The article compares alkyd and acrylic primers, identifies the main differences in the compositions. It describes the compatibility of paints with each other and which one is more suitable for covering wood.
Comparison of formulations
The basis of acrylic paint is a polymer emulsion - acrylic, mixed with pigments. The solvent is plain water, so the material does not have a pungent odor. Acrylic known as liquid glass, is used as a binder in other building mixtures. It also includes improving additives that affect the viscosity, temperature stability of the solution, the finished coating.
Alkyd, or oily, enamel consists of alkyd varnish, coloring pigments, a kerosene solvent (white spirit). Additional additives may be included: antiseptics, antifungal, fire fighting additives. This enamel is often used to coat wood products. When working, careful ventilation of the premises is required: the composition has a sharp specific smell.
Features of alkyd paint
You can find varnishes and paints.
The varnish is based on alkyd and solvents. It contains no pigments. The solution is used as a primer for other finishing coatings, as an antiseptic for wood.
The paint contains pigments. It can perform the function of surface protection. It happens glossy, matte, this does not affect the quality of the coating.
Varnish and primer on the same base have good compatibility. They can be used on one surface, mixed.
Advantages
Pros:
- Wide color range.
- Easy application, good surface distribution.
- The layers dry quickly.
- Resistance to cleaning.
- Suitable for internal and external use.
- Affordable price.
Disadvantages
Minuses:
- Strong smell.
- Low UV resistance. The coating quickly fades in the sun.
- Hardness adversely affects life. The dried enamel is inelastic, does not withstand linear surface expansions. After a few years, it cracks, requires updating.
If you need to use alkyd paint on the street, you should choose a composition with additives. Painted product is best placed in the shade.
Acrylic paint: features of use
Acrylic polymer is plastic. The dried coating layer is able to stretch, contract with minor changes in the size of the base. Paint does not crack after frost. So that the composition fits well on the surface of a wooden product, it is necessary:
- Remove the old coating from the base, sand the surface.
- Primer the material with special compounds to prevent rotting, reproduction of pests.
The base for acrylic must be dried, cleaned of dust. The coloring composition is diluted with ordinary water, applied to walls, ceilings, products with a brush, roller. Paint is well distributed on the prepared basis.
Advantages
Pros:
- Does not change color in the sun at high temperatures.
- Due to its elasticity, the coating does not peel off and does not crack.
- Long service life - at least 8 years for wood, about 20 for metal and plaster;
- The composition protects the surface from moisture, corrosion.
- No pungent odor. Paint does not emit harmful substances, it is safe to work with it even without protective equipment.
Disadvantages
Minuses:
- High price.
- A long period of gaining operational strength is about a month.
- Good, high-quality composition is difficult to find.
The main differences
Material properties are presented in the table.
Property | Acrylic enamel | Alkyd enamel |
Drying time | 2-30 days (from setting to a full set of strength) | 1-2 days |
Life time | for wood - 8 years, for metal and plaster - 20 | 2-3 years depending on operating conditions |
Harmful discharge, odor | not | there is |
Price | high | low |
Base Compatibility | with all | with all |
Dye Compatibility
Combining formulations is not necessary. Alkyd is a good primer for wooden surfaces. Suitable as a top coat if applied in several layers.
Acrylic paint is elastic, it is optimal to use on products undergoing linear expansion due to temperature changes, humidity changes.
Is it possible to combine enamels
To work on one surface, you need to use tools on the same basis.
Soft formulations can be applied to hard coatings, but not vice versa.
Hard alkyd enamel, works as a primer under a varnish coat or softer coating. Acrylic is an elastic coating material. It can be applied to an oily, dried out or old base. But in this case, the service life of the finish layer is reduced by 2 times.
The combination is suitable for wood. On surfaces made of other materials, mixing layers does not make sense.
What can not be done
Do not apply alkyd enamel on an acrylic surface. If this is nevertheless necessary, it is necessary to remove the old coating to the maximum, carefully sand it, then prime it.
Do not mix heterogeneous components. Acrylic-alkyd enamel can only be produced industrially using special technologies. It is not used in construction.
Conclusion
The article compares two materials. It cannot be said which one is better. When choosing, you must take into account the estimated life of the coating, operating conditions, the quality of the surface being trimmed, the budget for repairs.