A Professional Interior Painters Guide To Choosing The Right Paint
When it comes to choosing interior paint, it can be difficult to know which type is best for your specific project. While all paint is meant to cover and protect surfaces, latex, acrylic and enamel paints each have their own unique characteristics that make them better suited for certain applications. In this article, we will explore the key differences between these three popular paint types and provide recommendations on when to use each for your home’s interiors.
Our experienced interior painters on the Mornington Peninsula are Dulux Accredited and have decades of experience in the application of a variety of paint types.
sExplaining the Differences Between Acrylic and Enamel Paints
Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paint is a water-based latex paint with additional acrylic polymers added to the binder. This makes it more hard-wearing and durable than standard latex paint. It provides excellent adhesion and coverage on surfaces like trim, doors, windows and furnishings that undergo more wear and tear. Acrylic paint dries faster than latex and enamel paints. Recommended acrylic options include:
- Dulux Aquanamel® – Has a smooth gloss, semi-gloss and low gloss finish that is non-yellowing and washable for frames and joinery.
- Dulux Wash&Wear® +PLUS Anti-Scuff – Resists scuffing better than standard latex on high-traffic areas.
Acrylic paint is very suitable for kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, furniture and trims around doors and windows that endure more abrasion from regular use and contact. Its harder finish also stands up well to wear and repeated cleaning.
Enamel Paints
Enamel or alkyd paint has an oil-based binder that gives it greater durability and hardness than latex or acrylic paints. However, it has higher VOCs and a stronger odour during application. Enamel paint dries more slowly than water-based paints but produces a very glossy, protective finish. Some enamel options include:
- Dulux Professional® High Gloss Enamel – Provides a mirror-like gloss ideal for trims, doors and furniture.
- Dulux Metalshield® Epoxy Enamel – Corrosion-resistant enamel for painting metal surfaces with no primer required.
- Dulux Super EnamelTM – Is an oil-based paint that is highly washable with a smooth and durable semi-gloss or gloss sheen.
Enamel paint holds up well for surfaces that will be frequently exposed to moisture like outdoor trims, floors, and doors that need frequent washing. Its glossy nature also makes it suitable for painting furniture pieces and other high-touch areas where a wipeable, scuff-resistant finish is desired.
With so many different paint types and colour options on the market, it can be hard to decide which paint type will best complement your home. Luckily, the professional interior painters at Let’s Paint Your Place are here to help! We can provide you with expert advice on what paint will work best for your home’s interior. Contact Let’s Paint Your Place today to discuss your specific project and get a free quote.
