Latex paint is a material that quickly became popular. Nowadays, everyone can choose the appropriate color for interior design, painting facades and other surfaces, both inside and outside the house/apartment, from a wide range. What is latex paint?
Latex is the sap of rubber plants. Using it as a raw material is very expensive. To reduce the cost, manufacturers actively use synthetic polymers. In fact, any latex paint that the consumer can see, if it is in the form of a liquid water dispersion, is made using non-natural ingredients. Polymers do not dissolve in water, and the latter prevents the connection of these particles. If you paint the surface, the water will evaporate, and the polymer particles will stick together, creating a continuous film. The level of paint adhesion is very high.
The characteristics of the composition vary, because they fully depend on the qualities inherent in the polymer that was used in the production process:
- reaction to temperature changes;
- resistance to mechanical/physical impact;
- reaction, exposure to ultraviolet light, etc.
The color of the material is responsible for the color, which is produced in a paste-like form. To get the desired color, it is enough to add a substance of the required shade.
Many people believe that latex is a relatively new material, but if you search for information, you can understand: it was used even in ancient Egypt. Time passed, and the paint began to be used in painting, to create icons with its help. In the 19th century, latex was bought for construction.
Advantages and disadvantages of latex paint
In addition to the price, every potential buyer is interested in the quality of the product. What can be said about latex paint? It is universal and easily applied to the surface, forming an even coating. The composition can be diluted if it is indicated on the package. It is very easy to remove from brushes and other tools, just use soap and water.
The environmentally friendly product is great for painting walls, including decorating children’s rooms. The coating is easy to clean and does not require frequent maintenance. It is quite strong.
Latex paint does not belong to materials harmful to health. Its composition contains very few toxic components, which is especially noticeable in comparison with oil. It is not prone to ignition and pleases consumers with its rapid polymerization.
It will take about 5 hours for the coating to harden. The duration of the process depends on the ambient temperature. The formed layer is shiny and resistant to sunlight. Low consumption of material, excellent coverage, absence of unpleasant odor, high vapor permeability are its equally important qualities.
If we talk about the disadvantages, then first of all it should be noted the fact that latex paint is not at all suitable for finishing metal surfaces, however, it can be used provided they are primed. A fairly soft coating does not tolerate frequent and sharp temperature fluctuations very well. It is not endowed with mechanical stability and is guaranteed to deteriorate if the contractor does not withstand the time required for the complete drying of the layer specified by the manufacturer.
How to work with latex compounds
Latex paint often has a thick consistency. It cannot be used without prior dilution. To do this, the composition is well stirred, lifting all the clots that have arisen as a result of long-term storage. Then water is added to the paint in small portions, without stopping stirring, until it reaches the desired consistency.
The water can be ordinary drinking water or purified. Technical is categorically not suitable, because it contains many impurities. The high content of metals is visible to the eye, they appear on the painted surface and are not removed at all, regardless of any effort.
After the composition reaches the desired consistency, it is allowed to infuse for several minutes. Then they mix again and add colors to get the desired shade. You should prepare the paint with a reserve, because if the material turns out to be insufficient, it is unlikely to be possible to prepare it with the same shade.
Before painting, the surface must be prepared – clean of the existing finish and eliminate defects. If you plan to paint the walls, they must be primed and puttyed. An additional primer will protect against fungus and mold. When it dries completely, you can apply latex paint. The minimum drying time is half an hour, but sometimes it can take about a day. The second layer should be applied only after the first one has hardened and only if necessary.
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