You’re not alone if you’re wondering, “Is Acrylic paint water based?” Acrylic and latex paint are two common alternatives to oil-based paints. Both are made with water-based formulas that make clean-up easy and allow them to dry quickly.
So how do you choose between the two? In this guide, we’ll talk about how acrylic paint vs latex paint compare and when to use each. If you live in the Sacramento area and need a painter for exterior or interior painting, we’ll give you a free estimate!
Is Acrylic Paint Water Based?
Yes, acrylic paint is water-based. It uses water as a solvent, which makes it easy to clean up with water and soap when it’s still wet. Once it dries, however, acrylic paint becomes water-resistant and quite durable. Because it dries faster than oil-based paints, acrylic paint is popular for projects that need quick drying and minimal fumes.
What Is Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paint is made of pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. Because acrylic paint is water-based, it can be thinned or cleaned up with water. Once it dries, it becomes very durable.
Acrylic paint is versatile and can be used on many surfaces, including canvas, wood, paper, metal, fabric, and even glass. It has a high color vibrancy and excellent lightfastness, which means it resists fading over time.
Acrylic Paint vs Latex Paint
While both acrylic and latex paint are water-based, they are not one and the same. Here are some of their key differences:
- Composition:
- Acrylic: Made with acrylic resins, which are more flexible and durable.
- Latex: Made with a water-based binder like vinyl or acrylic.
- Application:
- Acrylic: Works well both indoors and outdoors.
- Latex: Primarily used indoors on walls and ceilings.
- Finish:
- Acrylic: Offers a vibrant, long-lasting finish.
- Latex: Provides a smooth, even coating but fades faster than acrylic in sun-exposed areas.
- Cost:
- Acrylic: It tends to be more expensive.
- Latex: More affordable.
- Ease of Use:
- Acrylic: Can be more challenging to work with since it dries quickly.
- Latex: Easy to apply.
What Is Latex Paint?
Latex paint is a water-based paint that’s affordable and easy to work with. Despite its name, it doesn’t actually contain latex (natural rubber); rather, it uses synthetic polymers like vinyl or acrylic as its binder. This makes latex paint easy to work with, quick to dry, and simple to clean up with water.
When to Use Acrylic Paint
Now that we’ve answered the question, “Is acrylic paint water based?” let’s talk about when to use it. Acrylic paint is very versatile and durable, which makes it a great choice in the following circumstances:
- Exterior surfaces: Acrylic is flexible and durable, which makes it a great choice for outdoor projects. It’s resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling under UV exposure, moisture, and temperature changes.
- High-traffic areas: Because it’s so durable, acrylic paint is a great choice for high-traffic areas. It stands up to scrubbing and cleaning better than many other paints.
- High-moisture areas: When dry, acrylic paint is water resistant, which makes it a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
- Metal surfaces: Acrylic paint adheres well to metal when properly primed, which makes it a good option for metal doors, fences, outdoor furniture, and aluminum siding.
When Not To Use Acrylic Paint
Although acrylic paint is durable and versatile, it’s not the best choice in the following scenarios:
- Smooth surfaces: Acrylic paint can be difficult to apply to very smooth surfaces without a primer. If you’re working with these materials, consider a specialty primer or a paint made for them.
- Historical restorations: If you’re working on a historical restoration, an oil-based paint will help you achieve a more accurate result.
- Uneven surfaces: Because acrylic paint tends to be extra glossy, it can highlight dents and other uneven portions of your wall or ceiling. If this is the case, you may want to choose a flat latex paint instead.
When to Use Latex Paint
Latex paint is popular for many projects because of its ease of use and affordability. Here are the best projects to use latex paint on:
- Interior walls and ceilings: Latex paint is great for most interior walls, ceilings, and low-traffic areas. It dries quickly and has a low odor, making it perfect for painting rooms without extended downtime.
- Low-humidity areas: Latex paint works well in areas with low to moderate humidity, like living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. It has some moisture resistance, but not as much as acrylic.
- Quick DIY projects: Latex paint’s easy clean-up and quick drying time make it a go-to for many DIY projects like accent walls, small rooms, and furniture.
When Not to Use Latex Paint
Although latex paint is a great option, it’s not always the best choice. Here are some scenarios when you should avoid latex paint:
- High-moisture environments: Latex paint doesn’t hold up as well as acrylic paint in high-humidity or high-moisture areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
- Floors: Latex paint is not durable enough for floors and will chip and wear underfoot. Opt instead for an oil-based, acrylic, or epoxy paint.
- Exteriors: While exterior latex paint is available, it doesn’t perform as well as other options in extreme climates.
Which Type of Paint Is Best to Use in California?
In California, both climate conditions and environmental regulations play a big role in choosing the best type of paint. The salty air and heavy UV exposure can be challenging for certain types of paint.
Acrylic paint works especially well for both interior and exterior painting in California because it can hold up to the UV rays, dries quickly, and keeps its vibrancy. It also resists cracking and peeling from temperature fluctuations. Plus, many acrylic paints are formulated with low or zero VOCs to meet California’s stringent air quality standards.
Conclusion
So is acrylic paint water based? Yes, and so is latex paint. But which one should you use? The answer depends on your specific project. While acrylic paint works well for most situations in California, latex paint can be a good, affordable option for interior projects.
If you’re looking to revamp your home with a new coat of paint, let DL Painting take on your project. We handle both commercial and residential painting services in Sacramento and the entire area including Roseville. Whether you need exterior painting, interior painting, or even your kitchen cabinets, you can count on us to transform your home. Contact us today for an estimate!
