Now in the construction market a wide selection of finishing materials and coatings is presented. Enamels and paints of various types are on the shelves of hypermarkets. Previously, only oil options were offered and nothing more, so there were no particular problems with the choice. Now, when buying, buyers are thinking - to buy enamel or paint? These products are very similar. But there is a difference between them. In order not to be mistaken in the selection process, you need to know how the paint differs from enamel. In today's article, we will try to answer this question.
Terminology
Under paints understand materials that are used to give different colors to any surface. There are oil, alkyd, acrylic options - the list is huge. Consider the differences between the concepts - paint and enamel, because the difference between these products already exists in terminology.
Enamel has nothing to do with paintwork. Speaking in scientific terms, this is nothing more than a glassy thin coating consisting of quartz sand, oxides of various alkali metals and pigments. The composition also includes components that are heat treated and subsequently form a durable and wear-resistant protective layer. An example is enameled pots and bathtubs. Do not confuse natural enamels with enamel paints. These are different things.
Features of enamel coatings
This is a rather narrow segment of paintwork, among the main characteristics of which are increased strength. Such materials consist of dispersions of pigments, various fillers and additives that form the film. As film-forming substances, varnishes, alkyd resins or other substances with similar physicochemical characteristics are used. The difference between enamel paint and conventional paints is composition.
After drying, enamel coatings form an opaque film on the surface. It may vary in texture and color. Glossy gloss significantly depends not only on the film-forming substance, but also on other components that are part of the composition. Sometimes ordinary coatings shine better than enamels.
How else is enamel different from oil paint? What is the difference, you can easily notice the smell. Enamel compounds gives a characteristic pungent odor. Ordinary paints may not have one at all. It may not be so sharp or, conversely, weak, as well as fragrant.
Enamel paint - characteristic
This is a small segment of paints and varnishes, where the compositions are characterized by high strength characteristics and opacity. As for the scope, these products are popular in industry. It is used in cases when it is necessary to stop corrosion processes.
Enamels can be applied in various ways - with rollers, brushes, spray guns. The surface must be carefully prepared and dry. It is important to clean the surface of the remnants of old paint and degrease. For indoor use, enamels such as PF-223, PF-1217, GF-230 are used. As a solvent, you can use white spirit or the solvent indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer. But usually it has the same basis.
Oil paints
How is enamel different from paint? What is the difference? To understand this, take the most popular oil. These coatings are mainly made from natural or combined drying oils, in which pigments, fillers and auxiliary components are dispersed. Modern oil paint is mixed on the basis of glyptal, pentaphthalic or combined drying oil, or on Oksol drying oil.
Unlike enamels, ordinary coatings are made on the basis of natural drying oil. The latter is brought to a boil. You can already see how the paint differs from enamel by marking. So, cans with enamel compositions have the designation "PF". Simple paint will contain the index "MA" or "oil".
In terms of film hardness, oil paint is significantly inferior to enamels. The film also differs in appearance and color purity. Enamel has a longer drying time. It takes at least 24 hours. The lack of oil paints is the yellowing of the painted surface a few years after application.
Application of oil paints
Such materials are intended for exterior and interior decoration.
Also used for application on wood and concrete surfaces, on metal, plastic. Can be used with wood as a primer.
Popular types of enamel paints
There are quite a few types of these formulations on the market. We will consider the most popular of them:
- Nitrocellulose enamels. They are made on the basis of cellulose nitrates. Also in the composition are pigments, additives, fillers and solvents. Most often, enamel is used for coloring metal products and structures, for application to concrete and wooden surfaces. Paint is packaged in cans, but cans are also sold. Among the shortcomings is the pungent smell of acetone. The material does not combine with other types of paints.
- Organosilicon materials are applied to any surface. Among the characteristic qualities are high moisture resistance, film strength and wear resistance. But this paintwork is combined only with carefully dried acrylic composition.
- Pentaphthalic and glyphthalic enamels - one of the types of oil paints. As the base, natural or synthetic drying oils modified with alkyds are used. Compositions are compatible with alkyd, acrylic, and also epoxy materials.
- Acrylic enamels are a latex-based aqueous dispersion. The product is perfectly compatible only with those coatings that are made on a water basis. But enamel is compatible with other paints, subject to careful preparation. Some confuse alkyd and acrylic enamel. What is the difference? The difference is at least in composition. The first product is a water-based formulation. The second is an alkyd resin based material with organic solvents. Both coatings have different characteristics and application features.
- Urethane and alkyd-urethane enamels have high strength and wear resistance. The material is well applied to a surface that has already been pre-painted with oil, epoxy or pentaphthalic paint.
These are the most popular varieties of enamels. They are used both in everyday life and in industry.
Enamel and oil: similarities, differences
Let's see how the enamel differs from oil paint. The description of both products makes it clear that their production technologies are very similar. So, in the composition there is a base and pigment.
The similarities of the two materials are determined by the features of their use and purpose. Enamel and oil paints can be applied to all surfaces. Both options are able to create a protective layer. What is the difference between paint and enamel? First of all, the composition. Enamel is based on varnish. Hence the harsher smell. In the case of oil paint, the basis is drying oil.
If you store oil coatings for a long time, the pigment will settle. A thick protective layer forms at the bottom of the can. Enamel, if necessary, long storage just thickens.
To summarize
So, we found out how the paint differs from enamel. The latter contains metal oxides, as well as various fluorides. Also in the composition of enamel coatings contains a lot of pigment or other basis with the content thereof. Additionally, solvents are present.
As for the protective layer, here enamels are better than paints. But this does not apply to all products. For painting the window frame, it is better to choose enamel. But the bench on the street or in the yard (if it is a cottage or a personal plot) is better to paint. As for elasticity and hardness, enamels win again here. The layer of such paints is much stronger.
If we talk about the scope, paints are suitable for any areas. But the scope of use of enamels is narrower. There is a difference between the two concepts. But there is an intermediate concept - this is enamel paint. They have a film-forming property. However, the cost of such products is much higher.