How to Solve the Paint Selection Problem? Understanding the Mystery of Latex Paint and Water-based Paint

Introduction

Before starting this paint exploration journey, let’s first think about why the choice of paint is so important. A warm and comfortable home, a smooth, brightly colored wall, not only can bring us visual enjoyment, but also create a unique atmosphere and mood. The coating, as a wall coat, its quality, performance and environmental protection directly affect our quality of life and health.

1. Definition and component analysis

Latex paint:

Definition: Latex paint is based on synthetic resin emulsion as the base material, adding pigments, fillers and various auxiliaries through a certain process processing of water-based paint.

 Main ingredients:

Synthetic resin emulsion: This is the core component of latex paint, common acrylic emulsion, styrene acrylic emulsion, etc., which gives the latex paint good film formation and adhesion.

Pigments: determine the color and hiding power of latex paint, common titanium dioxide, iron oxide pigments.

Fillers: such as calcium carbonate, talc powder, etc., mainly used to increase the volume of latex paint and improve its performance.

Additives: including dispersant, defoamer, thickener, etc., used to improve the construction performance and storage stability of latex paint.

Water-based paint

Definition: Water-based paint is a coating with water as a diluent, and its composition is similar to latex paint, but the formulation pays more attention to environmental protection and low volatile organic compound (VOC) control.

Main ingredients:

Water-based resin: It is a film-forming substance of water-based paint, common water-based acrylic resin, water-based polyurethane resin and so on.

Pigments and fillers: similar to latex paint, but the choice may be more environmentally friendly materials.

Water-based additives: also includes dispersant, defoamer, etc., but because water is the diluent, the type and dosage of additives may be different.

2, environmental performance competition

Environmental performance of latex paint

Compared with traditional oil-based paint, latex paint has made significant progress in environmental protection. It reduces the use of organic solvents and reduces VOC emissions.However, not all latex paints can meet the standard of zero VOC, and some poor quality products may still contain a certain amount of harmful substances.For example, some low-cost latex paints may use poor quality raw materials in the production process, resulting in excessive VOC content and affecting indoor air quality.

Environmental advantages of water-based paint

Water-based paint uses water as a diluent, fundamentally reducing the use of organic solvents, VOC content is very low, and even zero VOC can be achieved.This makes the water-based paint almost free of harmful gases during construction and use, which is friendly to human health and the environment.Many waterborne paints have also passed strict environmental certification, such as China environmental label product certification, the EU environmental standards and so on.

water-based paint

3. Detailed comparison of physical properties

Scrubbing resistance

Latex paint usually has good scrubbing resistance and can withstand a certain number of scrubs without damaging the surface coating. High-quality latex paint can resist stains and light friction in daily life to keep the wall clean.However, in the case of long-term frequent scrubbing, there may be fading or wear. For example, on the wall of the children’s room, if the child often doodles, it is necessary to choose a latex paint with stronger scrubbing resistance.

Covering power

The covering power of latex paint is strong, and it can effectively cover the defects and background color of the wall. In general, the hiding power of white latex paint is relatively good, and color latex paint may need to be brushed several times to achieve the ideal hiding effect. For cracks, stains or darker colors on the wall, choosing latex paint with strong hiding power can save construction time and cost.

Hardness and wear resistance

Water-based paints are relatively weak in terms of hardness and wear resistance, and may not be as able to withstand the collision and friction of heavier objects as latex paints. However, for some places that do not need to withstand high intensity wear, such as bedrooms, living rooms, etc., the performance of water-based paint is enough to meet the needs. If it is in a public place or frequently used area, such as corridors, stairwells, etc., latex paint may be more suitable.

Pliability

Water-based paints are excellent in terms of flexibility and can adapt to small deformation of the base without cracking. Especially in the case of large temperature difference or the base is prone to shrinkage and expansion, the advantages of water-based paint are more obvious. For example, in the northern regions, the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor is large in winter, and the use of water-based paint can effectively avoid wall cracking.

Adhesive force

Latex paint and water-based paint have good performance in terms of adhesion, but the specific effect will be affected by the basic treatment and construction technology. Ensure that the wall base is smooth, dry and clean, which can improve the adhesion of the coating and extend the service life.

4, the difference in drying time

Latex paint

The drying time of latex paint is relatively short, generally the surface can be dried within 1-2 hours, and the complete drying time is usually about 24 hours. This enables the construction progress to be promoted quickly and reduces the construction period. However, it should be noted that the drying time will also be affected by the ambient temperature, humidity and ventilation.

Water-based paint

The drying time of water-based paint is relatively long, the surface drying time usually takes 2-4 hours, and the complete drying time may take more than 48 hours. In environments with high humidity, the drying time may be further extended. Therefore, in the construction of water-based paint, it is necessary to reserve enough drying time to avoid premature subsequent operations resulting in coating damage.

5. Consideration of price factors

Latex paint

The price of latex paint is relatively close to the people, and there are a variety of products of different grades and prices on the market to choose from. Generally speaking, the price of domestic latex paint is more affordable, while the price of imported brands or high-end products will be relatively high. The price range is roughly tens to hundreds of yuan per liter.

Water-based paint

Due to its more advanced technology and environmental performance, the price of water-based paint is often higher. In particular, some well-known brands of water-based paint, the price may be twice or even higher than ordinary latex paint. However, its combined performance and environmental advantages may, in some cases, make long-term costs lower.

6, the choice of application scenarios

Latex paint

Widely used in home, office, shopping malls and other indoor space wall decoration. For large-area wall painting, the construction efficiency and cost advantages of latex paint are more obvious. For example, the living room, bedroom, dining room and other walls of ordinary homes usually choose latex paint for painting.

Water-based paint

In addition to indoor walls, water-based paint is often used to paint furniture, wood, metal and other surfaces. In places with high environmental protection requirements, such as kindergartens, hospitals, nursing homes, etc., water-based paint is also the first choice. For example, the surface coating of children’s furniture, the use of water-based paint can ensure the safety of children’s contact.

7, construction technology and precautions

Latex paint construction

Basic treatment: Ensure that the wall is smooth, dry, free of oil and dust, if there are cracks or holes need to be repaired.

Dilution: According to the product instructions, dilute the latex paint appropriately, generally not more than 20%.

Coating method: roller coating, brush coating or spraying can be used, according to different construction requirements and effects.

Brushing times: Generally need to brush 2-3 times, each time between a certain interval.

Water-based paint construction

Base treatment: Requirements are similar to latex paint, but need to be more stringent to ensure the flatness and cleanliness of the base.

Dilution: The dilution ratio of water-based paint is usually small, generally not more than 10%.

Coating method: Roller coating, brush coating or spraying can also be used, but due to the longer drying time of water-based paint, it is necessary to pay attention to control the humidity and temperature of the construction environment.

The number of brushes: it usually takes 2-3 times, and the interval between each pass should be extended appropriately according to the actual situation.

8. Summary and Suggestions

In summary, latex paint and water-based paint have their own characteristics and advantages. When choosing, it should be considered according to the specific needs, budget and construction environment.

If you pay attention to cost performance, construction efficiency and better physical properties, latex paint may be your first choice; If you have high environmental protection requirements, the construction environment is more special or the surface that needs to be painted is more complex, water-based paint can better meet your needs.

No matter what kind of coating you choose, make sure to buy regular brand products, and operate in strict accordance with the construction requirements, so as to ensure the final decoration effect and quality.

The company hopes that through the detailed introduction of this article, you can help you make a wise choice between latex paint and water-based paint, and add a beauty and peace of mind to your home decoration.

 

Media Contact
Company Name: Sichuan Jinhui Paint Co., Ltd.
Email: Send Email
Country: China
Website: https://www.jinhuicoating.com/