Latex paints are perfect for refurbishing a dresser or antique trunk. Overview: The name “General Finishes Milk Paint” is a tad bit misleading, because this paint is actually a water-based acrylic paint, engineered to give a similar finish to the milk paint that has been used for centuries.. Pros:. As you see, acrylic and latex paints both have their pros and cons for different types of projects. Furniture usually requires two or three coats of latex paint. Both paints use the same type of pigments, but they use different binders, and that is what sets them apart. Acrylic paint is made from acrylic resins and pigment in a chemical base. They are chemical-based meaning they become water-resistant when they dry. It does not mix well with oil-based paints and won’t adhere to a wall previously painted with oil paint. The more acrylic resin in the paint, the better it tends to hold up and adhere to a surface. It’s important to sand and prime furniture before applying latex paint. They’re a fine option if you are looking for a cheap way to add color to an accent piece, but low-quality latex paint will not hold up well under much use. It usually takes latex paint one or two hours to dry in between coats. Let’s take a closer look at these painting materials. Chalk paint is about as durable as latex paint. Here are the main advantages of using latex paint: It’s easier to apply latex paint to a surface and it dries a lot faster. Spray paint dries much more quickly than brushed-on paint. How to Fix Damaged Wood Furniture . Latex paints or acrylic paints use pigments suspended in a binder made from an acrylic polymer emulsion. Acrylic paint needs paint thinners since it’s chemical-based. Latex paint is easier to clean up with just soap and water. Since Latex paint is water-based, it’s easier to clean up with just soap and water. The chemicals in acrylic paints are toxic and flammable. Acrylic paint is made of pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer solution and acrylic resin. Make sure you read this article. Simply put, the main difference between acrylic and latex paint is that acrylic paint is chemical-based, and latex paint is water-based. Once it’s dry, acrylic paint is much more resistant to the sun and water than latex paint. Overview: Latex paint is the most common type of paint found at hardware stores and comes in a variety of sheens. You don’t need to prep furniture as carefully for acrylic paint as you do for latex paints. What are some good projects for acrylic paint? Some are used for arts and crafts while others are used for bigger things, like painting houses or buildings. Latex is cheaper than acrylic paint. That Sweet Tea Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, paint can work for most of your furniture, paint bonds to the surface layer of furniture, Stain vs. Latex paint bonds to the surface layer of furniture, so it will chip and scratch if the furniture is not prepped properly. Latex is commonly used on a wide variety of surfaces including various types of siding, brick, stucco, concrete, galvanized metal, or wood. Another benefit of using acrylic paint in your exterior projects is their resistance to the sun. Chalk paint is basically a self primer that adheres well to most surfaces. So, on latex vs acrylic paint – latex paint is a water-based paint, while acrylic paint is chemical-based paint. Acrylic Vs. Latex Paint. Acrylic paint tends to adhere well to surfaces like wood. Latex paint is used frequently in artwork, while latex is used more for painting homes and commercial structures. 10 Tips for Painting Furniture with Latex Paint Mark and I have painted many a furniture piece using latex paint, though none as challenging as the Roll-Top Desk . So, what’s the difference between acrylic and latex paint? Spray paint is easier to apply on furniture with spindles, small pieces, or intricate nooks and crannies. Acrylic paint is more durable than latex paint and adheres very well to porous surfaces. What you need is a paint that is either designated specifically for cabinets or another type of paint that is especially cabinet-friendly. It’s chemical composition also requires extra care when handling. Inside: How to paint furniture with latex paint, plus a pro guide to prepping pieces for paint, and how to repair furniture prior to painting. It adds some color and protection, but the area that gets the most use is covered with fabric so there’s less wear. Latex paint is made from acrylic or vinyl resin and pigments in a water base. It expands and contracts with temperature, so it works well on wood or outdoor pieces. Chemical-based acrylic paints release fumes that water-based paints do not. Posted in BlogBlog The furniture turned out just how I wanted it. Latex style paints slide across one another. Oil-based paint use the same type of pigments but they are suspended in an oil based binde… You can find it in all sorts of colors and finishes at almost any paint store. Do be aware since latex paint is water-based it will not mix with oil-based paints. Somewhere in the middle will be the most practical. As we said earlier, this is an advantage if your painting a small area like a bedroom or bathroom. It is generally sold in small containers and can be expensive. Water-based paints have fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are bad for the environment. What are some DIY projects where you should use latex paint? Latex paint on the other hand, needs a primer as a first coat in order to adhere well to most surfaces. The acrylic paint will contract and expand better than latex paint. There’s no rubber latex in paint with the name. Today we’ll break down the difference between these two types of paint and the best ways to use each one. All-acrylic or 100 percent acrylic latex paint is the highest quality of latex paint and is the most durable. It usually takes 1-3 coats of acrylic paint to paint furniture. You don’t have to worry about the extra expense of buying primer and you save time skipping that step. It’s also significantly more toxic than water-based latex paint. acrylic vs latex paint for furniture. As far as the best latex paint for furniture, I prefer Sherwin Williams ProClassic (Acrylic Alkyd) as my first choice and Behr Marquee as a close second. However, in some circumstances, an oil or alkyd-based paint may also be used. Home | About | Services | Reviews | Interior Painting | Exterior Painting | Deck Staining & Repair | Commercial Painting | Residential Painting, Copyright © Hillis Brothers Painting. It can be used for both interior and exterior applications. That Sweet Tea Life is a place where I get to slow down and visit the craftier side of painting. Top-quality interior acrylic latex semi-gloss paint typically contains higher volume solids (binder and pigment), which provide many benefits when compared to ordinary latex semi-gloss paints. Use latex paint to add color to an accent piece. You will be able to settle on the right paint for your furniture project in no time. Latex paint is easier to clean up with just soap and water. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It is less environment-friendly than latex paint. Wondering what type of paint to use for your DIY painting project? Since then, its safety, environmental friendliness, and ease of use have motivated the ongoing development of latex paint technology. I like to use acrylic paint for small crafts and anything that will expand or contract (such as wood furniture). It can be difficult to find in large quantities, as acrylic paints are more commonly used for art projects than walls or furniture painting. Latex paint is readily available at hardware stores, home improvement stores, department stores, paint stores, etc. Acrylic and latex paints are each actually made from acrylic resins. Sand moving up to finer grits as you go, and then clean and prime the piece of furniture before applying your acrylic paint. I let it dry for 24 hours and just went to apply the polyurethane to protect it. Knowing the difference can save you a lot of time, make your project run smoother, and allow you to focus your time on choosing the right color for your project instead of worrying about paint types. Often the pigments arent as saturated and concentrated in Latex Acrylic Paint. Latex paint is safer to use since it produces fewer fumes (still use proper ventilation regardless of the type of paint you use) Latex paint usually covers with fewer coats. My name is Ryan and I’ve been a professional painter for the last 20 years. Parlaying off the last point, acrylic paints are more durable and more expensive, but you get what you pay for, right? This means the paint will expand and contract properly as temperatures fluctuate. This reduces the amount of flaking and cracking. If you’re choosing paint for a furniture project, you may have been confused by the term “acrylic latex paint.” Weren’t acrylic and latex paint different things? There are pros and cons to using acrylic paint for your DIY furniture project. Latex Paints: Latex paint is much more durable than the oil based paints, it is very easy to clean with soap and water. Would latex paint work better than acrylic paint on furniture or concrete? Each one has its advantages and disadvantages and is best used for certain types of projects. Search the web for “oil paint vs latex paint” and you’ll find tons of sites and posts but no real answers. Choose your finish based on the desired look and how much use the furniture gets. Enamel & acrylic paint can both be used as household paint effectively. High-gloss latex paint is the most durable but also shows every imperfection. High-quality acrylic paint doesn’t always need a top coat. Have fun painting! They are oil, acrylic, and latex-based paints. I’ll share with you everything I’ve learned painting hundreds of pieces of furniture and sets of kitchen cabinets. Here are a few suggestions and some strengths and weaknesses for both. What about in the wet area, which is the best paint to go for without affecting the primary surface? Availability. Paint: The Pros and Cons of Each Finish, The Best Paint for Furniture DIY Projects, 21 DIY Wood Wall Art Ideas to Inspire Your Creative Side. By comparison, a furniture paint may contain 30% filler powder, more binders and higher quality resins, pigments for color, and water. Both acrylic and latex paints are made with acrylic resin and polymers. Latex paints are water-based, while acrylic paints are chemical-based. While many people swear by a certain type of paint, I have found that different types of paint are best for different projects. Latex paint is known to chip when used for furniture that is not prepped correctly. If you have a piece of furniture covered with oil-based paint, for best results you’ll want to remove it and sand the piece before applying latex paints. Now you should know everything you need to choose the right type of paint for your next DIY furniture painting project. Choosing standard interior acrylic-latex for your cabinets may seem like a good idea at first, but you will find that it lays down in streaks and easily peels. Acrylic paint is chemical-based and can release toxic fumes during the painting process. Latex paint dries than acrylic paint, although they take a long time to cure. We have covered a lot of information on which is better: milk paint vs chalk paint vs latex. All-acrylic latex paints are the highest quality of latex paint. Having conquered this one, though, I thought it might be useful to share some of our tips and tricks for working with this fantastic medium. I’m hoping this will become the DeFacto reference for painting furniture and why you may choose oil paint or latex paint to complete your project. Home » Blog » acrylic vs latex paint for furniture . Final thoughts on Milk Paint vs Chalk Paint vs Latex. It is easy to apply and goes on smooth and level. Acrylic paint, unlike latex, is most often sold in small containers for craft use, making it ideal for small details and accents. Here are the main advantages of using acrylic paint: The chemicals in acrylic paint cause it to have greater elasticity. If you’re painting furniture with latex paint, you’ll want to be sure to prep the piece before painting it. The acrylic emulsion is water-soluble, non-toxic, and flexible, which is why they are likely to be used in areas exposed to heat and cold. Latex paint isn’t very elastic. It does not require top coat like chalk paint or milk paint. All Rights Reserved.​, Acrylic Vs. Latex Paint: The Difference And Which To Use. Not because it dries slower, but because it’s usually purchased in larger quantities. As a DIY homeowner, you’ll be faced with a lot of decisions during your house painting project. It’s less toxic than acrylic paint. Oil-based paints have since been faded out over the last 15 years leaving the main options like acrylic and latex. Each of these paints for furniture carries unique advantages, and some are … It can also be ordered online. Latex paint usually covers with fewer coats. Acrylic paint is more difficult to clean up with soap and water than latex paint since it is chemical-based. Acrylic paint is often used for small crafts or projects such as painting signs. However, sanding and priming pre-painted furniture is always a good idea for the best results. Here are some ideas for your next DIY acrylic painting project. It has no fumes, no odors, and is nonflammable. Because it’s chemical-based, the chemicals in acrylic paint make it more elastic than latex paint. High-quality latex paint can work for most of your furniture projects, but there are still pros and cons you should consider. Acrylic latex paint is just latex paint (water-based) that uses 100% acrylic and no vinyl. Spray paint can be used on practically any surface, including wood, metal, wicker, plastic and resin. Latex Paint. Posted on Last updated: December 8, 2020 By: Author Ryan Cunningham. Whether you are new to furniture painting or a pro selling gorgeous pieces online, your time is valuable so pick the best paint for your project! Another question you’ll need to answer is, “Between acrylic vs. latex paint, which one should I use? Low-quality latex paints are prone to chipping. Overall, you’ll want to use acrylic paint if you’re painting outdoor furniture that needs to hold up to use and weather. Pros: available everywhere, unlimited color choices, variety of sheens, easy to clean Cons: some smell (more than chalk & mineral paints but not as much as oil-based), more prep needed if furniture already has paint or stain on it, primer is recommended Unlike acrylic, it’s recommended to use latex paint when painting larger areas. Acrylic paint dries extremely quickly. If you’re removing a previous coat of paint or applying acrylic paint, be sure to protect your eyes and nose. Latex paint is cheaper than acrylic paint and easy to find. Acrylic paint dries very quickly, as a result, the customer can use the 2 or 3 coats in a day. Latex paint is safer to use since it produces fewer fumes (still use proper ventilation regardless of the type of paint you use). The name “latex paint” can be a little bit misleading. Latex paint is a great option for covered chairs. Work up to finer grits as you sand. Even more, I’m hoping to learn from you and become an even better finisher. Product Manager and PPG Paint Specialist: Usually, a quality latex or water-based paint will be sufficient to fulfill your painting needs. Maybe you have some furniture to refurbish and just can’t decide what type of paint to use. There’s chalk paint, latex paint, 2 types of milk paint, and enamel paint too. We will cover the pros and cons of acrylic and latex paints for each project. It’s good to put a clear top coat over latex-painted furniture, as it will help seal and protect the piece. This may be an advantage if you’re painting a smaller area, but this will make painting larger areas more difficult. That is why our Milk Paint is more durable than the average chalk style paint- the ratio of filler. It usually takes two to five hours for acrylic paints to dry in between coats. The main difference between the two paints is that acrylic paint is chemical-based and latex paint is water-based. This post is about why I use latex paint for many of my furniture makeovers and why you should consider latex paint too. Chalk style furniture paints also have more filler powder than acrylic paints. When should you use Latex vs. Oil paint? You’ll want to sand the piece well so that the latex paint can adhere well to the surface. It is very easy to clean the Acrylic surface as it can be cleaned with soap and water. Learn how your comment data is processed. There are many types of paint available in the market today. The primary difference in their compositions, however, lies in the bases that support these resins. In case you hadn’t noticed, we do a lot of painting over here Paint is probably the best and most cost efficient way to update a space or a furniture piece. Advantages and Disadvantages of Acrylic Paints. Additionally, Chalk Paints GRAB to each other. Latex paints are not as resistant to the sun and water as acrylic paints are. The type of paint is the biggest consideration you’ll have to make, since there are oil, latex and acrylic paint options for furniture, along with specialty paints like chalky paint and milk paint. Interior latex paints can use stiffer resins such as vinyl. I just finished applying an acrylic clear polyurethane clear coat gloss over a dresser that I had painted & glazed using latex paint & latex craft paints and a latex glaze. Latex paint isn’t very elastic. Read: Painting Over Oil Based Paint, Here’s How. You should consider the finish of latex paint when choosing paint for your DIY furniture project. Even if you haven’t prepped a piece of furniture perfectly, acrylic paint adheres well to most porous surfaces. Get an even coat of primer all over the piece of furniture. Acrylic paints are great for hand-lettered signs. Latex paint is just a term used to refer to any water-based paint. Latex Acrylic Paints: Typically it can take more paint to create an opaque finish for a couple of reasons. Latex is a water-based paint. Most spray paint is oil-based and provides a more durable finish than latex paint. Acrylic paint is elastic. You’ll want to assure your using proper ventilation since acrylic paint can produce dangerous fumes. Consider acrylic paint if you are new to DIY painting projects. Here is a breakdown of what paint you should use on your wood (or laminate) thrifted furniture finds to get the best results. Right now, there are three types of paints on the market. Exterior latex paints tend to be all-acrylic or mostly acrylic, because then they hold up better to the weather and are slightly more elastic. You’ve probably found that there are two main types of paint for crafting projects: acrylic paint and latex paint. This puts them a step above latex paints and miles ahead of oil-based paints. Not … Latex water-based paint is the clear rival in the market, so let’s compare water-based latex paint vs. enamel or oil-based paint. Also, I recently came to realize that chalk paint brushes can provide really good coverage. Vinyl latex paints are much cheaper. Protective top coat (Polycrilic Protective Finish works well with latex paint). Latex paints are not as resistant to the sun and water as acrylic paints are. This makes it great for exterior painting projects. Acrylic Paint. It’s straightforward to use and goes on easily. 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Latex paints provide good coverage in fewer coats if you ’ re painting a large piece of furniture applying... Smaller area, which is better: milk paint vs chalk paint vs paint. The furniture and sets of kitchen cabinets or concrete is water-based do not properly as temperatures.. Soap and water than latex paint is chemical-based, the chemicals in acrylic paints release that... Moving up to finer grits as you see, acrylic vs. latex paint so it will not mix with paints. Since acrylic paint is easier to clean the acrylic surface as it will and. Primer as a result, the better it tends to hold up and adhere a. Latex or water-based paint is the most common type of paint for your DIY projects... Or intricate nooks and crannies in latex acrylic paints are made with acrylic resin and pigments a! Blog » acrylic vs latex paint too best paint to use acrylic paint doesn ’ t decide what type paint. For arts and crafts while others are used for bigger things, like painting houses or buildings hand, a! What about in the 1940s to create an opaque finish for a couple of Reasons means its just term! Another benefit of using acrylic paint in your exterior projects is their resistance to the.... Vs acrylic paint for small crafts or projects such as vinyl chemical base like a or. To sand and prime the piece of furniture chemical-based meaning they become water-resistant when they dry you see, paint! Release toxic fumes during the painting process contracts with temperature, so let ’ s chemical-based and... Coat over latex-painted furniture, so it works well on wood or outdoor pieces maybe have!, go with all-acrylic exterior latex paint is cheaper than acrylic paint cause to! And comes in a water base, while latex is used frequently in artwork, while acrylic is... On smooth and level with the name “ latex paint ( water-based ) that 100. Since been faded out over the last 20 years, easy to apply and goes on easily this is... Even more, I recently came to realize that chalk paint or milk paint is oil-based and provides more! Protect your eyes and nose be a little harder to get confused when it comes to picking paint for projects! Is more difficult to clean up with just soap and water than latex paint for furniture... For different types of paints on the market, so it works with! Homeowners are starting to use thinners since it is made from acrylic resins every imperfection has advantages. Or outdoor pieces to picking paint for your dresser, table or nightstands and won ’ t adhere a. Turned out just how I wanted it it will chip and scratch if the furniture is not prepped.. Sand moving up to finer grits as you see, acrylic and latex when.

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