Starting a repair in their own home, the owners try to think through every detail of each stage of the upcoming work and select the appropriate materials for it. For finishing internal surfaces, wallpaper, tile, stone can be used, but most often recently paint for walls has been used. Latex products, due to a number of positive qualities, noticeably stand out against other coloring compounds, winning more and more sympathy from the consumer. For this reason, in today's article we will pay attention to latex paints, we will analyze their types, properties and application technology.
What is latex paint
Latex formulations are called water-dispersion paints, with the addition of polymer components, which give them special qualities. The successful combination of latex and acrylic allowed to improve the operational characteristics of the coloring compositions and significantly expand the scope of their application. Coatings on this basis are made both for exterior and interior use. Information on their use is usually indicated on the packaging.
Wall paint (latex) is available exclusively in white, so to achieve the desired shade, it is necessary to add tinting pigments to it. The resulting composition can be painted absolutely all types of surfaces: brick, concrete, covered with wallpaper or plaster.
Features of latex-based coatings
Latex products have gained popularity due to a number of positive features. Namely:
• lack of pungent odors;
• environmental friendliness;
• ability to let air through;
• excellent thermal insulation characteristics;
• resistance to temperature extremes;
• fire safety;
• the possibility of dilution with water;
• speed of drying;
• resistance to moisture;
• durability and abrasion resistance.
However, in addition to the positive characteristics, it is worth mentioning several disadvantages that this wall paint has. Latex dispersion cannot be tinted in saturated and bright colors, and is also an excellent environment for the development of bacteria and fungi. In order to prevent the appearance of mold, it is necessary to treat the surface with a primer before coating.
Scope of application
Latex based coloring compounds can be called universal. They perfectly fit both previously painted and clean surfaces. The scope of their application depends on the composition and functional purpose of the dispersion. So, for external work use acrylic silicone coatings containing an antifungal substance. This type is characterized by increased wear resistance, does not fade under the influence of sunlight and is not afraid of moisture.
Latex paint for interior work has 3 varieties: polyvinyl acetate, butadiene-styrene and acrylic compositions. Next, we consider the features and purpose of each species in more detail.
Polyvinyl acetate
People used to call them water-based paints. The basis of this substance is ordinary PVA glue. Solvents are absent in the composition of water-dispersion coatings; therefore, they are practically odorless. Water dispersions are characterized by excellent adhesion to the surface and ease of operation. Until completely solidified, the paint is easily washed off from the hands and the working tool. The positive features include the low cost of aquatic products, but it can be used far from everywhere.
Practice shows that even after complete drying, the paint has a chalk effect. If you lean against the painted surface with clothes, it will turn white. It should also be borne in mind that this coating is prone to flushing, therefore, painting it with a facade or walls in the bathroom is strictly not recommended.
Most often, this type is used for decorating ceilings in heated rooms.
Styrene butadiene
Styrene-butadiene compounds are all produced on the same water basis, but unlike the previous type, they have increased moisture and wear resistance. This allows you to use them on almost all surfaces located indoors. The main disadvantage of this type of latex emulsions is that under the influence of ultraviolet rays they lose their brightness and color saturation. Nevertheless, this property does not interfere with their use in interior decoration. Such paint is optimal for the kitchen, hallway, pantry, dressing room and other darkened rooms.
Acrylic
Acrylic latex paint for interior use is considered the highest quality product of all the above options. It is used in cases where it is necessary to create a strong, durable and resistant to pollution coating. Surfaces painted with similar formulations become less vapor permeable and more protected against corrosion. Usually, acrylic paint is applied in two layers, while the resulting coating is characterized by elasticity and the ability to hide small cracks in the wall. With this coating, you can safely finish the walls in the bathroom and kitchen, since it can withstand about 5000 washing cycles.
The choice of coloring composition
When choosing a coloring agent, it is necessary to pay attention not only to color, but also to such important parameters as: wear resistance, gloss, moisture resistance and hiding power. Any latex composition has one of six possible degrees of gloss, which is indicated on the bank:
• indicator 11-25, or “PM” means that the paint is semi-matte;
• value 30-59, or “PG” - speaks of a semi-gloss composition;
• marking 6-10, or "M" - indicates that the composition is completely matte;
• indicator 60-89, or “G” - glossy;
• 90-100, or “SG” - indicates the absolute glossiness of the substance;
• 0-5, or "SM" - indicates that it is a completely matte latex paint.
The composition with the maximum level of gloss allows you to create almost mirror surfaces, so you should use it with extreme care. Matte coating is considered more versatile.
Wear resistance and resistance to moisture is no less important factor. If you are interested in paint for the kitchen, then you need to choose products with a maximum rate of abrasion cycles (more than 3000).
Thixotropy indicates how quickly the paint begins to dry after application, and the hiding power indicates the approximate consumption of the product when covering even surfaces.
When purchasing coloring compounds, do not forget to buy a paint roller. For latex products, a large-pile painting tool should be chosen.
Surface preparation
The technology of applying latex paint includes preliminary surface preparation.
It is executed in the following order:
• Walls must first be cleaned of dust. This can be done by double wetting them with water.
• The old plaster, whitewash or other coatings are removed with a spatula.
• If desired, the walls can be treated with reinforcing acrylic impregnation, which will prevent cracking of the base.
• Then apply a deep penetrating primer.
• If defects are present on the surface, they are repaired with putty and a wide spatula.
• Uneven areas are smoothed and re-primed.
Staining technology
1. Before starting work, wall paint (latex) is diluted with cold water.
2. For applying the first layer, use 1 liter of water for every 5-10 square meters of the wall. For all subsequent stains, much less liquid should be taken. You can determine the exact quantity by looking at the manufacturer's recommendations on the packaging.
3. For wall decoration, you can use a paint roller , brush or spray gun.
4. When staining in several layers, each new layer should be perpendicular to the previous one. The final staining should be carried out strictly in the direction from the window.
5. The roller is rolled out on a special painting tray or on a piece of thick cardboard.
6. It is recommended to cover the entire surface at the same time, otherwise unevenness may form at the joints of the paint.
In general, the technology for applying latex dispersions is not much different from the staining process with other compounds. However, to create a beautiful, silky and durable coating, fully preserving the original structure of the base, only latex paint can. The price of products attracts a large number of buyers, making it more and more popular. So, the cost of waterproof compounds varies from 1,500 to 2,000 rubles per 5 liters. Options designed for dry rooms are much cheaper. At the same time, the resulting coating will last for many years without requiring repair.