Waterborne acrylic paint is one of several varieties of paint materials produced on the basis of the dispersion of solid polymer particles in water.
The compound occupies a relatively high price segment among other water-based paint solutions, but it is trendy among consumers. Such popularity is due to the versatility and excellent technical characteristics of waterborne paints, their decorative qualities, and ease of use.
Water-dispersion acrylic paint сomposition
The high environmental friendliness of the material is determined by the absence of organic solvents in its composition; the product is diluted only with water.
The solution also contains dyeing agents (pigments), binding components (which guarantee the durability of the coating), and fillers (usually talc, chalk, or marble flour).
Sometimes flame retardants (substances that prevent the combustion process), siccatives (contribute to the rapid drying of the composition), and other elements that improve the coating quality are added during production.
Advantages of acrylic water dispersions
Water dispersion paints are very widely used in finishing works. These modern compositions have managed to surpass in many respects their numerous competitors in the market of construction materials.
- Water-based acrylic dispersions are odorless. Only water evaporates when the fresh coating dries, so there is no need to leave the living space for the duration of the repair.
- The composition dries very quickly (from 30 minutes to 2 hours), so you can update the walls in a room in just one day, after applying and drying the required number of layers of dye.
- The material has a good hiding power (200 to 400 ml per 1 sq. km. m), and Consumption is low.
- After the evaporation of water and the formation of a hard protective film, the coating acquires high resistance to moisture.
- The paint is suitable for finishing bathrooms and kitchens; the finished surfaces become washable.
- Water-dispersion paint does not interfere with the natural air circulation, it is absolutely vapor-permeable, which allows walls and ceilings to “breathe”; this property prevents mold in the premises.
- No reaction to ultraviolet light ensures the long-term brightness of the color.
- The material is resistant to temperature fluctuations and fireproof.
- It is easy and pleasant to work with acrylic water-dispersion paints, no special professional skills or expensive tools are required.
- The compounds have good adhesive properties and adhere to almost any surface: concrete, brick, wood, plaster, drywall and even primed metal.
- Acrylic water-dispersion paint is suitable for both facade and interior work.
- The coating is resistant to abrasion; the product life of the best manufacturers reaches 25 years.
Disadvantages of acrylic water dispersions
Water-dispersion paint can not be stored at sub-zero temperatures; under such conditions, the composition loses its properties, and the coating can delaminate. There are also several factors that sometimes cause difficulties when performing facade finishing work.
It is not recommended to paint exterior surfaces under the following weather conditions:
- Temperatures below +5 °C / 41 °F will not allow the protective film to form and will lead to cracks in the coating;
- The scorching sun (direct rays) prevents an even distribution of the composition on the surface; the solution dries too quickly, there are streaks, stains and irregularities;
- The slightest precipitation will spoil a freshly painted wall; even a potentially washable paint should dry for at least one day, then the coating will be resistant;
- Acrylic dispersion does not form a film at relative humidity above 80%; water simply does not evaporate;
- Gusty wind contributes to the uneven drying of the applied composition, as a result of which there are various visual defects.
How to choose a good quality material?
In addition to the usual recommendations, such as checking the certificate or the choice of well-known brands, you can use another tip: you should not buy colored acrylic water-dispersion paint.
One of the main indicators of a high-quality composition is its initial whiteness; the whiter the solution, the more likely it is to have a reliable and durable coating. During production, often the color is added in order to hide the deficiency, so the desired shade is better to create yourself.
In any case, the material will have to be diluted with water and mixed thoroughly (it is sold in a paste form), tinting can be added to this process.
Working with paint
Painting a wall with water-based acrylic dispersion yourself is not difficult, but to get a flawless result, it is important to properly prepare the surface for finishing. The degree of the labor intensity of this task always depends on the initial state of the walls or ceilings.
Preparing
You need to wash and scrub all contaminants.
If there is an old coating and its condition leaves much to be desired (cracks, bubbles, peeling layer), all this must be removed with a spatula or scraper. In very difficult cases (oil-based paint on concrete) a construction hair dryer, a drill with a drill bit or a wire brush can be used, you can also buy a special tool to remove the old paint (flush). We also recommend that you read more about whether acrylic paint can be applied over oil paint.
Existing flaws (cracks, chips, potholes) must be filled with putty, wait until it dries, and wipe away the roughness with sandpaper with a fine grain.
The surface should be completely cleaned from dust and covered with a layer of primer. It is good, if it will be present antiseptic, as it will create additional protection against mold and other harmful microorganisms.
Painting
To work with water-dispersion paint, a sprayer is often used. With this tool, you can significantly speed up the process, but it is quite realistic to do without a set of the simplest devices:
- paintbrushes and roller,
- tray,
- masking tape.
Paper tape is used to protect surfaces not to be painted or to indicate the boundaries between areas painted in different shades.
The material is first applied with a brush to hard-to-reach places: corners, joints, etc. To begin working with the roller, its coat should be properly soaked in the coloring agent, and then remove the excess by rolling on the special ribbed surface of the tray.
The wall is painted by rolling the roller up and down and right and left alternately, thus applying the most even and the high-quality first layer. When it dries out, the same principle should be used for the second time, but now it will go faster, and paint consumption is reduced by almost a third.
Two coats are usually enough to get an even and saturated tone, but if desired you can put a third. It is also possible to diversify the decor with the help of texture rollers, stencils, and other devices.
Acrylic water-dispersion paint is a very convenient material for implementing creative ideas to improve the interior and renovate facades.
