How to paint with acrylic paint: execution technique, necessary materials and tools, step-by-step instructions for work and expert advice. How to use acrylic paints: application rules and basic techniques How to use acrylic paint

Very often, acrylic-based paints are used in construction and finishing, art works. Such coatings are very popular. This is due to their unusual color brightness and durability. Many people wonder what can be painted. The technology and application of coloring acrylic are worth studying. Well, we invite you to get acquainted with how to properly paint walls, facades, wooden and metal products, fabrics and even nail plates with acrylic paints.

What is acrylic paint?

Acrylic-based paints are a substance based on polyacrylic polymers: methyl, ethyl and butyl. Also some polymers are used to make them foamy. It is dispersed, diluted with water and formed with pigment pastes. Also, a solvent consisting of chloroform, ethanol and ether is used to break them down. They give off a very pungent odor.

Acrylic itself is a synthetic material with a transparent texture. It has good mechanical properties and high temperature resistance. Acrylics are very lightweight and durable, UV-resistant. The paint contains acrylic itself, small dispersion plastic particles that tend to dissolve in water. After the paint dries, a film is formed that protects the painted surface from external influences. Here is the composition of any acrylic coating:

binder;
toner;
filler;
solvent;
additional particles.

The first binder connects all the ingredients. This makes it possible for the coating to combine well with different surfaces. Acrylic resins are often used as such a binder. They endow the paint with durability, durability, and abrasion resistance. The type of acrylic resin determines the quality of the paint.

A soluble powder is used as a pigment. It can be of the following types:

with organic origin;
with inorganic origin;
artificially made;
from a natural source.

The process of making acrylic-based paints is not that difficult. First, an acrylic composition and a coloring pigment are installed in the container, then all the components are mixed into a homogeneous mass and packaged in a separate bowl.

Benefits of acrylic paint

Acrylic paints have a lot of advantages over other paints and varnishes. Most of all they are suitable for finishing work. They are versatile and suitable for all surfaces. And here are their other advantages:

Environmentally friendly. For their manufacture, substances that are harmless to humans and do not affect health are used.
Comfortable and easy to use. They do not have a special smell, so they are convenient to work with.
Fireproof. They do not ignite, do not contain flammable substances.
The presence of an unlimited color palette. A huge number of shades allows you to use it not only in painting various designs, but also to use it for artists to paint pictures.
Dry quickly. It dries up within 1-3 hours after painting.
Elastic, durable, easy to clean, abrasion resistant.
They do not contribute to the accumulation of dirt, they are breathable, they are resistant to moisture.
They differ in the duration of operation (they do not lose their attractiveness for 10 years).
They have a wide range of applications. They are used in rooms, as well as outdoors under open sunlight.
Versatile and versatile. They are used in combination with other building materials. They can be applied to any surface, excluding some types of plastic.

What can and how to paint

So, this type of paint is used both in the construction industry and in painting. Sometimes they apply drawings to the surface of machines or make nail designs. If you still do not know how to paint with acrylic paint, then use the following tips:

clean the surface from dust, dirt and greasy stains;
material with high moisture absorption must be treated with a primer;
if the composition is too thick, add water and solvent;
it is better to apply with a roller, brush or spray gun;
to carry out work at a temperature not lower than +10 ° С;
brushes, paint container, paint container and other accessories with plain water.

If you have not completely used up all the paint, then close the jar tightly with a lid so that air does not enter there, which can change its properties and lead to unusability.

Varieties of acrylic coatings

Depending on where acrylic paint is used, it is divided into the following types:

outdoor;
internal;
automobile;
used in painting.

The composition of the facade acrylic coating contains substances and additives that improve its resistance to sunlight, moisture and abrasion. This paint can be used to cover facades, fences, benches, gates and other external surfaces.

Internal paints have less resistance to external irritants, but they are perfectly used. Interior finishing paints are available separately for walls and ceilings. Developed and universal compositions with acrylic, suitable for both indoor and outdoor work.

Depending on the additional functions of paint with acrylic, there are:

lightfast;
moisture resistant;
well tolerated by mechanical stress;
washable.

Such coatings with acrylic can still shine beautifully. In this regard, the following paints are distinguished:

glossy;
matte;
silky matte;
semi-glossy.

A little about thinners

It is best to dilute acrylic paint with water, because it is water-based. But when the coating dries up, a film forms on its surface, which no longer allows water to pass through. Therefore, after painting, all working tools should be washed immediately before they are dry.

How much water is needed for dilution? The ideal weight would be a 1: 1 ratio. If you dilute 1: 2, you get the thinnest layer that impregnates the surface. The thinner the staining layer is, the more water is added to the composition.

Some manufacturers offer their own thinners directly. With them, the paint can already acquire a glossy or matte appearance.

To dilute it, it is first crushed to a powder state. Next, this powdery mass is poured twice with hot boiling water, they wait until it cools down and the water is drained, and the paint is mixed. Such a processed mass is already suitable for second-rate work, because it loses some of its properties.

Acrylic paints in painting

All artists know one feature of acrylic paints - after drying, they darken. They are used as an alternative to oil tubes and use the same painting techniques on canvas. Unlike oil, acrylic dries much faster.

For background images, masters use a liquid consistency diluted with water, and for expressiveness they use a pasty mass. For this they often use special thickeners. Acrylic is good because it does not crack, unlike oil. It lays down very evenly, has a shine and does not require fixers and varnishing.

Artists paint with acrylic paints on wood, glass, metal, canvas, canvas. Fresh smears can be easily removed with water, and dried ones - only with special solvents. Gels, pastes, putties, glue are used to create acrylic paintings. Such masterpieces are distinguished by a special color rendering.

How to paint with acrylic paint correctly?

It is very easy to apply water-based coatings. To know how to paint with acrylic paint, you need to get acquainted with some technological points and subtleties. We invite you to get to know them:

First, prepare the surface for painting. Check the ceiling for dirt, grease and dust. Then align the base perfectly. Treat the ceiling with a mold and mildew resistant primer and a cost-saving paint.
If old paint remains on the surface, carefully remove it with a spatula.
Be sure to seal up cracks and chips with putty and wait until it dries.
Grout, apply a primer.
After that, you can start coloring.
Take care of the tools initially. What kind of roller to paint with acrylic paint is of interest to many readers. In addition to this fixture, you will need brushes, a container for paints, stairs or a table.
The work should start from the corners, painting over them with a brush. When you paint over all the edges around the perimeter, take a roller and boldly, stroke by stroke, paint over the entire surface.

Methods for applying the coloring mass to the surface

Acrylic paints can be applied to the surface in two ways. The first is to dilute the coatings with water or special mixtures. This composition can be applied in several layers. In the second case, a pasty form of paint is used, which is achieved with a special thickener. Never dilute the paint in the container you bought it in, use a separate container, otherwise the moisture will evaporate and the residue will become unusable over time.

Painting wood with acrylic

Quite often people ask the question: "Is it possible to paint a tree with acrylic paint?" Yes, there really is a special type of acrylic coating for wood surfaces. the latter require preliminary priming. A water-based primer is suitable for external work, and an oil-based primer for internal work. A quality primer is also a good antiseptic. The answer to the above question is unambiguous: "You can paint a tree with acrylic paint." Many people paint a timber or a plank facade with it.

Facade finishing

It is not so difficult to paint the facade of a house with acrylic paint. You just need to follow these steps:

Make sure that the walls are free of dirt, loose plaster. Check the façade surface for strength. Look for fungus anywhere on the surface. Putty all cracks and defects.
Apply a primer. This will improve the adhesion of the paint to the facade surface and save material.
Take a roller and start painting. You will also need a brush. In some cases, use a spray gun.

It is important to note that painting the facade requires two layers. The second layer should be painted only after the first dries. Acrylic paint dries quickly, so you need to quickly apply stroke by stroke, otherwise the boundaries of new joints may be visible.

Combination of acrylic and oil texture

It is necessary to apply the varnish-and-paint material, having thought over all the details. The coating must be reliable and have its original appearance for a long time. It is especially important to consider how the surface was painted before. What can be painted with acrylic paint, you already understand. It fits perfectly on many surfaces. But what if the room was previously repaired with a different coloring material? For example, can you paint with acrylic paint over oil or not? After all, so often in the old "Khrushchev" buildings of the last century, the panels of kitchens and bathrooms were painted with an oil coating.

So do you need to remove oil paint before applying acrylic or not? Experts answer that it is possible to combine these two paints, only you need to use a special acrylic coating "Master-121". It has excellent adhesion rates and is considered universal. It is important that there are no cracks or chips on the old coating. First, the oil cover is sanded with fine sandpaper, wiped from dust, degreased, and only then they start painting.

Hot batteries and acrylic coating

During repairs in apartments, many people ask themselves whether it is possible to paint batteries with acrylic paint or not? After all, such a coloring agent must withstand high temperatures up to 90-100 ° C. It should not only look aesthetically pleasing, but also protect the metal from corrosion.

We can say that universal acrylic paint is also suitable for painting batteries. It is important that the heating is turned off during painting. Do not paint over hot batteries to avoid uneven layers and color loss.

Combination with enamel

In addition to oil and acrylic coatings, enamel compositions are also found. They are used to paint metal, wood and plastered surfaces. If drying oil is added to the oil agent, then varnish is added to the enamel one. With it, the coating becomes glossy and aesthetic. If we consider whether it is possible to paint by, then the answer is categorical: "No!". The acrylic coating will simply lift the enamel, fold it. This is because the two products have different diluents or solvents. If, nevertheless, such an action must be performed, then first a layer of a neutral composition must be applied to the enamel surface.

Acrylic - it is plastic, but the drawing technique resembles watercolor. The only difference is that after drying, acrylic paints become waterproof. Let's consider some of the features of working with acrylic.

What to draw on?

Suitable for painting with acrylic:

canvas;
cardboard;
plywood;
board;
glass;
paper.

Also prepare long-handled brushes, a palette, and water.

What to draw?

It is not necessary to puzzle for a long time over the idea of drawing. If it is difficult to come up with something original, create a still life from improvised objects. You can also buy flowers or pick wild ones. A beautiful stone, a view from the window - everything can serve as a kind.

Drawing abstractions can also improve your skills. Draw a spot and think what it looks like. Develop an idea, add details. Gradually, you will learn to feel the colors.

1. Acrylic dries quickly, so keep a spray bottle handy to wet the paint on the palette.

2. Use paint in small quantities.

3. Acrylic squeezed out of the tube is opaque. Experiment with the transparency of the paints by adding water to them. A large amount of moisture will allow you to use a watercolor painting technique. But you cannot violate the 50/50 proportion, otherwise the acrylic will not be able to gain a foothold and will crumble.

4. Start painting with large patches of color using large brushes. Gradually move on to working out small details and take thin brushes.

5. When washing off paint from brushes, do not forget to blot them to remove water.

6. Reflection of work in the mirror will help you to notice mistakes.

7. Practice mixing colors with each other. It is not easy, but through practice it is possible to learn how to do it faster.

8. Adding thinner will help slow the drying of the acrylic.

9. For a perfect straight line, use duct tape.

10. To lighten the color, mix the paint with whitewash. Do this gently and little by little, kneading thoroughly.

11. Mixing paint with black will make it darker.

12. Dried paints appear darker.

13. For safety, the work can be varnished.

How to paint with acrylics on canvas or paper?

1. You need to choose a base for drawing. You can draw on paper, canvas or blackboard. You need to choose the basis on which acrylic can easily gain a foothold.

2. Gather all the materials you need. To draw, you may need items such as: 1-2 cups of water, an old cloth (you can use a cloth), a palette knife, soap for washing brushes, a spray bottle for water.

Acrylic paints dry very quickly, so you need to spray the palette with water to keep the paints wet.
Use newspapers or unnecessary desk papers so you don't have a lot of clutter.
You can wear a work gown to keep your clothes clean.

3. Choose a good location. Many professionals recommend painting in natural light. A place near an open window is good, as well as a normal room with good natural light.

4. Prepare materials. Bring cups of water, brushes, paints, palette. Put on an old robe and cover your work area with newspapers.

5. Idea for drawing. It is difficult for aspiring artists to decide what to paint. Think maybe you want to draw a specific object or 3-D object. What can be painted with acrylic paints:

Photo;
a vase of flowers;
a bowl of fruit;
sunrise / sunset;
items from your home;
something from your memory.

6. Sketch with a pencil. Use a regular pencil to roughly sketch out the main shapes of the drawing on the canvas.

7. Mix paints. Prepare all the colors you need to work with the drawing.

8. Analyze your composition. Lay the item down so it has some kind of nice backdrop. Pay attention to all the details. As you work, you will have to recreate everything that is needed for your drawing.

9. Draw the background. First of all, you need to start painting the background. Drawing from the background to the foreground is one of the easiest ways to create a beautiful drawing. Throw in the middle tones first, then the dark ones, and then the brightest ones to make the task easier.

10. Spend time on minor details. Draw in all the basic details of the background. Add shadows, highlights, small unnoticed details, add texture, etc.

11. Draw the main object. Draw it in solid colors, break the object into simple shapes or parts. Once you've worked out the basic shapes and parts, your drawing will start to look great.

Remember how the tones are applied, first medium, then dark, and then light.
Apply the paint with a dotted line, hold the brush vertically and knock it on the paper.
Use a palette knife to spread out broad strokes of color.
To create a blur of color, you need to dilute the paint with water. This will gradually lighten the paint on the canvas. In this way, you can create a good color gradation effect.

12. Cover your painting with a layer of varnish. When the picture is covered with a layer of varnish, it is protected from various damages.

13. Clean brushes, objects and work area.

14. Leave the painting for a while to dry. Usually the painting dries in 1-2 days.

How to paint with Acrylic paints in stages - video

Acrylic paints for painting are a universal option: they can be painted on a wide variety of surfaces.

Paper, cardboard, glass, wood, plastic, canvas and even metal - all these materials are great for painting and decorative work with acrylic paints. A large creative space, the ability to realize your ideas and fantasies - that's why many people fell in love with this type of paint.

For drawing with them, both natural and synthetic brushes are suitable, as well as a palette knife and, if properly diluted with water, an airbrush. For those who have already painted with gouache or watercolors before, drawing with acrylic paints will be as easy as shelling pears. If you purchase a set of acrylic paints for painting, you will get a number of advantages over other types of paints: they do not spread, do not fade, do not crack and dry quickly.

If you learn to paint with acrylic paints, you can achieve excellent results. For example, if you mix paint with water, you can achieve a watercolor effect. If you use a palette knife or a coarse bristly brush to paint, you will have the effect of a picture painted with oil paint. So, let's talk about the process itself in more detail.

Working condition of the paint.
Due to the fact that acrylic paints for painting dry incredibly quickly, you should squeeze them out of the tube quite a bit. And you should definitely buy a spray gun to moisten the paint in the case of using a regular, non-wet palette.

Wipe off the brush.
Each time you wash your brushes, wipe them off with a cloth or paper towel. In this case, drops flowing from the brush will not fall on the drawing and leave ugly stains on it.

Color transparency.
If you paint with acrylic paints in a thick layer directly from the tube or only slightly dilute them with water on a palette, then the color will be saturated and opaque. And if diluted with water, the transparency of the color will be the same as that of watercolors.

The difference between acrylic and watercolor wash.
Unlike watercolor washes, acrylic washes dries quickly, sets and becomes insoluble. And this allows you to apply new layers to dried layers without fear of damaging the previous ones.

Glaze.
If you need a glaze in several translucent layers, then the layers must be applied very thinly so that the bottom layer is visible. That is, acrylic paint must be applied to the surface very carefully, evenly, thinly.

Fluidity.
To improve the fluidity in such a way that the color intensity does not change, a special thinner, but not water, can be used.

Mixing colors.
Since acrylic paints for painting dry very quickly, the colors must be mixed quickly. If mixing does not take place on a palette, but on paper, it is worth pre-moistening it - this will increase the speed.

Sharpness of boundaries.
To make the corners sharply and sharply defined, you can stick masking tape on the dried paint without harm to the drawing. But you need to make sure the edges fit snugly. Also, don't draw too quickly around the edges of the ribbon.

To give the canvas whitenessy, it should be coated with an acrylic primer.

But if there is a desire to give the work a contrast then a dark acrylic emulsion can also be used. You can apply the primer with a brush in one or two coats. But if the surface is large, then this is not very convenient. The canvas should be placed horizontally and the primer should be poured onto it, while spreading it with a scraper in a thin layer over the entire area of the canvas.

The right lighting for working with acrylic paints, the skillful organization of the workplace, has a positive effect on the creative process.

It is worth following some rules to make your work more comfortable and faster. Lighting should be even and diffused, the same throughout the entire working process. The light should be to the left of the canvas and in no case should it blind the creator.

To carry out repairs, acrylic paints are actively used, they are used to paint walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.

Characteristics of acrylic paint

This material consists of acrylic resin, it is a binder, water, and pigment. Acrylic paint is environmentally friendly, so it can be used for both outdoor and indoor renovations. When painting, there is no pungent smell, and the evaporation of toxic substances, so the material can be used in public places and residential premises.

Acrylic paints are distinguished by a significant number of colors and shades, which allows them to be used in various interiors. They are easy to work with, the material dries quickly, this allows you to paint the surface with a second layer after a while. Tools can be quickly washed with plain water.

The service life of paints is long up to 12 years. The surface is easy to clean with conventional means, as the material is resistant. When using the liquid, the structure of the paint is not lost, the rays of the sun also do not have any effect on the surface.

The painted surface is durable and flexible, does not absorb small particles of dirt. The acrylic surface is porous and air-permeable, while preventing moisture penetration.

What is acrylic paint used for?

Acrylic paint is used for various works; it is used to paint a facade made of wood, brick, plaster or concrete. Before applying paint, the surface must be cleaned of dust and a primer must be applied.

Acrylic paint can be used for interior work, painting the surface of the ceiling and walls. It can be applied to concrete or brick surfaces, whether it is plastered or not. This paint can be used to paint drywall or wallpaper with a special relief. If there are sharp temperature changes in the room, as well as increased humidity, then it is necessary to select special types of paints that are more resistant to such conditions.

When painting a metal surface, a special type of paint is also used. If rust appears on the metal, then paint must be applied to it. Although acrylic paint is versatile, it is best to use the most suitable look for different surfaces.

Also, acrylic paints are used in art, they produce decorative designs, painting on fabrics and other materials, they are used in the nail service.

Acrylic based paints dry quickly to a durable finish that cannot be washed off with water. They are distinguished by a large number of colors and shades. Thanks to this variety, they can work on a variety of materials, glass, wood, fabric, cardboard, paper or metal. This paint does not have a pungent odor, which makes it possible to work with it in public or residential areas.

What do you need to work with acrylic paints?

To perform work with acrylic paints, you need to purchase a separate palette consisting of glass or plastic because it will be difficult to remove paint from the walls. You can remove paint from the palette with hot water. Such a device is necessary for performing trial work.

It is also necessary to use old clothing or a special uniform with armbands. Since after the paint gets on the clothes, it will no longer be possible to wash it off.

When painting walls or other large surfaces, cover the floor with oilcloth so as not to smear it.

Since the constant washing of the brushes is inconvenient, you can purchase a special holder that is fixed on a container with water.

For staining, brushes with stiffer or synthetic bristles are used, since devices with soft bristles will quickly deteriorate. Also, you can use various types of rollers for work.

Acrylic paint technology

Before starting work, the surface is primed, regardless of whether it is cardboard, paper, canvas or concrete. A special acrylic compound or white paint diluted with water is used as a primer, but after completing the work, it is necessary to stand for about two hours. If you do not use a primer, then the paint consumption will be higher, since it is well absorbed. On a primed surface, the paint will have a brighter color and less coats will be needed.

In order for the paint to be applied in an even layer, and the coating to be durable and resistant, plastic, metal and glass surfaces must be degreased.

Acrylic paints can darken after drying, so you need to do a trial work on a separate material to determine the color.

Before mixing paints, you need to know their properties, they must be the same, for example, there is a glossy and matte material, and it also differs in transparency. It is better to foresee this in advance, since it will not be easy to get rid of defects in the future.

If surfaces with significant dimensions are painted, then each individual color is better placed in different containers, these can be plastic cups or food jars. If it is necessary to leave the paint for a long time, it can be covered with polyethylene or sealed with tape, this will not allow the material to dry quickly.

Acrylic paints have fast drying properties regardless of the container, so they must be well sealed to prevent air from entering.

If work is done on a surface where you can get dirty, then it is better to wear gloves or other protective clothing, since the paint is very difficult to wash off, it can be cleaned from the skin with a pumice stone or a sponge with a rough coating.

Brushes, rollers, or other devices that have been handled should be left in the water if interruptions are taken. After completing the staining, they are thoroughly washed with soap.

Various additives used for acrylic paints

Water based acrylic paint can be thinned with the same component. It is bred if the work is done on a paper surface of an insignificant area. Such paints will have greater transparency and take longer to dry. If the dilution occurs more than one third, then the resistance to moisture remains, and to mechanical damage is reduced.

Paint manufacturers offer special diluents, and the coating can acquire different properties. Thinners can be of matt or glossy type, respectively, the surface will look like this, depending on which component is used. When using such materials, the hiding power may change, and the paint dries up in the same time, that is, within two hours. Dilute the paint no more. More than 30 percent of the total to keep all its qualities. Also, acrylic paint can be made in the form of a paste using special thickeners, it is used for embossed coatings.

If the work with paints will be long, then special components are added to slow down its drying. These additives come in the form of a gel, they allow you to take long breaks from work. Additives of this type will give the coating a glossy or matte appearance, therefore, before use, all their properties must be taken into account.

In order to preserve the surface, extend its durability, fix the paint, and give it a brighter shade, special varnishes are used. These materials also come in a variety of looks and can be glossy or matte. Varnishes are made in the form of an aerosol, liquid or gel.

Acrylic paints are widely used, and there is a different assortment, they can be artistic, metallized, decorative. With the help of acrylic paint, you can make collage, and other decorative work, it also has an adhesive ability.

Basic rules when using acrylic paints

The paint must be constantly in working condition. Due to fast drying, the paint must be removed from the container in small portions. When using a plastic palette, it is necessary to periodically moisten the paint from a spray bottle.

Prepare a clean rag or paper towel in advance to wipe the brush after washing. Then the water droplets will not run down the pattern, leaving stains.

All types of acrylic paint, when applied in a thick layer, will not give transparency. When diluting the material with water, paint can be used to paint the paintings like ordinary watercolors. But at the same time, the dilution should take place no more than 30 percent of the total volume.

Acrylic wash differs from the watercolor look in that after drying, it does not dissolve, and you can paint new layers, while the first application will not be damaged. And watercolors can be removed with a damp cloth.

The glazing is carried out in a thin layer. If you need to create multiple layers of a translucent look, they should be thin so that the underlying color does not show through. The paint must be spread evenly over the entire surface with a thin layer.

To increase the fluidity of the paint, and not to spoil the color, it is necessary to use not water for dilution, but special thinners.

Since the paint dries quickly, when mixing different colors, the work must be done actively to prevent the material from hardening. If mixing is done on paper material, it is moistened.

On a surface that has dried, you can stick masking tape, it can be easily removed later, without a trace of paint. It creates sharp and sharp angles in the drawing. After gluing, it is necessary to check that the tape fits snugly, and then carefully draw the pattern along the edges.

A masking liquid is also used, it is used with watercolor and acrylic washes. Allow it to dry completely before applying the drawing. You cannot spread a very thick layer on top, since in the future you will need to peel off the paint in order to get the masking layer. Such materials are used on paper and fabric coverings. Please note that after drying, the masking liquid cannot be removed from the brushes. To simplify the process, before washing, the brush is dipped in a special cleaning liquid.

Acrylic paint can be used as a collage adhesive. The material can be used to create a collage if you make a thick layer, and the object to be glued does not have significant weight. The paint is simply applied to the surface, like a regular adhesive, and then the necessary items are pressed against it.

It is necessary to work with acrylic paint quickly, since it has the ability to dry quickly, so it is better to prepare all the necessary tools in advance so as not to be distracted.

Acrylic material can work on various surface, cardboard, wood, canvas. Also, paints are applied to a glass, metal, concrete or brick surface, but it must first be cleaned, degreased and primed. All grease and oil stains must be removed from the surface to be treated.

Acrylic paints can be used in painting, wall decoration, and other large items. Acrylic-based paints are also used in manicure, they are used to produce artistic painting.

During the creation of a painting, you can perform various types of work, such as glazing. Paints can be diluted with special compounds, this will help to extend the drying time, or thickening components that will give the material a pasty appearance to create textured patterns on the surface.

Among the many paints and varnishes used for the production of repair and construction work, a special place is occupied by compositions based on acrylic.

The attractiveness of paints is due to:

almost complete absence of smell;
short time required for the drying of the paint layer;
wide color palette and amazing brightness of paints offered by manufacturers;
high resistance to adverse environmental influences.

In addition, acrylic paints are quite affordable for consumers even on a very modest budget.

All these circumstances contribute to their popularity and constantly growing demand.

Acrylic paint - what it is, its advantages and disadvantages

From the name of the paint it is already clear that the basis of the paint is polyacrylic resins, which are considered an environmentally friendly material.

The coating resulting from the application of acrylic paint is essentially a thin layer of plastic that is impervious to water but still breathable.

The paint contains the following substances:

binder;
coloring pigments;
solvents;
fillers;
additives.

The binder in this case is a polymer dispersion, for the manufacture of which acrylic resins are used. It is the binder that connects all the ingredients of the paint composition. It is the binder that is responsible for the high-quality structure of the future coating. In addition, it provides the necessary adhesion of the paint to the surface to be treated.

The pigments provide the desired shade and color of the paint. Usually it is a fine powder that does not dissolve in the binder, but is evenly distributed in it.

Pigments can be of various origins:

inorganic;
organic;
natural pigments;
piece origin.

The solvent helps to lower the viscosity of the paint composition.

Filler is a substance responsible for the paint's ability to cover the painted surface. It is a fairly large particles of acrylic inclusions that increase the viscosity of the paint, improving its adhesion to the surface (adhesion). In addition, the filler largely determines the properties of the paint, such as matting and protective characteristics.

Additives serve as auxiliary ingredients required to impart specific properties to the paint.

These include substances such as:

PVA and emulsifiers;
organic solvents;
initiators;
stabilizers;
biocides and preservatives;
defoamers.

Acrylic paint compounds have an impressive list of important advantages.

Benefits of colorful formulations:

Environmental safety - no substances harmful to human health are used in the manufacture of paints.
Fire safety - there are no flammable substances in the paint.
The speed of drying of the painted surface, which usually takes 1-3 hours.
The widest color palette, unlimitedly expanding the possibilities of using paints to create extraordinary interiors.
Simplicity and comfort of use, consisting in the absence of odor, rapid film formation, easy rinsing of paint from hands and tools.
The resulting paint finish is highly durable, flexible, abrasion resistant and easy to maintain.
The paint film formed on the surface is easily air permeable, but at the same time it is moisture resistant.
High-quality acrylic paint can last more than 10 years without losing its properties.
Due to its resistance to UV radiation, moisture and mechanical damage, acrylic-based paint can be used both in rooms with any microclimate (including humid ones) and for facades.
Acrylic paints can be applied to almost any material, except for some types of plastics.

The disadvantages of acrylic compounds include the following properties:

Low adhesion to some types of plastic - this applies mainly to paints of previous generations, modern compositions do not suffer from this.
Fast drying can cause equipment problems if paint is applied, for example, with an airbrush. Even with a short interruption in operation, its nozzle can clog.
Some acrylic paints, as they dry on the surface, can change their color and gloss degree quite dramatically. Therefore, it is advisable to take a break between the application of layers of paint so as not to paint the surface again.
It is better not to clean the painted surface with products containing abrasive particles.

Depending on the chemical composition, the properties of polyacrylic resins can vary over a fairly wide range.

Therefore, the paints and varnishes produced on their basis also differ.

Acrylic paints are classified into the following types:

Water-based natural drying.
Compositions based on thermoplastic polymers - cold drying. In their production, organic solvents are used, which volatilize at room temperature within 1-3 hours. These are atmospheric and lightfast paints with a range of operating temperatures from -50 to +180 degrees.
Compositions based on thermosetting polymers - hot drying. These paints have higher performance indicators. At a temperature of +125 - +180 degrees, they dry out in 15-30 minutes. These paints form hard and shiny moisture-resistant surfaces, they are atom-resistant and have a long service life.
High temperature drying water-borne paints. These compounds are used mainly for painting metal structures and parts. Drying is carried out at a temperature of +110 - 150 degrees, a strong film forms in 10-45 minutes. These paints are of limited use.

It has long been known that a versatile material is good, but it is even better if it is manufactured for the intended use.

Based on this principle, acrylic compounds are subdivided according to their intended purpose into many types.

Namely:

fabric paints;
for wood;
for concrete;
on glass;
for metal;
for outdoor work;
for interior work (subdivided into compositions for floor, walls, ceiling, bathroom and others);
automobile;
artistic paints;
aerosol.

As for construction and repair work, two types of paints are most often used here:

On organic solvents. They are more often used for outdoor work, including when finishing facades. These compositions can be applied to the surface in almost any weather and in a fairly wide temperature range from -20 to +30 degrees. At the same time, an elastic, sufficiently strong layer with vapor permeability is created on the painted surface. When painting wood, paint protects it from fungus, mold and other biological pests.
On a water-dispersion basis. These compounds are used primarily for work inside the building, as they are environmentally friendly. For painting ceilings, matt acrylic paint is often used. And for damp rooms, floors and wooden structures, gloss compounds are used.

For this purpose, acrylic paint for metal is used, which is often called "automobile". It is based on organic solvents, which is reflected in the cost - it is higher than that of paints for construction work. A feature of the use of such a paint is the need for the preliminary use of a special primer that protects the metal from corrosion and improves adhesion. Metal paint dries quickly and is applied in several layers.

For independent use, paint is produced in cylinders - it is convenient to paint small surfaces with it.

Artwork

Here acrylic paints are widely used. They are also used in traditional painting on canvas, and for creating drawings using airbrushing, for painting various objects, and even for manicure.

How to choose the right one

The first question that we have to find out is: what are we going to paint? After all, it is important not only that the paint has the desired color, but the scope of its purpose.

All compositions are divided into the following groups:

interior;
front;
highly specialized;
universal.

The highest demands are placed on materials for facades. Therefore, such formulations are the thickest, with a high content of binder, and they also use the most persistent pigments. Therefore, the cost of exterior paints is usually higher. You can use these compounds for painting surfaces inside the house, but this will unreasonably increase the cost of repairs, and the improved characteristics of the paint will remain unclaimed.

Interior paints are environmentally friendly, so the content of the binder is reduced to a minimum, while the amount of pigment is increased.

All compositions intended for internal work must have high abrasion resistance.

Because they have to withstand repeated cleaning, including with brushes.

If you decide to buy paint "in reserve" and do not yet know exactly what you will use it for, then purchase a universal material. It can be used for almost any purpose and material.

These are, for example, snow-white paints for heating radiators. They are highly resistant to high temperatures and abrasion. You can also find special colorful compositions designed for processing structures and products made from a specific material - wood, concrete, brick, metal, glass. In this regard, the market is increasingly specialized.

When purchasing your favorite paint, carefully study the label.

Pay attention to the following indicators:

color fastness - usually given in months;
abrasion resistance - determined by the number of cleaning the surface using a brush (can be from 3 to 30 times);
resistance to mold and mildew - important for paints used in wet rooms;
hiding power - means the number of layers of paint required for high-quality painting of a contrasting surface (therefore, it makes sense to acquire not just a "liter of paint", but to focus on what area can be painted with this amount);
drying time - keep in mind that glossy paints dry much faster than matte paints, and also that drying times are given for average temperatures and humidity and may vary with any deviations from their average values;
thixotropy - the presence of additives in the paint that help to avoid the formation of drips during painting.

When planning home renovations, remember that it is important not only to purchase quality materials, but to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions on the use of paint and adhere to the work technology. The final result depends on this.

After painting, you should not immediately "test the strength of the coating", since it will acquire final chemical resistance only after a couple of weeks. Therefore, if you plan, for example, to further decorate the walls with painting or stucco molding, then do this no earlier than two weeks after the end of the painting work.