Acrylic paint is the eco-friendly option, but it’s not as durable as enamel. It’s available in a wide range of colours and shades, it dries quickly, which may result in not so smooth surface with brush marks, and it’s perfect for outdoor projects.
Finding the Right Temperature to Paint Outside
As most people know, painting in the winter and cooler months is a big no-no. Once the temperature gets too low, we have to put off our outdoor painting projects until the next spring or summer. So now, as we enjoy the warm weather of summer, a question is raised. Can it also get too hot for exterior painting? In other words, what is the right temperature to paint outside?
Timing is Everything
Here is what our experts at Hirshfield’s suggest for the best time to take on an exterior paint job.
- An overall general rule of thumb is that oil-based paint can be applied when the temperatures are between 40°- 90° F and latex paint is best applied between 50°- 85° F. However, latex paints are best for most exteriors (we recommend 100% acrylic).
- Ideally, choose a day to paint your exterior with temperatures ranging from 60° to around 85°F with little to no wind. Too much wind can cause the paint to dry too quickly.
- 40% to 70% humidity is the perfect range to ensure that the paint dries properly.
- If the temperatures are too high or too low, your paint may not bind together correctly which can lead to unwelcome cracking and peeling. Latex paint can also be difficult to apply at high temperatures because sometimes the heat will cause it to dry out too soon.
- In the hot and humid summer months, it is suggested that painters begin painting on the shady side of a house and working around the home to avoid the glare of the sun. This is an added bonus because it also keeps painters out of the blazing heat!
The summer months are truly ideal when considering home renovations, but often procrastination can set in and the summer will be over before renovators have even stepped a foot inside of a Hirshfield’s store. If that’s the case, make sure to finish all exterior painting before the bitter cold sets in and it’s too late.
Concerns for Cool Weather
Hirshfield’s Paint Manufacturing has a complete line of premium 100% acrylic latex paints and primers that have been specially formulated to be used in temperatures as low as 35°F. But take note that in order for the paint to properly dry and cure, the air and surface temperatures should not drop below 35° for 36 hours after application. However, to stay on the safe side and avoid any unwanted speed bumps, Hirshfield’s expert Mark Masica suggests painting in no less than 50°F weather. Masica also recommends painting from 10a.m.-3p.m. to achieve maximum results.
Keep in mind that lower temperatures mean slower drying and longer curing times, which means be patient. Allow ample time between coats, generally 24-hours. That tip is especially critical when you’re painting with darker colors, which have more colorant, or when applying a latex paint over an alkyd primer.
What is enamel paint?
Enamel paint is a type of paint with an opaque and glossy finish. It’s strong, long-lasting and it’s usually used for painting indoors or on metal surfaces. Enamel paint is oil-based, but recently water-based enamel became available as well.
Oil-based enamel paint
Oil-based enamel can take from 8-24 hours to fully dry, and it starts drying from the inside to the outside. It has a strong odour and can be cleaned with paint thinners. When using this type of paint indoors, make sure the area is properly ventilated because it emits poisonous fumes.
Water-based enamel paint
Water-based enamel dries faster than an oil-based one. It takes less than 8 hours to dry out completely. It dries first on the inside, and even if it feels dry to touch, it’s hard to define whether it’s fully dry. It’s also easier to clean and remove because it can be washed with water.
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 acrylic paint?
Unlike enamel paint, acrylic paint is an entirely water-based and non-toxic type of paint. It dries quickly and is very opaque. This means you can paint over it as much as you want, and you can easily correct mistakes.
When it dries, it has a matte finish. If you want a gloss effect, you can varnish it. It’s long-lasting, does not break, fade or crack. It can be used indoors and outdoors for furniture, interior walls or painted ceilings.
Acrylic paint, also called latex paint, never dries completely, and that’s the reason why it can swell affected by moisture. Use acrylic paint on surfaces where air circulates freely.
Read further: All You Need to Know About Gloss Paint
What is the difference between enamel and acrylic paint?
The main difference between enamel and acrylic paint is that enamel paint is mainly oil-based, and acrylic paint is water-based.
- Enamel paint tends to turn yellow over time in indoor areas where there is not enough sunlight. Acrylic paint doesn’t turn yellow over time.
- Acrylic paint dries faster than enamel. It takes 2-3 hours for the paint to dry completely. On the other hand, enamel can take from 6 to 24 hours to dry completely.
- Acrylic paint has a matte finish look and enamel paint have a glossy look.
- Enamel is restricted when it comes to colour variation. They are very few main colours available. Acrylic paint can be found in almost every shade and hew. Enamel can last longer and it’s more resistant to cracks and does not fade, unlike acrylic paint.
- Enamel is not the best choice for outdoors because it’s less flexible than the acrylic and becomes harder which can lead to cracking. If you want to paint something outdoors it’s best if you use acrylic paint.
- Enamel paint requires a paint thinner to be cleaned. Acrylic paint can be cleaned with only water and soap, which makes it easier to clean and more environment-friendly option.
- Acrylic paint doesn’t have a smooth surface after application. Brush marks can be seen and it can easily get dirty around high-traffic areas, such as handles, drawers and door frames. But unfortunately, they are not used that often because they’re not as durable as oil-based and the surface tends to be left on brush marks after drying.
- The major disadvantage of enamel oil-based paint is the fact that there is a high content of VOC materials – carbon-based chemicals that are a concern for the environment and personal health. According to the new LEED guidelines for paint, toxic chemicals must be under 150 grams/ litre for flat finishes. Most of the oil-based enamel paint contains more than 300 grams/litre. Acrylic enamels have less VOCs consistency. Acrylic paint is non-toxic. It contains less amount of carbon-based chemicals (VOCs) – under 50 grams/litre which makes it the more eco-friendly choice for your home.
