Water-Based vs. Oil-Bases Enamel Paint Comparison Table
| Water-Based Enamel Paint | Oil-Based Enamel Paint |
| Available in most colors | Fewer color options |
| Gloss and semi-gloss finishes | Wide range of gloss finishes |
| Does not leave a good gloss finish | Provides a superb gloss finish |
| Not suitable for doors as well as window ... | Can be used on doors as well as window f ... |
What is enamel paint and when should you use it?
“Oftentimes, people use the term when referring to a paint with a sheen —usually satin, semi-gloss, or gloss—though technically, all paints are enamels,” the product marketing manager notes. "By definition, 'enamel' is an opaque or semitransparent glassy substance applied to metallic or other hard surfaces for ornament or as a protective coating.
What are the ingredients used to make enamel paint?
- Strong, pungent odor
- Can be difficult to mix thoroughly
- Requires solvents for thinning and cleaning
What is a good brand of enamel paint?
- Greenguard Gold certification
- Paint and primer in one
- Can be applied in temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit
What is enamel paint and how is it made?
- Smooth finish – enamel has a smooth finish that rarely has any bumps or marks. ...
- Scratch-resistant – enamel is scratch-resistant. ...
- Permanent gloss – enamel leaves items with a glossy finish that doesn’t tend to fade. ...
- Permanent vibrancy – along with the glossiness that just won’t fade, the colors in enamel tend to be permanent. ...
When should you use enamel paint?
Enamel paint can be used on copper, metal surfaces, glass, wood, plastic, and even walls. The paint is resistant to moisture, and it's perfect for surfaces that need to be washed multiple times.
What is the purpose of enamel paint?
What is the purpose of enamel painting? While in some cases it is used to give a smooth and glossy finish to metallic materials, in most cases enamel paint is used as a protective layering. It is a great way to protect outdoor furniture and extensions from rust and decay.
Are enamel paints waterproof?
Is Enamel Paint Waterproof? An oil-based or lacquer-based enamel paint is waterproof. They're ideal for wooden surfaces and exterior projects because they resist water and rot. Recently, water-based enamel paints called acrylic enamels have come out that are not waterproof.
Is enamel paint better than regular paint?
While both types of paint can be quite durable under appropriate conditions, enamel paint is overall the more durable of the two. Designed to dry harder than latex paints, which can still be somewhat flexible when dry, enamel paint is more suitable for withstanding the fluctuating climates and temperatures outdoors.
Can I use enamel paint on wood?
Using enamel paint on wood allows the surface to last longer, and is ideal for high-traffic areas like stairways, wooden patios and porches. It also works well on furniture, and creates an easy-to-clean surface for tables and chairs.
Can you paint metal with enamel paint?
Most paints are made for fibrous and porous materials, and metal often needs a little extra consideration when it comes to painting. Enamel paint is one viable option for painting metal of all kinds.
Does enamel paint need primer?
It is recommended to use a layer of primer before applying the enamel paint, especially on interior surfaces, furniture, cabinets and molding. Look for approved primers to be used on the type of surface you are going to paint. Some brands of enamel paint are even formulated with built-in primers that improve adhesion.
Is enamel good for cement?
Concrete Statues Though you can use acrylic enamel on both interior and exterior statues, epoxy is only suited for interior statues. Don't apply epoxy paint to exterior concrete statures, or sunlight will cause the finish to fade.
Can I use enamel paint on concrete?
For concrete surfaces such as porches, patios and laundry areas, floor enamel is especially formulated to withstand regular stress and pressure. High temperature enamel can hold out on hot surfaces such as those exposed to the engines, brakes and exhaust of a car.
What is the difference between paint and enamel paint?
The difference between paint and enamel is same as that between a car and a Ford as enamel is a type of paint. Paint is mostly acrylic, water based or oil based. It is the oil based paints that have traditionally been referred to as enamel though today one can get water based or even latex based enamels in the market.
Which is stronger enamel paint or acrylic?
The biggest difference between acrylics and enamel paints is that these are chemical and oil-based paints. This makes enamel much tougher and longer-lasting when compared to using acryl options. Enamel paints can also be used on many surfaces such as plastic, metal, glass and wood.
How long does enamel paint last?
Does Paint Go Bad?Type of PaintAverage LifespanType of PaintAverage LifespanLatex paint2 - 10 yearsAcrylic paint2 - 15 yearsChalk paint1 - 5 years2 more rows•Apr 20, 2022
What is the difference between paint and enamel?
Enamel paint has a glossy look while acrylic paint has more of a matte paint finish to it. Enamel paint is mostly used for painting the exterior walls of the house while acrylic paint is used to paint the interior of the house. Enamel paint finish takes a comparatively longer period to dry than acrylic paint.
Can I paint over enamel paint?
Contrary to popular belief, you can apply latex paint over enamel. But you must do the required preparation work first to avoid peeling paint in the furture. Clean, dull, dry and prime the enamel surface before you paint. These steps are crucial when you convert from an oil-based enamel to a latex paint.
Do I need primer for enamel paint?
It is recommended to use a layer of primer before applying the enamel paint, especially on interior surfaces, furniture, cabinets and molding. Look for approved primers to be used on the type of surface you are going to paint. Some brands of enamel paint are even formulated with built-in primers that improve adhesion.
What's the difference between enamel and latex paint?
The main difference between enamel paint and latex paint is the difference in paint bases. Enamel paint is oil-based, whereas latex paint is water-based. Enamel paints, also sometimes referred to as hard-surface paints, dry slow but hard, making them perfect for hard surfaces.
What Is Enamel Paint Used For?
Many people use enamel paint incorrectly and end up with very poor results. Enamel paints are either water or oil-based and give you a durable hard...
What Is Acrylic Enamel Paint?
Is enamel paint water-based? The main factor when dealing with these paints is the solvent found in the makeup of the paint. Enamel paints are oil-...
What Is Enamel Spray Paint?
Enamel spray paint is a paint that dries fast to a durable, glossy finish, usually used on outdoor metal objects or indoor furnishings. It is the s...
When Is Enamel Paint Not a Good Idea?
Although enamel paint is very versatile and can be used on many surfaces and for many reasons, there are at times some places where you should not...
Can You Paint Over Enamel Paint?
Remember, whenever you are going to paint over a surface that has already been painted, you must prepare the surface well beforehand. This can be d...
What Is Enamel Paint?
The history of painting itself goes back many centuries, for even in the Stone Age, paint was part of cave paintings. Then, in the 19 th century, the paint began to play a more active role in society and paint factories began to pop up all over the world.
Recommended Enamel Paints
When out shopping for paints, it can seem overwhelming as you have so many choices available. In most hardware stores, those that work there are knowledgeable about paints. So, if you do get stuck, simply ask for help. Below are our two recommended paints for both water-based and oil-based enamel paints.
What Surface Is Best for Applying Enamel Paint?
What is enamel paint used for? At home, there are lots of surfaces you can apply enamel paint to. You can also use various forms of application from using a brush, roll-on paintbrush, or spray. This should provide you with a glossy, durable, and solid surface. Here are a few examples of some more popular surfaces in and around your home.
How to Paint With Enamel Paint
In this article, we have already considered what enamel paint is some of the differences between the enamel paint as well as the acrylic paint, and what surfaces you can apply it to. Let us now move on to the painting process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people use enamel paint incorrectly and end up with very poor results. Enamel paints are either water or oil-based and give you a durable hard opaque finish, and they are mainly used on metal surfaces or the interior of your home.
Details: What is Enamel Paint Used For?
Enamel paint can be used to coat new surfaces, which have never been painted previously. These include:
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Enamel Paint?
Enamel paint is more common in most indoor and outdoor application due to some of the following advantages:
How to Remove Enamel Paint
Enamel paint removal may be challenging, especially when the wrong paint removal process is undertaken. The following are some of the best enamel paint removal methods:
Conclusion
Having read this article on what is enamel paint used for, I believe that you can carry out your DIY projects as well as other paint application/restoration processes using enamel paint without any problem.
Step One: Wash the Surface
It’s extremely important to first clean the surface to remove any dust and debris that could get trapped underneath. “High gloss paints can tend to highlight imperfections on a surface, so it’s important to properly prepare the surface before painting to ensure a quality paint job," Sinclair says.
Step Two: Prime the Surface
Once the surface is fully dry, carefully apply primer. This step is crucial for materials that are susceptible to warping, such as wood since it will prevent chips in the paint. If you’re treating an outside surface, be sure to use a primer that’s designed for the outdoors.
Step Three: Mix the Paint
Stir the enamel paint with a stick long enough to reach the bottom of the can to ensure all of its components are evenly distributed.
Step Four: Apply the Paint
Once the primer has dried, it’s time to apply the enamel. Using a high-quality paintbrush with the paint is key since a cheap brush can create unsightly streaks and marks in the finish.
Why do people use enamel paint?
Many individuals who make model cars or airplanes, use enamel paint as a way to give their project a vivid color, with a shiny finish. Enamel paint is oil-based and when it hardens it possesses a glass-like quality.
What is enamel paint?
Enamel paint is widely thought of as having similar qualities to fingernail polish. It is hard, glossy, and generally used for small projects. The purpose of enamel is to touch up small projects around your home. Many individuals who make model cars or airplanes, use enamel paint as a way to give their project a vivid color, with a shiny finish.
What is the best paint for a porch?
If you have a porch or floor that is in need of a touchup, enamel paint is the perfect option. Floor enamel can not only be used on floors but on concrete and window trim as well. If you have concrete in your basement or garage, putting a few layers of enamel will act as a protective layer from dirt and scuffs. If you have a porch, adding a few layers of enamel will also act as a protectant. It will keep you from having to repaint your porch for years to come.
What type of paint is used for home improvement?
When it comes to finding paint for your home there are a plethora of choices you have. Enamel paint, for example, is the perfect paint for home improvement projects and surface touch-ups.
Why was paint so popular in the late 1800s?
The paint was widely manufactured to make it more readily accessible. Because the paint of that era was so heavy, it was hard and expensive to transport.
Why did cars need paint in the 1900s?
In the early 1900s, as cars became more accessible to the general population , the need for paint was on the rise. Early models of vehicles like the famous Model T Ford needed loads of paint to give the car color. The paint was used as a way to beautify the car and protect it from outside wear and tear.
Can enamel paint cause fumes?
Most of us are sensitive to paint fumes. However, if you have respiratory issues or other factors that could cause paint fumes to be harmful to you, don’t use enamel. Enamel is an oil-based paint, after all, meaning it has more toxicities.
What is enamel paint?
It’s a type of paint that is strong, long-lasting, and usually has a glossy or polished look. Enamel paint air dries to a hard, washable, glass-like finish. Once fully dry, most coatings are durable enough to withstand high levels of use, fluctuating temperatures, moisture, and abrasions.
When to use enamel paint
Enamel paints are typically applied indoors. The signature glossy finish that they provide is a mainstay in many interior decoration strategies. That being said, they can also be applied on some outdoor surfaces, such as wooden decks and porches.
What to expect with enamel paint from UCI Paints
At UCI Paints, we are a premier manufacturer of top-quality enamel paints. With over 50 years of experience, we have perfected our formulas to specifically withstand Florida’s climate conditions and maintain their appeal for years to come. Here’s what you can expect when you buy any of our enamel paint selections:
Call us now to set an appointment
Give us a call now at 954-581-6060 or send us a message through our contact form to discuss your painting project. If you live in South Florida, you can visit our office at 1320 NW 23rd Ave