsible for the properties and quality of the paint, the scope of its application:

• the pigments themselves are the coloring base;
• thickeners (most often - CMC glue, or carboxymethyl cellulose) and preservatives;
• plasticizers;
• antiseptics;
• frost protection antifreeze;
• agents that reduce foaming and those that improve the viscosity of the composition;
• anti-corrosion additives;
• dispersants, the role of which in the composition is difficult to overestimate - they are responsible for preventing the separation of paintwork materials into components, in other words, do not allow particles to stick together.

The cheapest white water-based paint is made on the basis of chalk, has the appropriate quality and purpose. The best quality white pigments are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Several minerals can be fillers at once: talc, mica, calcite.

Depending on the composition, the paint has certain technical characteristics. This means requirements for:

• drying speed of 1 layer;
• hiding power - is responsible for paint consumption;
• the type of the resulting surface - its uniformity;
• pH level - neutral, low-alkaline;
• the degree of resistance to UV rays;
• wear resistance;
• possibility of use at low temperatures.

LK material for finishing works is selected taking into account these characteristics. Thanks to the correct choice, it will fully comply with the conditions of use, will last a long time, showing its best performance.

The qualities of the water-dispersion material depend on the dispersion copolymer, from one of the 5 listed in the "Composition" paragraph:

1. polyvinyl acetate;
2. styrene butadiene;
3. styrene acrylate;
4. acrylate;
5. versatata.

Let us consider in turn the properties of water-based paints containing one of them in the base:

• yellowing, lack of resistance to water, for this reason, a narrow scope - only in rooms with normal humidity levels, on surfaces that do not require wet cleaning, not exposed to mechanical stress;
• good water resistance, but susceptibility to UV radiation, slightly wider application, but still limited to indoor surfaces;

• porosity of the coating, which forms vapor permeability, resistance to fading in the light, tight adhesion to many surfaces - high adhesion, as a result of wider application, on internal and some external surfaces;
• the highest resistance to light, all the advantages have been improved and make it possible to actively use this type of acrylic water-dispersion paint in unprotected conditions of the natural environment - outdoors, that is, in external decoration (facades made of different materials - wood, plaster);
• excellent quality characteristics comparable to all the advantages of the listed acrylic paints.

Latex acrylic paints based on synthetic rubber - styrene butadiene, with silicone additives, have a number of advantages:

• resistance to water - form a washable surface, applicable in rooms with high humidity;
• elasticity - will not crack;
• adhesion;
• vapor permeability, but it is better to use a preliminary primer against fungus;
• wear resistance - for rooms with intensive loads;
• a variety of decorative effects;
• incombustibility.

Like all water-based paints, it is environmentally friendly, since it does not contain toxic organic solvents, it dries quickly and is odorless.

All water-dispersible materials can be tinted, they are easy to work with and resistant to alkalis.

Water-based paints compare favorably with paintwork materials based on organic solvents - enamels, varnishes as safe for health, non-combustible, quick-drying.

Water-based paints have differences in compositions that determine their purpose, scope. Acrylics are an improved version of water-based paints. The difference between the first water-based paints and their modern formulations is significant. Progress has brought them to a new level of application, and now they are one of the best multidisciplinary paintwork materials.

Minus: you can paint at t from + 50C, you cannot freeze this type of paintwork.

Acrylic is more expensive, but the price is justified by its qualities.

Artistic creativity, finishing work - internal, facade. Water-based acrylic paints are used on wood, concrete, brick, plastered, metal surfaces. Designers and artists use these paints extensively in their work.

For more information on the types of paints, see the next video.