Latex paint for walls: properties, application technology

Starting up repairs in their own home, the owners try to think through every detail of the upcoming works and pick up relevant materials. For interior surfaces can be applied wallpaper, tiles, stone, but most often recently used paint for walls. Latex products, due to a number of positive qualities, stand out against the background of other coloring compounds, gaining more and more liking from the consumer. For this reason, in today's article we will pay attention to latex paints, we will analyze their types, properties and technology of application.

What is latex paint?

Latex formulations are water-dispersion paints, with the addition of polymer components, which give them special qualities. A successful combination of latex and acrylic allowed to improve the performance characteristics of coloring compounds and significantly expand the scope of their application. Coatings on this basis are made for both exterior and interior works. Information on their use is usually indicated on the package.

Paint for walls (latex) is produced exclusively in white, so to achieve the desired shade, you need to add a tinting pigment. The obtained composition can be painted absolutely all types of surfaces: brick, concrete, covered with wallpaper or plaster.

Features of coatings based on latex

Latex products have gained popularity due to a number of positive features. Namely:

• absence of sharp odors;

• ecological compatibility;

• the ability to pass air through;

• excellent thermal insulation characteristics;

• resistance to temperature changes;

• fire safety;

• possibility of dilution with water;

• quickness of drying;

• resistance to moisture;

• durability and resistance to erasure.

However, in addition to the positive characteristics, it is worth mentioning several drawbacks that this wall paint has. Latex dispersion can not be tinted in saturated and bright tones, and is also an excellent medium for the development of bacteria and fungi. In order to prevent the appearance of mold, it is necessary to treat the surface with a primer before coating.

Scope of application

Coloring compositions on a latex basis can be called universal. They perfectly fit as previously painted, and on clean surfaces. The scope of their application depends on the composition and function of the dispersion. So, for external works, acrylic-silicone coatings containing an antifungal agent are used. This kind is characterized by increased wear resistance, does not burn out under the influence of sunlight and is not afraid of moisture.

Latex paint for interior works has 3 varieties: polyvinyl acetate, butadiene-styrene and acrylic compounds. Next, consider the features and purpose of each species in more detail.

Polyvinyl acetate

People are accustomed to calling them water-based paints. The basis of this substance is the usual PVA glue. In the water-dispersion coatings there are no solvents, so they have practically no odor. Water dispersions are characterized by excellent adhesion to the surface and ease of operation. Until the moment of complete hardening, the paint is easily washed off from the hands and the working tool. The positive features include the low cost of aquatic products, but it can not be used everywhere.

Practice shows that even after complete drying, the paint has a chalk effect. If you apply clothing to a painted surface, it will turn white. It should also be noted that this coating is prone to rinsing, so painting them with a facade or walls in the bathroom is strongly discouraged.

Most often this kind is used for finishing ceilings in heated rooms.

Butadiene-styrene

Butadiene-styrene compounds are produced all on the same water basis, but unlike the previous species, they have increased moisture and wear resistance. This allows them to be used on almost all surfaces located inside the premises. The main disadvantage of latex emulsions of this type is that under the influence of ultraviolet rays they lose their brightness and color saturation. Nevertheless, this property does not interfere with their use in interior decoration. Optimal for such a paint for the kitchen, hallway, pantry, dressing room and other dark rooms.

Acrylic

Acrylic latex paint for interior works is considered the most high-quality product of all of the above options. It is used in cases where it is necessary to create a durable, durable and pollution-resistant coating. Surfaces painted with similar compositions become less vapor permeable and more protected from corrosion. Typically, acrylic paint is applied in two layers, while the resulting coating is characterized by elasticity and the ability to hide small cracks in the wall. With this coating, you can safely trim the walls in the bathroom and kitchen, as it is able to withstand about 5000 washing cycles.

Choice of coloring composition

When choosing a coloring agent, it is necessary to pay attention not only to color, but also to such important parameters as: wear resistance, glossiness, moisture resistance and spreading power. Any latex composition has one of six possible degrees of gloss, which is indicated on the bank:

• indicator 11-25, or "PM" means that the paint is semi-matt;

• the value of 30-59, or "PG" - refers to the semi-gloss composition;

• marking 6-10, or "M" - indicates that the composition is completely dull;

• the indicator is 60-89, or "G" - glossy;

• 90-100, or "SG" - speaks about the absolute glossiness of the substance;

• 0-5, or "CM" - indicates that this is a perfectly matte latex paint.

The composition with the maximum gloss level allows you to create almost mirror-like surfaces, so use it should be extremely accurate. Matte coating is considered more versatile.

Wear resistance and resistance to moisture is no less important factor. If you are interested in paint for the kitchen, then you need to choose products with a maximum value of cycles of abrasion (more than 3000).

Thixotropy indicates how quickly the paint begins to dry after application, and the opacity indicator indicates an approximate expenditure of the agent when covering smooth surfaces.

When purchasing coloring compounds, do not forget to buy a paint roller. For latex products should choose a paint tool with a large pile.

Surface preparation

The technology of latex paint application includes preliminary surface preparation. It is executed in the following order:

• First of all, the walls must be cleaned of dust. This can be done by double wetting them with water.

• Remove the old plaster, whitewash or other coatings with a spatula.

• If desired, you can treat the walls with a reinforcing acrylic impregnation that will prevent cracking of the substrate.

• Then apply a deeply penetrating primer.

• If there are defects on the surface, they are removed with a putty and a wide spatula.

• Uneven places are smoothed and re-primed.

Dyeing technology

1. Before starting work, the wall paint (latex) is diluted with cold water.

2. To apply the first layer, use 1 liter of water for every 5-10 square meters of the wall. For all subsequent stains, much less liquid is needed. Determine the exact amount can be, having studied the recommendations of the manufacturer, indicated on the package.

3. For wall finishing, you can use a paint roller , a brush or an atomizer.

4. When painting in several layers, each new layer should be perpendicular to the previous one. The final painting should be carried out strictly in the direction of the window.

5. Roller roll out on a special paint chute or on a piece of cardboard.

6. The whole surface is recommended to be coated at the same time, otherwise unevenness may form on the joints of the paint.

In general, the technology of applying latex dispersions differs little from the process of staining with other compounds. However, to create a beautiful, silky and durable coating, completely retaining the original structure of the base, only latex paint can. The price of products attracts a large number of buyers, making it increasingly popular. Thus, the cost of waterproof compositions varies from 1500 to 2000 rubles per 5 liters. The options intended for dry rooms are much cheaper. At the same time, the coating obtained will last for many years without requiring repair.