Enamel and latex paint are often confused with each other.
But what is the difference between enamel and latex paint?
?Well, enamel is oil-based while latex paint is water based.
And it does not stop here.
In this post, we will talk about enamel vs latex paint.
If you find the difference between these two paints useful for your next painting job, read on.
In this article
What is enamel paint?
Enamel paint is an oil-based paint.
Its distinct characteristics would be, it easily dries and then hardens.
The outcome of enamel paint is a glossy finish to any surface.
Enamel paints are usually used for outdoor painting jobs.
Some variants of enamel paint have added resin in them while others have varnish.
What is latex paint?
Latex paint is also called acrylic paint.
It is water-based, which means that the paint is carried by water with glycol ethers as its solvent.
The term latex does not mean that it has a rubber component.
The latex in latex paint refers to the resin that is used to bind the paint.
Latex paints are often used as primer for drywall, brick, or stone wall.
It can also be used for surfaces that have been painted with latex paints before.
Related:Can I Use Exterior Paint Inside The House?
What is the difference between latex and enamel paint?
Aside from this, latex has a tendency for smudging and might require re-system.
It also peels easily compared to enamel.
Is enamel paint more durable?
It is also more durable in changing outdoor conditions as well as changing temperatures.
Is oil-based enamel better than water-based enamel?
Oil-based enamel takes more time to dry but is commendable for its hardiness to wear and tear.
However, its elasticity is not guaranteed and may be vulnerable to cracking at some point.
Nowadays, water-based enamel paint is now made with the same drying rate of oil-based enamel.
At the same time, they have become harder when it comes to wear and tear.
They are now also designed to contract and become flexible to changing weather conditions and outdoor situations.
Other than this, water-based enamel does not give off bad odor as it dries.
With this, water-based enamel has become better than oil-based ones.
Can you paint over latex with enamel?
The answer is no but with some exceptions.
Directly overlaying oil-based enamel on latex paint can become a problem in the long run.
The different compositions of the paint can result in cracking or peeling and unevenpaint textureor blistering.
But of course, there are some exceptions and sometimes you could overlay latex with enamel.
This means that you have to paint the surface with a latex primer and then a latex paint after.
Allow it to dry and then apply the enamel paint for a glossy finish.
Two, you’re able to apply enamel on latex if the latex paint is now very old.
Three, apply enamel on latex if the latex is done curing.
Normally, latex paint cures for at least two years.
Can you paint latex over water-based enamel?
Since both are water-based, the answer is yes.
The steps are easy though.
Related:Can You Use Latex Paint over an Oil-Based Primer?
The Definitive Guide
Is enamel paint oil-based or latex?
Clearly, enamel refers to all oil-based coverings including paint.
This makes them distinct because the oil-based label means that they offer glossy finish.
Is acrylic latex enamel the same as acrylic enamel?
These two are one and the same.
Acrylic latex has the highest content of acrylic resin making it hold better than other water-based paints.
It is usually used in wood trims or as coating for windows as well as doors.
Is high gloss the same as enamel paint?
This means that it is not susceptible to grime and does not collect dirt.
Is oil-based enamel paint waterproof?
A good step is to put primer on the surface first before applying oil-based enamel paint.
They might not need a topcoat but they sure need a primer for them to stick well.
What is latex paint used for?
What is enamel paint used for?
As have been mentioned, enamel paint is the pro choice for a range of painting jobs.
It can be used for outdoor surfaces.
This includes painting surfaces of cars, boats, and even planes.
Enamel paint is almost always used for signages as well as metal posts.
In indoor painting, enamel paint is used for entry ways, as well as in cabinets and furniture.
When should I use high gloss enamel?
It is also good to use for accent trims.
Just a word of caution though, high gloss enamel is the hardest enamel paint variant to apply.
Does enamel paint need primer?
For this, you have to check the best primers that are recommended for enamel paints.
You also have to check your enamel paint because some come with pre-mixed primers in them.
Why cant I use latex paint for metal?
Is enamel paint good for cabinets?
The main reason is that it offers more durability to cabinets because of its glossy finish.
Enamel paint will preserve the pristine, glossy look of your cabinets.
What is the best enamel paint?
From a general perspective, enamel paint is more versatile to use than latex paint.
It is also more weather-proof and functional too when it comes to its range of surfaces to cover.
