Latex Enamel Paint

Overview: If you are confused about the different types of paints available on the market today we can help you out. Paint options seem to be unlimited from every color in the rainbow from water based paint, latex paint, latex enamel paint, and oil based enamel paint.

For the DIY homeowner it can sometimes be hard to choose the best type of paint after you have decided on the color. The type of paint should be determined by where you are using it for interior painting; kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, den, basement, or exterior painting. A lot of people still prefer the oil base exterior paints for all outside painting.

Given the environmental concerns of “going green”, oil based paints are out unless you are using them outside where the weather is a factor. Latex enamel paint works just as well as oil based paint in adverse weather environments. Oil based paints are particularly messy to work with and clean up. The beauty of latex paint is that it is easy to work with and easy to clean up. And, latex paint is a non toxic paint. Thinning latex paint and cleaning up is done with plain tap water, rather than using petroleum based paint thinners.

Latex is basically a rubber, whether it is natural or man-made. The rubber mixed in latex paint is the binding agent which when dry, holds the paint together. Enamel paint is the term used to describe any kind of paint that is hard and glossy once it has dried. In combination these two attributes become latex enamel paint. It is the best of both worlds to the home owner painter. The latex bonding in the paint means that the paint will dry quicker, is easy to use, and lacks much of the odor associated with oil based paint. The enamel means that the paint will be hard when it dries and can be scrubbed clean. It is available in semi gloss, satin, and flat finishes. Latex enamel is the best paint to use in your home interior and in most cases the exterior. Most paint stores have a huge variety of latex enamel paints to choose from and a larger number of colors. The amount of gloss or sheen in the enamel can be altered to fit the decor of any room, so you can have a shiny, acrylic look in a kitchen and a dull sheen in a bedroom with darker colors.

Latex paint is usually several dollars per gallon cheaper than oil based paint, and is easily cleaned up with just water. You can thin it, when necessary, with plain water, and you can wash your brushes and hands under an outdoor faucet or even in the kitchen sink. It dries quickly, so it doesn’t make a big mess. Most latex paints dry within an hour. Because it has quick-drying characteristics, spills must be cleaned up before they dry. Paint brushes tend to clog up quickly and need to be clean periodically as you paint. The best part is that spills and paint brushes can be cleaned up with plain water. After debating what paint to use, an oil based paint or a latex paint, I recommend staying with the latex paints, especially the latex enamel if you want a durable hard finish that can be scrubbed without taking the paint off the surface.

Latex Enamel Paint

Latex Enamel Paint