What is the difference between enamel and oil paint: issues of compatibility and differences between different materials. Paint and enamel: what is the difference

Often a situation arises when, during the repair process, a finisher encounters old paintwork, which is problematic to remove, and he is interested in the question: “Is it possible to paint with enamel over oil paint?”, Or vice versa: “Is it possible to paint with oil paint over enamel?”.

The answer depends on the composition of the materials and their compatibility, and we want to talk about this in more detail.

Differences in materials and their compatibility

Terminology and composition

Enamel is a glassy coating that consists of quartz sand, oxides alkali metals, pigments and other components, which, after being applied to the surface, are subjected to heat treatment and form a high-strength wear-resistant protective layer. Example − enamelware, bath cover, upper layer some types of ceramics, tiles, etc., natural enamel should not be confused with enamel paint in any case.

Enamel paints are a narrow segment coatings, which are distinguished by increased strength and consist of a dispersion of pigments, fillers and various additives in a film-forming substance, the role of which is most often played by varnish, alkyd resin or another substance with similar physical and chemical properties.

Oil paints consist of natural, synthetic or combined drying oil, in which all the same pigments, fillers and auxiliary target additives are dispersed. Modern views oil paints are most often mixed with glyphthalic, pentaphthalic and combined drying oils, as well as oxol drying oils.

Important!
As you can see, enamel-like materials and oil-based compositions belong to paintwork materials, and there is no clear difference between them.
It is rather difficult to say how oil paint differs from oil-phthalic enamel.

Moreover, many manufacturers strive to create the appearance of a rich assortment and assign certain names to their products, based on the qualities that need to be emphasized. So, in order to highlight the strength or special brilliance of their product, the manufacturer calls it enamel, although this product has nothing to do with enamel as such. Of course, the price increases along with the growth of pathos in the name of the product.

The first enamel paints arose after pentaphthalic drying oil began to be modified with alkyd resins, as a result of which a stronger and more durable appeared on the market. durable coating. In order to somehow distinguish it from among others and focus on increased quality, the material was called enamel, so that it would be clear to everyone that the product is stronger and better than simple paintwork materials.

We can say this: material based on pentaphthalic drying oil is called enamel, and based on boiled linseed oil(natural drying oil) - paint. If you look at the labeling of cans, you can see that often all enamel ones have the PF (pentaphthalic) index, and all simple ones have the MA (oil) index. There are also primers with the designation GF, which indicates glyptal drying oil in the composition.

Important!
In order to identify the real differences between enamel compositions and conventional ones, one should analyze the composition of these materials, especially the film-forming base and the solvent on which they are mixed.

Types of enamel paints

To talk about the compatibility of materials, one should understand what enamel materials generally exist. Let's say right away that there are so many of them that it will be problematic to cover everything without exception.

We will name the main ones:

• Nitrocellulose (NC). They consist of cellulose nitrate, pigments, additives and solvents. They are applied mainly on metal, concrete and wooden surfaces. Produced in jars and aerosol cans, they are distinguished by a characteristic pungent odor of acetone and are incompatible with other compounds without special preparation;
• Silicone (KO). They are applied to almost any coatings and materials, they are distinguished by heat resistance, moisture resistance and high wear resistance. Compatible only with hardened acrylic coatings;
• Pentaphthalic and glyphthalic (PF, GF). They are a kind of oil paints based on synthetic and combined drying oils modified with alkyd resins. Compatible with epoxy, alkyd-urethane and acrylic compounds;
• Acrylic (AK). These are water-dispersion polymer latex mixtures that are compatible only with water-soluble materials, but can be applied to old coatings of almost any composition with appropriate processing and preparation;
• Urethane (UR) and alkyd-urethane (AU). High-strength, wear-resistant coatings that can be applied to oily and pentaphthalic substrates and are also compatible with epoxy formulations.

Do not be surprised if you see that some sellers refer Polystil fire-retardant paints for metal to enamel, because even Zinga electrically conductive paint is sometimes in this row.

Applying alkyd enamel to oil paint

Important!
It should be understood that technology applying coatings provides for the complete cleaning of the base from old coatings.
This is the condition of the most durable, durable and beautiful protective layer that will fit well and serve for a long period of time.
The success of the event depends on the degree and quality of preparation of the foundation by 60 percent or even more.

Now we will tell you how to apply enamel on paint with your own hands, and for convenience, we have compiled instructions:

1. We check the surface of the old coating for strength. If it peels off and easily moves away from the frame, it is better to remove it. If the coating is durable, then it should be washed from dirt and dust and sanded with coarse sandpaper;

1. After that, we sweep away dust and chips, and wash the surface with water with the addition of soda. Don't forget to rinse well warm water. After that, we wait for drying;

1. We open the jar, slightly dilute its contents with solvent or white spirit (1 - 2%) and mix thoroughly;

1. The material is applied in three thin layers, each new layer after the previous one has completely dried. The second and third layers are best applied thicker, without dilution. (See also the article.)

Important!
Work in a respirator, gloves and goggles, alkyd coatings are toxic, especially during application and drying.

Conclusion

The differences between oil compositions and enamel compositions are very arbitrary if they are made from the same components. Differences from other materials are due to their composition, on which the compatibility of these coatings depends. We recommend the video in this article to consolidate what you read.

This question can be answered by professionals - builders, sellers - consultants, those who work directly with the use and sale of paint and varnish products. Ordinary users do not know what is the difference between enamels and paints, sometimes it is considered that they are almost the same, only the paint gives a matte tint, and the enamel shines. The differences between them are much more than it is believed. Let's try to figure it out.

What is enamel and paint?

A mixture of a filler, a color pigment, a solvent and a substance to bind the components is called paint. Various colors are created using a combination of pigments, and the density of the paint (hiding power), how quickly it hides the material to be painted, or how many layers of paint will be required to completely paint the surface depends on them. To create a film, natural drying oil, a variety of polymers are used - these substances are called binders. After drying, hardening of the paint, binders keep the remaining components in a stable state. To make it convenient to apply the paint, solvents are used - water dispersions, oils, carbohydrates. For each type of binder, their most suitable solvents are selected. The remaining additives are used to create haze, protection from fire, moisture, stability and strength to mechanical damage.

Depending on the compositions used, the paints are distributed:

• glazing - can be transparent, translucent and opaque (case);
• by type, the paint can be adhesive, alkyd, emulsion, mineral, oil;
• by consistency - paste and liquid.

A pigment based on varnish or resin is enamel paint or enamel. They contain a solvent organic origin, various fillers and additives. To give any color, ocher, minium, soot, titanium dioxide are used. Solvents for construction are used to change the consistency, such as turpentine, white spirits, solvents. Fill the enamel with chalk or microtalc. The consistency can be either in the form of a paste or in the form of a liquid.

Enamel paints are divided into the following types:

• alkyd enamels - resistant to temperature extremes, highly shiny, not afraid of atmospheric phenomena. Such compositions are resistant to oils, detergents. They are painted various surfaces inside and outside buildings. Easily lay down on concrete, metal and a tree;
• alkyd-melamine enamels are very durable to mechanical wear, resistant to water, sunlight, combine hardness and elasticity. Often used for painting products in the auto and motto industry and operation in a humid climate;
• nitrocellulose - cellulose nitrate is the basis for this coating. It dries very quickly, but has an unpleasant and pungent odor. Painting with this enamel paint should take place in a well-ventilated area and wear respiratory and skin protection equipment. Sometimes available in bottles for more convenient spraying on metal, wood and concrete surfaces;
• pentaphthalic and glyphthalic. They are so resistant to abrasion that they are used to paint floors, industrial equipment, subway cars, trains and trams. High service life from 4 years for outdoor use to 15 years for indoor use;
• organosilicon enamel dyes - are resistant to high temperatures, excellent wear resistance;
• polyurethane - do an excellent job where there is a large mechanical load on the coating, therefore it is used to cover floors with high traffic. Dries in a day, after that it is necessary to ventilate the painted room;
• epoxy - very resistant to aggressive substances, often used to protect against corrosion of iron and biological damage to wood.

Differences between paints and enamels

So, color pigments with binders are used in paints, varnish and resinous components are needed for enamels. There are also different types of solvents. If both chemical solvents p 650 and organic ones can be used in paints, then organic solvents are required for enamels. Enamels compare favorably with high resistance to moisture, temperature extremes, and the effects of chemically active substances. The enamel layer needs to be thinner, which guarantees low material consumption, high elasticity allows them to be used in technical industries, automotive industry.

A big disadvantage for enameled coatings is the harmful effect on human health, you have to apply special means protection. Paints are more suitable for domestic use, they have more color shades, and the decoration of the premises becomes more diverse, allowing you to apply everything. design tricks, satisfying any tastes of the person.

When conducting repair work by coverage paintwork materials various surfaces, the consumer is faced with a choice: to purchase enamel or oil paint. These dyes are the most popular. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, you need to figure out what the difference between them is.

Enamel

The term "enamel" has several meanings combined common features. In the original scientific value this is the name of a durable vitreous layer that covers various surfaces and performs a protective function. For example, tooth enamel or glaze applied to metal and fixed by firing. The material for the manufacture is glass powder, which melts during firing and forms a fairly durable coating.

In another sense, this term refers to a special type of paint that has a fairly thick consistency and gives an even, durable and glossy finish. These types of paints are made on the basis of varnish High Quality, in their composition drying oil and zinc oxides.

Their similarity with ceramic enamel is due to the fact that the painted surface resembles ceramic glaze in appearance. This type of paint has high protective performance, is resistant to abrasion, weathering. It can be applied after priming on almost any surface, including mounting foam and glue-sealant. There are several main types of enamels:

1. Acrylic(they are used to paint furniture, floors, walls, windows, doors indoors, because they dry quickly, are non-toxic and are safe in case of fires).
2. Alkyd(better for outdoor use, can be applied to wood and metal, not recommended for floor painting, dry long time and have a pungent odor that is toxic and lasts all the time of drying and some time after, therefore it requires airing even after complete drying).
3. Nitroenamel(This type of paint is easily recognizable by the smell of acetone, it is distinguished by a quick drying process of the painted surface - within an hour, cannot be applied to surfaces painted with oil paint - the old layer peels off, it is fire hazardous).

Oil paints are a type of paint and varnish products based on drying oil of vegetable or synthetic origin. It is a dispersion of drying oil with a pigment substance and special additives. The color scheme is very diverse.

Used for outdoor and internal works, for painting and priming wooden surfaces suitable for concrete, plastic, metal. Applied to a wooden surface as a primary coat, it can serve as an excellent primer for enamel. According to the method of manufacture, oil paints are of two types:

1. liquid grated. The composition of such paint is ready for use immediately after opening the container.
2. thickly grated(pasty). Before you start coloring, this species paints must be diluted with drying oil or turpentine. When adding drying oil, the painted surface will have a gloss, if you add turpentine, the surface will be matte.

Oil paints can be applied to the surface different ways: using a brush, roller, sprayer. Oil paints are rarely used as a final layer for surface finishing, since they have some disadvantages, namely:

• Low coverage and abrasion resistance.
• The duration of the drying period (from six hours to several days).
• The toxicity of some oil paints produced on the basis of non-natural drying oil makes it undesirable for its use inside residential premises.
• When applied in a thick layer, oil paint does not allow air to pass through to the painted surfaces, which can lead to cracks in the coating.
• The drying oil, which is part of the composition, over time gives the color yellowness, which spoils appearance surfaces.

However given type paint is in demand due to the relatively inexpensive cost of the product and the versatility of its application. Its use on surfaces that will not be subjected to mechanical stress makes it possible for the coating to last quite a long time. long term. At correct application it will last at least seven years.

Oil paint and enamel: similarities and differences

The technology for the production of these types of paints is similar: bonding base and pigment. The similarity of enamel and oil paint due to their scope and purpose: they are applied to almost all surfaces and carry out a protective function. However protective properties enamels are higher, they are more resistant to sunlight, temperature extremes, precipitation.

The main difference between oil paint and enamel lies in their composition. Since the basis of enamels is varnish, such paint has a sharper smell, unlike oil paints, which are based on drying oil.

At long-term storage the pigment substances of the oil paint settle, forming a dense layer at the bottom of the container, therefore, before use, it is necessary to thoroughly stir the drying oil and the settled pigment until a homogeneous mass is obtained. It is not recommended to store oil paint after opening the can, the settled pigment hardens, and the paint becomes unusable. Enamel during long storage can become thick, it is enough to dilute it with a solvent before use.

The difference between the two types of coatings is not as obvious as it might seem at first glance. In order to understand how enamel differs from paint, it is worth considering separately the various features of these materials. Concerning general provisions, then they consist only in some chemical elements, which are used at the very beginning of production.

Main differences

So similar, but at the same time different from each other materials

1. Enamel must be processed during production thermally and is a well-known vitreous formation. When making paint heat treatment not applied, and its layer in the process of drying seems less dense.
2. Dried enamel necessarily has an opaque film, in paint it is absolutely transparent. In the latter case, an additional foaming agent is used - varnish.
3. Also, the paint contains special additives in various quantities that form the gloss of the coating. Accordingly, there are no such additives in the enamel mixture.
4. Enamel and ordinary paint are necessarily distinguished by a smell. In the first case, it is sharp and unpleasant for the olfactory organs. In paints, the smell has a much lower saturation. There is even separate view flavored lines.

Areas of application of enamels and paints

Enamel is better for the exterior, but paint is better for the interior.

1. External coatings. If your plans include painting outdoor areas, then it is definitely worth stopping at enamel. The paint tends to crack under the condition of constant contact with moisture.
2. Windows and benches. However, enamels are not resistant to sunlight. For the mentioned elements, it is better to use conventional paints and varnishes.
3. Interior decor and redecorating. In this case, it is also better to use paint, since it has a suitable loose texture. The choice of enamel can be fraught with the fact that the coating will "crack" some time after application.

The answer to the question of how enamel for staining differs from ordinary paint is ambiguous. Several factors must be taken into account at once, including the method of manufacture, the presence of additives, the nature of the smell, etc.

1. Composition comparison
2. Features of alkyd paint
3. Advantages
4. disadvantages
5. Advantages
6. disadvantages
7. Main differences
8. Is it possible to combine enamels
9. What Not to Do
10. Conclusion

The article compares alkyd and acrylic primers, reveals the main differences in the compositions. It describes the compatibility of paints with each other and which one is more suitable for covering wood.

Composition comparison

basis acrylic paint is a polymer emulsion - acrylic mixed with pigments. The solvent is ordinary water, so the material does not have a strong odor. Acrylic is known as liquid glass, is used as a binder in other building mixtures. It also includes improving additives that affect the viscosity, temperature stability of the solution, the finished coating.

Alkyd, or oil, enamel consists of alkyd varnish, coloring pigments, kerosene solvent (white spirit). Additional additives may be included: antiseptics, antifungals, fire-fighting additives. This enamel is often used to coat wood products. When working, thorough ventilation of the premises is required: the composition has a sharp specific smell.

Features of alkyd paint

You can find varnishes and paints.

The varnish is based on alkyd and solvents. It contains no pigments. The solution is used as a primer for other finishing coatings, wood preservative.

The paint contains pigments. Can perform the function of surface protection. It can be glossy, matte, it does not affect the quality of the coating.

Varnish and primer of the same base have good compatibility. They can be applied on the same surface, mixed.

Advantages

• Wide color range.
• Ease of application, good distribution over the surface.
• Layers dry quickly.
• Cleaning resistance.
• Suitable for interior and exterior work.
• Affordable price.

disadvantages

• Strong smell.
• Low UV resistance. The coating fades quickly in the sun.
• Hardness negatively affects the service life. Dried enamel is inelastic, does not withstand linear expansions of the surface. After a few years it cracks and needs updating.

If you need to use alkyd paint on the street, you should choose a composition with additives. The painted product is best placed in the shade.

Acrylic paint: features of use

Acrylic polymer is plastic. The dried coating layer is able to stretch, shrink with minor changes in the size of the base. The paint does not crack after frost. So that the composition lies well on the surface wooden product, necessary:

1. Remove the old coating from the base, sand the surface.
2. prime material special formulations to prevent decay, reproduction of pests.

The basis for acrylic should be dried, cleaned of dust. Coloring composition diluted with plain water, applied to walls, ceilings, products with a brush, roller. Paint is well distributed on the prepared basis.

Advantages

• Does not change color in the sun, at high temperatures.
• Due to the elasticity, the coating does not peel off, does not crack.
• Long service life - at least 8 years for wood, about 20 for metal and plaster;
• The composition protects the surface from moisture, corrosion.
• No strong odor. Paint does not highlight harmful substances, it is safe to work with it even without protective equipment.

disadvantages

• High price.
• The long period of a set of operational durability - about a month.
• Good, qualitative composition difficult to find.

Main differences

Material properties are presented in the table.

Dye Compatibility

There is no need to combine ingredients. Alkyd is a good primer for wood surfaces. Also suitable as a top coat if applied in several layers.

Acrylic paint is elastic, it is best used on products that are subject to linear expansion due to temperature changes, changes in humidity.

Is it possible to combine enamels

To work on the same surface, you need to use tools on the same basis.

Soft formulations can be applied to hard coatings, but not vice versa.

Alkyd enamel is hard, works as a primer under a varnish layer or more soft cover . Acrylic is a flexible covering material. Can be applied to oily, dried or old foundation. But in this case, the service life of the finishing layer is reduced by 2 times.

The combination is suitable for wood. On surfaces made of other materials, it makes no sense to mix layers.

What Not to Do

Do not apply alkyd enamel on an acrylic surface. If this is still necessary, you need to remove the old coating to the maximum, sand it thoroughly, then prime it.

Do not mix dissimilar components. Acrylic-alkyd enamel can only be produced industrially using special technologies. It is not used in construction.

Conclusion

The article compares two materials. You can't say which one is better. When choosing, you need to take into account the expected service life of the coating, operating conditions, the quality of the finished surface, and the budget for repairs.