paint base

[JohnC]

Can someone tell me the difference between Alkyd and Acrylic paints!! I am trying to decide which one to use on the inside of my house.
thanks
JohnC

[rmichael]

John,
Alkyd paints are solvent based which means thinning and clean up require solvents such as mineral spirits. Acrylic paints are water based and require no solvents for cleaning or thinning, only water.
Alkyd paints do offer a smooth hard finish for doors, windows, etc. but white colors will yellow over time.
Acrylics will not yellow and are much easier to apply, I would use a latex or acrylic/latex for the walls and a acrylic enamel (semigloss) for the doors, windows, and woodwork trim.
hope this helps,

rmichael

[authier2]

what's the difference between an acrylic latex, acrylic latex enamel and an acrylic enamel?  I thought the term 'enamel' referred to the drying/curing process.  aren't there alkyd enamels too?  alkyd acrylic enamels?  it seems like any combo you can think of is available.  is there a site that can clearly explain the differences in paint?

thanks

[rmichael]

Authier,

Paint terms can be confusing and Paint Store Hype doesn't help the consumer understand the basic differences in paint.

"Latex" is an old term that bears no relationship to what is in modern paint, in other words there is no natural Latex in paint. Paint Stores still use this familiar term to refer to all water based paints and Acrylic paints.

"Acrylic" is the water born binder for most so called "latex" paints.

"Alkyd" is a synthetic linseed oil base used in paints that require solvents for thinning and cleanup.

"Enamel" refers to the smoothness, sheen or durability of any paint. Enamels are often used on doors, windows, and woodwork and usually have a gloss or semigloss sheen.

"Alkyd/Acrylic " paints are the new kids on the block that supposedly offer the hard smooth finish of Alkyd with the convenience of water cleanup.

"Acrylic Enamel" and "Acrylic Latex Enamel" are the same paint.
"Alkyd" Paints are almost exclusively "Enamels".
"Acrylic wall paint" and Acrylic latex wall paint" are the same and can be "Enamels" depending on their sheen and durability rating.

Hope this helps
rmichael pro painter

[authier2]

Thank you for the explanation.  I think what I was most confused about was the term/label "enamel".  Just to make sure I understood you correctly...if I was going to paint a room  I could/should use an acrylic for the walls and an acrylic enamel or alkyd enamel for the doors/trim/baseboards; both water-based paints.  does that sound right?

thanks again!

[rmichael]

Authier,

For the walls I would recommend an Acrylic wall paint in a "matt" or "satin" sheen. The sheen refers to the amount of shine the paint has after it has dried.

For the windows, doors and woodwork trim I recommend an
Acrylic enamel finish paint in a gloss or semigloss sheen. If you are not sure what type of paint is presently on the windows/doors/trim you should clean and prime them with a high quality acrylic primer before finish painting or use a self priming high performance Acrylic enamel finish paint.

All of the above are water based so thinning and clean up is with water.

Alkyd paints require solvents for thinning and clean up, I do not recommend them for home owners that are not experienced with their use.

Hope this helps you with your project

rmichael  pro painter