Acrylic or alkyd enamel. The difference between alkyd and acrylic paint

Alkyd and acrylic paints are among the most common types of paint when it comes to serious painting works: wall painting, metal products etc. Perhaps due to the similarity of the name, they are often confused. Do these types of paints really have something in common?

Compound

In fact, the only similarity is that both are paints. Their composition is completely different.

Alkyd type can be called a more modernized option oil paints. They are characterized by a similar mechanism of hardening and the formation of a surface film (which, by the way, is somewhat stronger, but less elastic). Alkyd paints consist of polyhydric alcohols (for example, glycerin) in combination with orthophthalic acid. Actually, the word "alkyd" comes from a combination of the words "alcohol" (alcohol) and "acid" (acid).

Unlike alkyd paints, acrylic paints are made on the basis of acrylic, a polymer better known as plexiglass. The composition of paints may include various additional components designed to improve certain properties (add elasticity, speed up drying).

Basic properties

• Life time. In acrylic paint, unlike alkyd, the surface retains its original appearance much longer. It is advisable to renew alkyd paint about once a year, since oxygen and ultraviolet intensely destroy the surface layer of paint. Acrylic coating, subject to the technology of surface preparation and paint application, can last from 8 (wood) to 20 (plaster) years.
• UV resistant. Acrylic practically does not change the properties of the surface film under the influence of sunlight, that is, it does not fade, does not turn yellow and does not acquire a “matte” appearance. Alkyd compounds in this regard are not so reliable.
• Drying process. But the alkyd film dries relatively quickly, and after a couple of days it fully performs its protective and decorative functions. Acrylic film finishes its formation in about a month after application to the surface. In this case, the coating should be protected from mechanical influences until it is completely dry.
• Mechanical stability. The longer process of acrylic film formation is compensated by more high level resistance to mechanical influences (deformations, scratches).
• decorative properties. Alkyd compositions are distinguished by a more diverse range of shades and halftones, as well as, in general, more bright colors. On the other hand, acrylic paint lasts longer and does not require regular renewal.

Are acrylic and alkyd paints compatible?

Can alkyd compounds be applied to acrylic or vice versa? Neither is recommended, especially if the painting of the base is relatively recent or if it is metal surface. The fact is that the specific composition of the paints may not be completely clear to us. Alkyd compounds may contain components that will show through the layer of acrylic paint as dark spots. If alkyd paint applied over acrylic, it may not be fixed on it, that is, it may peel off.

The only option for applying such paints to each other: applying to the old coating, from which all volatile components have already disappeared. However, even in this case, apply upper layer paint should only be applied after surface treatment with a primer of the same type (i.e. acrylic paint on acrylic primer and vice versa).

When starting painting, you should carefully weigh all the pros and cons so as not to make a mistake in choosing a paint, and so that the result obtained in the future does not disappoint you. Alkyd and acrylic - two fundamentally different colors. Differing, both in ingredients and properties, and because of what type of surface is obtained in the end.
Alkyd paints include compositions made using polyhydric alcohols and acids. The word "alkyd" itself comes from two roots alcohol (alcohol, alcohol) and acid (acid). The film-forming substances of these enamels are alkyd resin, drying oil, oil and others.
Acrylic are considered water-dispersion paints based on polymeric substances. The composition can be adjusted by adding water, additionally colored with pigment pastes. They have good resistance to moisture.
The service life of the acrylic surface is longer than that of the alkyd counterpart. If the preparatory period is carried out correctly, the acrylic coating remains unchanged on a wood surface for up to eight years, and on plaster for up to twenty! The alkyd surface has to be renewed annually, since during this time it manages to lose not only its presentable appearance, but also protective properties. This is due to the fact that oxygen and solar ultraviolet influence in such a way that the top layer, having hardened, begins to thin, becomes brittle, cracked and painted.
acrylic enamel does not acquire yellow shade, does not lose its gloss under the influence of sunlight, since the polymer emulsion, which is a binder, does not enter into a chemical reaction with oxygen and, accordingly, does not lend itself to oxidation.
The final formation of the acrylic film occurs within a month. This must be taken into account during the drying process. The pliable coating, which has not yet hardened, should be protected from deforming loads, scratching and contamination. But when completely dry, the acrylic film does an excellent job of decorative and protective functions. Alkyd resin hardens during the oxidation process, and after a few days it can easily endure mechanical and natural loads.
decorative qualities. Alkyd paints have a significant advantage over their acrylic counterparts. The first, though short-lived, but their colors, shades and midtones are brighter, juicier and more diverse.

What is the difference between alkyd paint and acrylic paint? People who are inexperienced in the painting business are confused by a certain consonance of words. Alkyd, acrylic, in fact, it seems, but in fact there is a difference between these two compositions, and it is very significant. We will talk about the difference in application, features of operation later. The main difference is in the nature of the origin of raw materials. Whether we like it or not, but modern world further and further away from the natural. Such changes do not always occur without problems, but acrylic silicone paints are definitely not the case.

Alkyd resin is based on pentaphthalic or glyphthalic oil-containing resins. Diluted with: white spirit, solvent, gum turpentine. Drying time: from dust, to the touch 4-6 hours, full from 12 hours to a day. Each subsequent layer is applied after the previous one has completely dried. Differs in high resistance to frequent washing. Withstands heat up to 90°. Possesses the isolating ability interfering penetration of water.

Some coatings that have an alkyd base are "sharpened" for painting metal coatings "Tikkurila panssarimaali". Others, for unknown reasons, exclusively under processed wooden crafts"Tex Profi", but basically the compositions are universal. They can be used with equal success for coloring wood, metal, just brickwork. There are many such examples, I will give only two: “Tikkurila Empire”, “Dulux Trade High Glosse”.

A distinctive feature of the use of alkyd solutions is the mandatory application of two layers. The use of primers is desirable, but not required. Moreover, there is “Nezjamet” enamel, which, according to the assurances of the manufacturers, can be painted directly over rust and the remnants of the old coating. There is an article about the widespread use in the present, as well as about their rejection in the past, who are interested, take a look.

Alkyd paints are familiar to the people of our country firsthand. Even in the recent past, almost the entire country painted floors exclusively with “PF-266”, and facades and fences with “PF-115”. Although with the advent of new finishing materials cheap domestic alkyd paints have lost their popularity, but even now they can be found on the shelves of specialized stores. For example, “GF-230”, “PF-223”, “PF-126”.

In acrylic compositions, an aqueous polyacrylate dispersion is used as a film-forming base. Polymer substance obtained by polymerization of acrylic methacrylic acid. In addition to the base standard set, includes: pigment, functional additives, filler. Diluted with water. Suitable for application on: Fiberboard, chipboard, mineral surfaces, after they have completely dried. Serves exclusively for: indoor “Projekt 07”, outdoor “Tex façade” or universal “Flugger flutex 5” application. Drying time: to the touch, from 1 hour, drying of the first layer, 2-6 hours, full curing for some formulations may take several days.

Actually acrylic, or rather, styrene-acrylic base, this is only one of the components of the entire family of water-dispersion paints, which, in addition to names, differ binding basis and more importantly, for practical application, properties of the formed film coatings. I will list other well-known systems: latex, silicone, based on PVA. How these systems differ, where and how to apply them, read this.

There is another feature that you should pay attention to when buying. On the label, next to the name of the paint, its intended use is “for ceilings”. You should probably assume that this composition is only for painting the ceiling, but more often than not, this is not the case. In fact, any surface can be painted with such paint, and the additive “for the ceiling” means that additional additives have been added to the composition of the solution, making it easier to paint the ceiling or affecting the operational properties of the coating.

For example, "VGT Snow White", is characterized by increased light resistance, the ability not to turn yellow in the light. "McCormick Paints Ceiling White", characterized by minimization of streaks and splashing. Magic, “Dulux Magic White” capable of changing color after drying, read why this is needed. However, there are exceptions, systems with acrylic dispersion based on PVA, which, due to low wear resistance, are used only for painting ceilings.

What is the difference between alkyd paint and acrylic paint

• First of all, the nature of origin. An aqueous styrene acrylic dispersion is made from a mixture of: styrene, acrylic acid, distilled water, butyl acrylate, syntanol, ammonium persulfate, glycidyl methacrylate and probably something else that I forgot about. Alkyd resin is obtained by joint heat treatment natural vegetable oils with acid and alcohol, i.e. the product has in its composition, albeit processed, but organic matter.

Scope. Without going into the specifics of each separate system, then alkyd paint, in addition to decorative qualities, has increased protective functions. No wonder it is used for painting railway cars, military equipment, machine tools. The apartment is suitable for painting: window and door structures, heating radiators, wall sections subject to intensive wear, rooms with high humidity. Acrylic paints are known for “working by area”, so they are most suitable for walls and ceilings.

• diluent used. The purpose of the diluent without entering into chemical reactions with elements of the solution, create a consistency suitable for its use, and after a while disappear. Water, unlike white spirit, has no smell, which, you see, is important in an enclosed space.

The cost of alkyd and acrylic paints

Contrary to popular belief, the prices for both compositions are quite comparable. However, see for yourself.

Interior paint from the same manufacturer "Tikkurila", in the same capacity (2.7 liters) costs, alkyd "Remontti Assa", 1850 rubles, acrylic "Harmohy", 2008 rubles. Let's find out how things are with another manufacturer "Dulux", a universal composition, a capacity of 2.5 liters. Alkyd system “Master 30”, costs 1500 rubles, acrylic “Bindo 20”, 1400 rubles.

Paints are used to give the painted surface greater aesthetics, while their protective function from adverse external influences of moisture, wind, temperature influences, and so on is no less important. When choosing paints, their properties are considered, which are especially important for the specific conditions of their use. Very popular among the products on the market are alkyd and acrylic paints. However, one should be aware of serious differences in their composition and application features. Consider the main properties of these materials.

The composition of alkyd and acrylic paints

The main component of alkyd paint is alkyd resin, which is a binding material obtained by boiling vegetable oils with organic and alcoholic acids or acid anhydrides. White spirit or turpentine are used as the main solvents.


Acrylic paints are of the water-dispersion type. The binding material in them is a dispersion of the smallest particles acrylic resin suspended in water. As a pigment, a dry insoluble fine powder is used, which is in overall structure in a balanced state.

The main properties of alkyd paints

To the number positive qualities alkyd paints include its following advantages:

• High drying rate, which is facilitated by the presence in the composition of special additives - desiccants.
• Brightness and saturation of shades, their wide choice.
• Low price paint.

The disadvantages of alkyd paints that should be considered are:

1. Insufficient reliability of the coating, the appearance of signs of coloring and cracks, the loss of a decent appearance, requiring updating, which must be performed almost annually.
2. Lack of resistance to sunlight, contributing to the rapid fading of paint.
3. Some toxicity on drying, requiring careful ventilation.

The main properties of acrylic paints

Advantages of varnishes and paints on acrylic base can be represented by a solid list:

• The painted surface retains its quality for many years without signs of yellowing, tarnishing and cracking.
• This paint is resistant to moisture and high temperatures, which allows its use for heated surfaces, for example, when painting radiators.
• Its service life is about 8 years when dyed. wooden surfaces and 20 years for painting metal and plaster.
• Acrylic paint is easy to use, does not emit toxic substances, is environmentally friendly and harmless to the health of others.
• Acrylic-based paints serve excellent remedy to prevent corrosion.
• This paint is universal - it is used in a wide range of works and is used for almost all materials.

Disadvantages of acrylic paints

Number negative aspects This material is insignificant, but under certain conditions they can be decisive, these include the following:

• higher price.
• A long drying period, which may take a whole month to achieve the desired condition; during this period, the painted surface should be protected from contamination and mechanical stress.

It is important to note that care should be taken when applying acrylic paint over alkyd. To avoid undesirable consequences, it is useful to use a primer.

The main differences between alkyd and acrylic paints

Comparison of the characteristics of alkyd and acrylic paints allows us to identify their main differences and draw the following conclusions:

The advantage of acrylic paints is associated with high quality protective functions and reliable resistance to various types natural influences. The service life of acrylic paints far exceeds the possibilities alkyd materials. These are the factors that led to their use for durable coatings in outdoor building structures, when painting car bodies.

The advantages of alkyd paints are their more low price and availability at limited budget, as well as excellent decorative qualities, distinguished by their brightness and saturation. However, their lack of durability limits their scope for interior finishing work. Using them for outdoor decoration requires frequent updating.

An ordinary consumer, far from construction, may encounter certain difficulties when choosing a paint. Modern market offers big choice paintwork materials- which one do you prefer? Some of the most popular coatings are alkyd and acrylic dyes. Many people scare them. We will find out how alkyd paint differs from acrylic paint, and what you need to choose for a quality result.

Alkyd paints are a modern take on the classic oil paint. Both alkyd and oil based materials have a similar curing process. The paint is made on the basis of alkyd resin, which is obtained by processing vegetable oils under the influence of high temperature with the addition of various polyhydric alcohols. The composition of alkyd paint is already clear from its name. Alkyd is an alcohol or alcohol, and "acid" is an acid.

For sale, these materials are already supplied with a solvent content. Depending on the type of alcohol, paints can be divided into pentaphthalic and glyphthalic. As solvents for these paints, you can use traditional white spirit, orthoxylene, nefras.

Acrylic paint is made on the basis of polyacrylic polymers. Acrylic is a plexiglass produced by the hydrolysis of lactic acids. Acrylic paints can be water based, or on varnish. To obtain high elasticity and resistance to external influences of the environment and to mechanical influences, various additives and fillers are included in the composition.

As you can see, both paints differ from each other in composition. But there are other differences as well.

Characteristics and application features

The biggest difference between acrylic and alkyd paint is that the former is a material natural origin, and the second is a completely synthetic product.

Alkyd paint can be used in any way - it is a universal dye that can be applied to surfaces made of metals, wood, stone. You can use or not use soil.

These dyes create a much harder, but less elastic film when compared to their oil counterparts. More often this type of paintwork is used on internal days finishing works when it is necessary to obtain a durable surface with expressive and rich colors and glossy sheen. Often, alkyd dye is used as wood paint.

Acrylic paint is characterized by less brightness, as well as a dull effect. The market offers a huge range of these coatings. They are suitable for both artwork, and for work on internal and outdoor decoration. Acrylic adheres well even to rust. Differences in impact resistance external environment – acrylic materials It is widely used for finishing works of facades. Often you can find acrylic car enamel, primer.

On the video: acrylic paints.

Advantages and disadvantages

Benefits coloring materials on the basis of alkyds emit:

• Fast drying speed;
• Resistance to moisture and household chemicals;
• Ease of application;
• Affordable cost;
• Large selection of colors and shades.

Polymerization starts 60 minutes after completion painting work. The coating will reach its maximum hardness in a few days. To apply alkyd-based paints, you do not need to be a professional painter and have professional tools and fixtures. Among the minuses, low durability can be distinguished - if the surface is used very intensively, and the layer is also affected ultraviolet radiation, then in a few years the coating will begin to turn yellow. At the time of evaporation, the components emit a rather specific smell. To get a quality result, you need preparatory work, primer.

A group of acrylic dyes is able to significantly better maintain strength and aesthetic characteristics even when exposed to high temperatures. Due to this property of acrylic, paints are widely used for painting radiators and other structures subject to heat. Due to the fact that the material has good adhesion, the paint adheres well to wood - the period is up to 8 years. When painting metal or a plastered wall, the service life is up to 10 years. Also among the advantages can be identified:

• Resistance to UV radiation, which is very important for outdoor decoration;
• Transparency;
• Good hiding power and low consumption;
• Vapor permeability.

These dyes dry completely in 30 minutes to 2 hours. But it will take much more time to set the final density. If the composition contains additives that protect against corrosion, then metal can be painted even over rust. Among the minuses are the cost, the need to use solvents, and in some cases a primer is needed.

Despite the disadvantages, acrylic materials are better than alkyd ones. Higher service life, the coating is more resistant to various influences.

The difference is that alkyd products are not suitable for outdoor use, while acrylic products are ideal for outdoor use.

Compatibility

Knowing the differences between alkyd paint and acrylic paint, you should also find out about the compatibility of these two paints. Many are interested in the question - is it possible to apply a layer of alkyd on top of acrylic paint.

It must be said that the compatibility of the two products is not too good. This is due to the composition of the materials. If you combine them, there is a risk of swelling of the surface. If you apply acrylic on alkyd, the result will not be good - the coating will begin to delaminate. But if there is a serious need to combine these different products, then you need to clean the surfaces as much as possible, then carefully sand, lay the primer. This will help improve bonding and reduce the risk of flaking, but will reduce service life by about half.

What's better?

So. Acrylic, alkyd paints have different composition, different properties. Let's try to figure out which one is better. It really all depends on the usage. If it is necessary to finish the facade, then acrylic. For painting a car, it is also worth giving preference to enamels based on acrylic. With a small budget for interior decoration you can stop on alkyd paints.