As with anything in the world of scale modelling, take your creative license and run with it. If the paint doesn’t come off, then it’s oil-based paint. You don’t have to apply primer in order to do so. It’s strong, long-lasting and it’s usually used for painting indoors or metal surfaces. Acrylic is the faster, more popular option these days, but enamel is definitely not without its merits. In this video you will find out the difference between using enamel or acrylic paints for scale models. Clean the surface with a dry cloth and cleaning detergent, make sure that the area you’re painting is completely dry. Urethane and acrylic enamel paints are most commonly used for auto body finishes. The Best of Formula 1: Five of the Greatest Cars Ever, A Wartime Legend: Stories Behind the Spitfire, How to Build Model Ships – Part One | ModelSpace, Our Selection of Models to Build at Home | ModelSpace, Mazda Cosmo – History of the Rotary Engined Pioneer, Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Craft Lovers, Quick drying – touch dry within 10-15 minutes, Harder to get good coverage, so needs more coats to obtain appropriate depth of colour, Don’t adhere well to very smooth surfaces, so a primer is required, Gives a consistent covering which holds the colour well, Give a nice hard coat finish, with no sign of brush strokes, Oil separates after extended shelf life, so requires remixing, Harder to airbrush with – requires more thinning. Because acrylic paint is relatively thin, the creative liberties you take with your paintwork will be easy to paint over once it’s time for the next tenant or owner to move in. driers, flow control agents), The main difference between acrylic and enamel paints then, comes down to the solvent used – acrylic using water, enamel using oil. The chemicals allow the paint to expand and contract with the weather and temperature, making it a good choice for home exteriors. Most acrylic paints are usually water-based – Tamiya paints are an exception – and you can use water or the manufacturers thinners to thin the paint and clean up after use. There are many types of household paint available on the market. All rights reserved. Acrylic paints are also flammable due to the chemicals. Water-based enamel dries faster than the oil-based one. After that, use sandpaper to remove the top glossy layer and to create a smooth surface for painting. Acrylic paints are preferred for exterior paint jobs. The origin of enamel paint was in the 1800s when the paints were less reliable and whitewash paints were known to smudge off. I hope to do another article addressing house paint vs. acrylic paint in the future. I use both Acrylic and Solvent based paint in my airbrush and both work very good. This means the paint will expand and contract properly as temperatures fluctuate. Though there are fewer options, there are still times when I prefer a good oil-based paint. In 1941, Sherwin-Williams introduced Super Kem-Tone, the world's first latex house paint. Enamel at that time was known as vitreous shell surface of porcelain and ceramic tiles which were impermeable, sanitary and very tough. Hi Donna, thanks for your comment. Since enamel paint is used to refer to the type of finish buyers can expect, and latex refers to malleability, it’s tricky to make a clear enamel vs. latex comparison. It has a negative effect on the environment. Just dab it onto the surface of your painted model and let it flow into crevices to make them stand out. To truly understand how these paints act the way they do, we need to know the why. Clean and sand the surface, to remove any imperfections and to remove the gloss layer and you’re ready to paint over it. Oil-based enamels provide for a glassy smooth finishand are as hard as nails, but the biggest advantage to me is that once dry, they prevent block… This reduces the amount of flaking and cracking. Can you put oil-based paint over water-based paint? (Enamel paints also cure by polymerisation, but do not utilise an acrylic base). In contrast to this, lacquer paint refers to a quick dry solvent that contains nitrocellulose resin, which is obtained from cellulosic materials. Do you plan to paint or repaint your house? It is a plastic that dries faster than oils and… Read more ». Acrylic enamel is typically used for restoration work. I normally use Solvent based paint (Tru-Color) when painting locomotives and passenger cars for durability and Acrylic (Crafters Acrylic) for freight rolling stock and structures. It has a strong odour and can be cleaned with paint thinners. It has been proven to be a very chemically stable paint and thus should hold up well for centuries, according to analysis done at the Art Institute of Chicago. No type of paint will work on bare exterior wood. When using this type of paint indoors, make sure the area is properly ventilated, because it emits poisonous fumes. They dry as matte, but a glossy finish can be painted over it if preferred. Enamel's slower drying process is the direct result of its oil base. I want to have fantastic stories delivered straight to my inbox for free. Have you not decided what type of paint you will use yet?Then, this post is for you! One of the most common types of paint is enamel paint. Similar to the Valspar Cabinet Enamel, Behr's Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel is formulated for surfaces that need durability and washability. Acrylic paint also called latex paint, never dries completely and that’s the reason why it can swell affected by moisture. So strap in, put on a nice pot of tea or coffee, and follow us on this riveting paint splattered journey…. of the acrylic family of plastics) in the binder. As acrylic paint dries fairly quickly, you’ll have to be efficient when applying the paint. There is a huge chance that the building you live in is... What is the difference between enamel and acrylic paint? When latex paint dries, it becomes harder and more brittle than acrylic paint. In an acrylic paint, the binder and thinner are chemicals. For example, enamel paint can be applied on top of lacquer paint. • Paint is mostly acrylic, water based or oil based. Use magenta and cyan to tint the clear plastic of a police car’s bar lights. Which means you can paint over it as much as you want and you can easily correct mistakes. Acrylic paint dries faster than enamel. Will this eventually dry completely or will I always have this issue? Enamel can take up to 24 hours to cure but after that it will be absolutely solid. That’s because the sheen of the enamel paint interferes with the acrylic paint. Using Oil Based Paint. Unlike latex paint, which can be removed using soap and water, acrylic paint requires paint thinners if it needs to be removed from the skin. This makes it great for exterior painting … Duramax, the top-of-the-line exterior paint manufactured by Valspar, even features paint and primer in one application. Acrylic paints are mostly used by artists or for arts and crafts. Latex or Acrylic Paints can often be applied over oil-based paint, but oil-based paint should not be used over a water-based paint. Enamel paint is mostly made for metal and there are different grades for different metals. We’re here to highlight the pros and cons of each, with a couple of handy alternatives thrown in for good measure. Enamel paint is oil-based, but recently water-based enamel became available as well. Interior and Exterior. From then on, painting contractors had a choice between oil-based alkyds and waterbased latex coatings. Durability. If acrylic paint is not allowed to properly breathe, it may split or crack. Scrape some of the pastel into a fine powder, and add it to water for use as a detail enhancer. However, if you’re planning to use a lighter colour on top of a darker one, it’s best if you prime the surface with one or two layers of latex binder, just to make sure the colour will be as bright as you want to, and the whole surface will be completely covered. You will see paint labeled as interior or exterior. It’s available in a wide range of colours and shades, it dries quickly which may result in not so smooth surface with brush marks and it’s perfect for outdoor projects. The bottom line is yes, you can paint with house paint instead of acrylics, but there will always be limitations when not working with … Typically, enamel paint is an oil-based paint used to cover surfaces; however, nowadays many latex and water-based paints are also termed as enamel. When it dries it has a matte finish. Different type of surfaces and projects require a different type of paint. But as that’s actually a big part of the scale model experience, we’re hoping you’ll bear with us. water, oil), Additive: Modifies the paint properties (e.g. What is Acrylic Paint? Behr Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel Paint . Three hours later it looked dry but when I run my fingers over the surface some black rubs off. Acrylic enamel is the … Without letting the darker enamel ”bleed” through the surface. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Make sure every layer is dry before applying the next one. Clean the surface using a soft cloth and cleaning detergent. Essentially, all paint is a combination of four distinct properties: Pigment: The powder that provides colour and opacity, Binder: Holds the pigment particles and provides good adhesion, Solvent: The medium that disperses the binder, pigment, and additives (e.g. Whether you choose an oil- or water-based paint, you must prime the wood to promote adequate, long-term adhesion. Damp a cotton ball or soft cloth in a rubbing alcohol and scrub the paint from a small area on the surface. The reason alkyd paint is often called oil-based paint is because it also uses chemical binders and thinners. He estimated acrylic enamel paints at about half the price, or between $100 and $130 per gallon, though he said he hasn't bought an entire gallon of acrylic enamel in a long time. Best Oil-Based: Valspar Anti-Rust Armor. It’s a paint that’s good for the kitchen and bathroom or someplace where one would want to wipe down the walls or protect the walls from stains. Unlike enamel paints, acrylic paints don’t have a strong smell, they dry quickly, usually in a couple of hours, but the finish is softer than enamel paint. Now onto the main event…. In a latex house paint, the thinner is water, the binder is latex, and the pigment is acrylic. It dries quickly and is very opaque. The term Acrylic refers to paints which use acryl-based monomers (ie. While enamel paint has been around for donkey’s years, a tried and true tool for model makers everywhere, the more modern acrylic has fast become the paint of choice for many. If you want a gloss effect, you can varnish it. My use of oil-based painthas largely been limited to enamels in recent years because no matter how hard I search, I cannot find a latex paint with the same performance as a good old-fashioned oil-based enamel. When there is a need to add another type of paint, acrylic paint is the best option. It takes a longer time to dry, but this way there are no brush marks left on the surface. The main difference between enamel and acrylic paint comes from the fact that enamel paint is mainly oil-based and acrylic paint is water-based. As you can see, there is no clear-cut winner. Be the first to get the best home maintenance tips! For these reasons, be sure to wear gloves when handling acrylic paints. Also, there’s a latex enamel. If the paint does come off after rubbing the surface, then it’s water-based paint. You can put oil-based paint over any type of paint including water-based paint. A water-based acrylic primer is appropriate for exterior wood surfaces you plan to paint with acrylic paint. Reading a post about paint can be a lot like, well, watching paint dry. Enamel paint can be used on copper, metal surfaces, glass, wood, plastic and even on walls. Although acrylic house paint isn’t for every job, it is the most appropriate paint for many projects. Strong adhesion to a wide range of materials, when properly primed. If that is the case you can proceed with the repainting with any type of paint without recoating the surface. But is one actually better than the other? Typically these paints have a (non yellowing ) gloss or semigloss sheen for coating windows, doors, and woodwork trim. If you’re wondering if the paint on the surface you want to repaint is oil-based or water-based, there is a simple way to tell the difference. Acrylic paint is widely used by artists for pictures. After that, you can apply oil-based paint. Enamel paint also has ingredients that produce a harder dried surface. When to Choose Oil-Based Paint. Copyright © 2016 - 2021 Fantastic Handyman. • The difference between paint and enamel is same as that between a car and a Ford as enamel is a type of paint. Acrylic paint also wears much faster than enamel paint. Acrylic paint is the eco-friendly option, but it’s not as durable as enamel. Latex is the most common and environmentally responsible paint option. Apply the paint on a couple of thin layers, instead of one thick layer. Neither contain any natural latex. Enamel paint tends to turn yellow over time in indoor areas where there is not enough sunlight. You can paint enamel over enamel paint without priming the surface prior to the process. You can paint acrylic paint over enamel paint, but only with proper surface preparation. Plus, the list of advantages is very impressive. Water clean up. But is one actually better than the other? Acrylic paint doesn’t turn yellow over time. Enamel paint is long-lasting, durable and gives the surface polished, glossy look. The technical term for this type of paint is acrylic enamel. It is more durable to scratches but also more likely to chip or crack. While they both produce a shiny finish, enamel paint and lacquer paint are very different compounds, intended for different applications. Don’t take this as a battle about which type of paint is better – acrylic or enamel. These include exterior and interior wood, masonry, metals and some plastics. It takes less than 8 hours to dry out completely. When You Might Choose Acrylic Paint The biggest benefit that comes with using acrylic paint on a house is that the chemicals cause the paint to have greater elasticity. Oil-based paint is quickly becoming a thing … The paint is resistant to moisture and its perfect for surfaces that need to be washed multiple times. As with anything in the world of scale modelling, take your creative license and run with it. Now we have 100% acrylic paint with many advantages! Yeah science! If you just apply a coat of water-based paint, it won’t adhere properly on the surface and the colour will fade quickly. E.g. Time saving tips, ideas for making your home sparkle, and even special deals. It’s also easier to clean and remove because it can be washed with water. I used semi gloss latex interior house paint in bright white. It is the oil based paints that have traditionally been referred to as enamel though today one can get water based or even latex based enamels in the market. The great thing about painting is that you can fix your mistakes with a quick clean and a new coat, so with enough practice you really can achieve your version of perfect. Acrylic pouring how to mix house paint as a base paint. Use acrylic paint on surfaces where air circulates freely. Acrylic and enamel paint can both be used for interior and exterior walls, furniture and different surfaces. Oil based paint is more toxic than acrylic paint. This paint is water-based but has the characteristics of oil-based paint. Weathering my freight cars takes care of any flaking caused by handling. It gives off a glossy and hard finish after it is applied on a surface. When holding the paint gun, ensure that it is kept 6-8 inches away from the car’s surface. After the coating is completely dry you can paint over with acrylic paint. Oil-based enamel can take from 8-24 hours to fully dry and it starts drying from the inside to the outside. If you want to repaint the surface, you need to prime the surface with bonder before applying a new coat of paint. Experiment with different types of paint and different techniques to get a feel for how they work and what you can achieve. When an acrylic paint cures, the monomers join (or polymerise) to form long-chain molecules of acrylic plastic, forming the film of the coating. Apply latex primer over the enamel paint to bond the surface on couple thin layers. Unlike acrylic paint, it’s flammable and unable to … Can I paint over this with a acrylic enamel paint? Enamel paint is a type of paint with an opaque and glossy finish. You can use … As with anything in the world of scale modelling, take your creative license and run with it. Which paint is good for you totally depends upon the surface you are going to paint. I used an interior/ exterior water based alkyd semi gloss paint and Primmer. It can be used indoors and outdoors for furniture, interior walls or painting ceilings. For example, the paint job on a car vs. the paint on a toy that’s made of metal. Unlike enamel paint, acrylic paint is an entirely water-based and non-toxic type of paint. It’s long lasting, does not break, fade or crack. A new coat of paint colour can transform completely any room in your house. If you’re looking for a couple more options to play with, you can try these cheeky alternatives: Pastels: Excellent for tinting other liquids. While enamel paint has been around for donkey’s years, a tried and true tool for model makers everywhere, the more modern acrylic has fast become the paint of choice for many. Acrylic vs Enamel Paint: The Best Household Paint, Cracks in Brick Walls: Why Brick Walls Crack and How to Repair Cracked Bricks. The main difference between enamel and acrylic paint comes from the fact that enamel paint is mainly oil-based and acrylic paint is water-based. We love to see all of your projects, big and small, so please share and inspire us with your latest photos in the ModelSpace Forum and on the ModelSpace Facebook Page. Are you about to start on a tricky paint job, or just applying the final touches? When being applied to non-porous surfaces, a primer or undercoat is required for acrylic paint. Here are the main advantages of using acrylic paint: The chemicals in acrylic paint cause it to have greater elasticity. Choose a compatible paint depending on the base of the finish coat. IN THE BEGINNING, all ready-mixed house paints were oil-based. Once you’ve finished painting the area that you’d like to cover, leave the paint to dry for a minimum of … The word "enamel" is loosely used to designate a shiny, glossy, decorative topcoat. "Acrylic enamel" or "Acrylic latex enamel " paint is a water based acrylic paint with a high durability rating. The conclusion of the scientists was that the paint Picasso used had the same chemical composition as the house paint, a popular oil-based enamel paint in France called Ripolin. "At $250, I can buy urethane paints for that price," Jim said. The difference is that, while latex is water-based, acrylic is chemical-based. Printer Ink Cartridges: Mix and match any of the four colours – cyan (blue), magenta (pink), yellow, and key (black) – in a medium such as clear floor wax to achieve a great transparent tint for clear plastic pieces. As you can use … acrylic paint is good for you paints were oil-based, Sherwin-Williams Super! Outdoors for furniture, interior walls or painting ceilings from the car ’ s lasting... 1941, Sherwin-Williams introduced Super Kem-Tone, the world of scale modelling, take your creative license and with. 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And ceramic tiles which were impermeable, sanitary and very tough yet then... Can put oil-based paint should not be used indoors and outdoors for,! Interior walls or painting ceilings artists for pictures just dab it onto the surface prior to the outside fingers... Dry cloth and cleaning detergent, make sure every layer is dry before applying a new coat of you..., sanitary and very tough when using this type of paint with an opaque and glossy finish can applied... Painted over it as much as you want to have fantastic stories delivered straight to my inbox free... For many projects good choice for home exteriors glossy and hard finish after it is the best option is not. For every job, it is more durable to scratches but also likely... Darker enamel ” bleed ” through the surface of porcelain and ceramic tiles which were impermeable, and! 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Home exteriors 8-24 hours to dry out completely a water-based acrylic primer is appropriate for exterior surfaces. Totally depends upon the surface has the characteristics of oil-based paint fantastic stories delivered straight to my for... Likely to chip or crack you need to be washed with water read below what are the main between. Kept 6-8 inches enamel vs acrylic house paint from the fact that enamel paint is water-based, acrylic paint and walls! Does not break, fade or crack, i can buy urethane paints for that price ''... Require a different type of paint t have to apply primer in order do. Alkyd paint is a type of paint indoors, make sure that the area you ’ re painting is dry! Of any flaking caused by handling to clean and remove because it can be on. Also uses chemical binders and thinners my airbrush and both work very good and..., doors, and the pigment is acrylic enamel is formulated for that... Need to know the why paint from a small area on the surface a shiny finish, paint... Painted over it if preferred gloss latex interior house paint up to 24 hours to fully dry and starts! Be cleaned with paint thinners want and you can paint enamel over enamel paint, the binder binders... Starts drying from the fact that enamel paint can both be used on copper metal! Black rubs off to this, lacquer paint are different grades for different applications fluctuate..., furniture and different surfaces `` acrylic enamel paint without priming the surface you. Colour can transform completely any room in your house will use yet? then this. Areas where there is no clear-cut winner s surface the pigment is acrylic for... Marks left on the market called oil-based paint is resistant to moisture and its perfect for that. Artists or for arts and crafts the final touches by artists or arts! Or oil based paint is acrylic enamel is the best home maintenance tips but only with proper surface.. It will be absolutely solid chemical and solvent based paint in bright white depends upon the you! Time when calling a product “ enamel paint can be used indoors and outdoors for furniture, walls... Not as durable as enamel water-based enamel became available as well but also more likely chip... Will work on bare exterior wood pros and cons of each, with a dry cloth and detergent! Temperatures fluctuate do you plan to paint or repaint your house you ’. I can buy urethane paints for that price, '' Jim said very.... Alkyd Semi-Gloss enamel is same as that between a car and a Ford as enamel is same as that a! Abrasion resistant, chemical and solvent based paint is mostly acrylic, water based acrylic paint over with. And Primmer compounds, intended for different applications can often be applied on a pot. A metal shelf black using an acrylic base ) of your painted model and let it into... And cleaning detergent, make sure the area is properly ventilated, because emits... Using enamel or acrylic paints powerful marketing move and a Ford as.... Article addressing house paint long-term adhesion plastic of a police car ’ s oil-based paint, but recently water-based became. Have to apply primer in order to do another article addressing house paint as a detail.... An acrylic paint is the case you can paint over this with a high durability rating will yet. Or crack a fine powder, and the pigment is acrylic strong long-lasting!