What is enamel paint?

Commercial enamel paints have been used in artwork by many famous artists over the years. Pablo Picasso is one such artist who is known to have used a commercial paint by the name of “Ripolin” that is not even meant for use in artwork. Sidney Nolan is another artist who used enamel paints in his work. One such piece that he created using enamel paint is “The Trial” dating back to 1947. Hermann-Paul is yet another artist known to have use enamel paints in his work. Due to this preference of enamel paint by artists, some manufacturers have made available enamel paints that are distinctively for use in the art world.

Enamel paints are characterized by their hard, washable and glossy finish and are available with heat resistant properties. They are available in several types, including oil based or alkyd based, which have the features of slower drying times in addition to being harder than that of water based enamel paints. Oil based paints are recognized by their distinguishable solvent odor properties and are easily cleaned using paint thinner or mineral spirits. Additionally, quite a few manufacturers now add varnish to oil based paints. Water based paints, which are also referred to as latex or acrylic paints, are much easier to work with. They have the benefits of ease and simplicity of use, quicker drying times, easily cleaned using water alone and have a much weaker odor. Enamel paints are also available in urethane or polyurethane which are both offered in a water or solvent base.

Enamels are available in a wide spectrum of colors and a number of sheens, including eggshell, low luster, satin, flat finish, gloss, semi gloss and high gloss, among others. Specialty enamels, used for specialty type projects such as painting appliances, are also offered and frequently have the benefits of quicker drying times.

Enamel paints are highly functional and have a number of uses. A glossier paint will be tougher and more durable after it has dried and so enamel paints are perfect for coating surfaces that must endure high traffic, humidity and dirty hands, such as those surfaces found inside and outside homes, in addition to use on heavy duty industrial applications. Enamel paints are commonly used around the house in areas such as trims, doors, in the bathroom, kitchen, for different types of flooring, stairs, basements, porches and patios, as these rooms and surfaces endure a high degree of abuse and variations in temperature. Enamel paints may be used on various surfaces around the house, including wood, metal, wicker, concrete, masonry, wrought iron, glass, plaster and ceramic, among others.

Enamel paints provide excellent coverage and color retention. They provide surfaces with moisture, chip and corrosion resistance as well as rust preventive properties. They also allow for the repeated washing of surfaces without causing any damage to the surface. Furthermore, many enamel paints offer the attractive feature of mildew resistance for surfaces.

Other places in the home where enamel paint is commonly used include appliances, countertops and painted furniture. Fast dry enamel paint is great for these areas, as it is a popular type of paint that has a drying time of 10 – 15 minutes after application.
High temperature enamel paint is also available and this is ideal for use on BBQs. In addition, enamel paint is great to use on wooden surfaces due to its waterproof and rot proof resistant properties. As a general rule of thumb, surfaces treated with enamel paint are more durable and are able to outlast any untreated surface.

Enamel paints are a highly practical and popular choice for numerous projects around the home. Using enamel paint is very simple and easy and all that is required for application is a high quality brush, roller or spray type equipment. Consumers may experiment with the different application methods to find the one that provides the smoothest finish. Ultimately, the method of application will be dependent on the type of paint being used and the job at hand.

It is crucial that the surface be prepared and cleaned thoroughly prior to applying the primer and that any old paint be removed. It is also important that the paint be thoroughly stirred immediately prior to application. As a general tip, a few thinner coats will provide a higher quality finish in comparison to a single or couple of heavier coats and be careful not to apply too much paint, as it will get too runny. In addition, read and follow the instructions provided on the label and prepare exactly as directed. This is extremely important as glossier paints have more sheen and a higher visibility of surface imperfections. It is recommended that a mask be worn when painting in small, confined areas and that areas be adequately ventilated, as enamel paint will give off toxic paint fumes.

Enamel paint will naturally air dry and the drying time will vary in accordance with the type of enamel paint being used, the drying conditions and environmental conditions. Oil based enamels fully dry in 8 – 24 hours and dry on the inside first and then outwards. It is easy to tell when an oil based enamel has fully cured, as it will feel entirely dry when touched.

On the other hand, water based enamels can take up to one full month to set and can be damaged during that time, so a high degree of care should be exercised when washing and handling. Water based enamel paints will dry on the outside first and then the inside. An outer covering will form on the surface and although the paint will feel dry to the touch in approximately one hour after application, the underlying paint will still be moist. Weather plays a hand in the drying time of the paint. When there is a high degree of humidity or it is on the cool side, the enamel may take up to several weeks to cure completely.

There are many misconceptions surrounding enamel paints. One common misconception is in the marketing of washable water based flat paints as flat enamels. It is referenced that these come with limited or no sheen and with the durability and scrub ability of regular enamels. Technically, this is incorrect information as the majority of consumers automatically make the assumption that all enamel paints are washable, which is not the case. In addition, the term enamel paint is also something of a misconception, as the majority of enamel paints on the market are considerably softer than vitreous enamel and even stoved synthetic resins.