Are you planning a painting project? Perhaps you’re a property manager who’s in charge of the next building painting project. Maybe your local HOA has decided to repaint areas around the community and has tasked you with overseeing the plan. In any case, it’s important to know what kind of paint you’ll be using for the job.
One of the most common kinds you’ll likely come across is enamel paint. Here’s what you need to know.
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.
Essentially, enamel paint is defined more by its admirable qualities than what it contains. Because of these qualities, it can be used on a wide array of surfaces, including metal, glass, wood, wall, and plastic.
Enamel paints are available at varying prices, though they usually cost a bit more compared to other formulas. The quality results they offer, especially in the hands of professional painters, make for a fair tradeoff.
There are two main types of enamel paint — oil-based and water-based. Before, only oil-based enamel paints were available. In recent times, however, some manufacturers have begun creating water-based enamel paints.
The main difference between them is the type of solvent present in the paint. Oil-based enamel paints contain alkyd, a durable resin. When used to paint indoor surfaces, it gives off a strong odor, so the painters have to wear masks. The room also needs to be properly ventilated during the drying process, which can take around 8 to 24 hours.
On the other hand, water-based enamel paint contains water, which evaporates as the paint dries. Because of this, it dries much quicker, sometimes less than 8 hours. Plus, it doesn’t give off any fumes when used.
If you’re going for enhanced durability and a glossier finish, oil-based enamel paint is the ideal choice. However, keep in mind that after its service life, it must be safely disposed of, as it can contain hazardous materials. Water-based enamel paint is a great choice if you want a paint that can accommodate material fluctuations and retain its original sheen for longer.
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.
Because enamel paint dries to a hard, rigid shell, it is most appropriate on surfaces that can benefit from its rigidity. These include door and window casings, floors, drywalls, baseboards, cabinets shelves, and metal items. They’re also good for painting kitchens and bathrooms thanks to their high moisture resistance.
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:
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
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 United States. We’ll happily walk you through our paint products so you can pick the ones that best suit your project needs.
