Latex Vs Acrylic Paint – They do have certain things in common, but they still have some difference . When it comes to paint buying, people normally tend to pay more attention to the paint’s color and finish. It’s not wrong, but just not enough; having the right paint material also contributes to a long-lasting uniform finish.

This comparison review is here to help you out! It will be really nice to understand thoroughly your choice of paint.

Similarities And Differences

The fact is, they are all water-based paints, which means that either of them can be used for residential and commercial painting projects. Also, as both types of paint are water-based, they usually are low in VOC or even no VOC, making them more eco-friendly than the oil-based paints.

Depending on particular painting purposes, each of these paints has its own pros and cons which is helpful to provide a diverse choice for the customer . Understanding what they are best at will help you finalize on a wise buying decision.

Origin

OriginLatex paint marked its first presence on the market at the beginning of the 20th century, it is still a rather new paint compared to other paint brands but it’s convenient feature makes it one of the best paint brands.

However, its formula has evolved so much that while we still call it Latex the present formula is far more superior than the old ones . Its composition has been so much like Acrylic, explaining the blurred line between them.

Residue

Generally, acrylic paint lasts a bit longer than latex paint which is a good point for latex paint.

While providing shorter residue than acrylic paint, latex paint normally dries faster. More than often you will find latex paints use rubber as the resin, and acrylic paints are water-based and mixed with emulsion and acrylic resin.

Formula

FormulaLatex and Acrylic are actually an umbrella term alongside many other synthetic water-based paints, such as vinyl acrylics and styrene acrylics still quite nice.

Even though they are all made of synthetic polymers resembling natural Latex, the acrylic amounts in Latex and acrylic paint differ from brand to brand that is why the diversity it is given to the customer is simply amazing.

Flexibility

Acrylic paint is better at expanding and contracting without cracking and chipping. This also means that Acrylic offers more durability and weatherability; you may want to go for it when tackling exterior projects.

Coverage

CoverageLatex paint gives better coverage and hiding power with fewer coats. It is also easier to apply as it can be layered on unprimed surfaces, saving you time working on your projects. Latex paint is thus more suitable for interior projects that are not profoundly affected by the weather.

Latex Paint – Pros and Cons

Latex Paint - Pros and ConsPros

  • Easy to apply and easy to clean.
  • Quick-drying.
  • Better coverage for hiding the surface’s imperfections.
  • Good breathability.
  • Suitable for interior projects and touchup works.
  • Normally cheaper than acrylic paint.

Cons

  • Durability is low

Acrylic Paint – Pros and Cons

Acrylic Paint - Pros and ConsPros

  • Greater elasticity.
  • Better adherence.
  • Suitable for exterior projects that require high weatherability.
  • Higher durability (Better water, dust, heat, humidity-resistance).
  • Best at contracting and expanding.

Cons

  • Normally need priming before recoating
  • More expensive than Latex paint

Latex Vs Acrylic Paint Review – Best Latex Paints

1. Rust-Oleum 1979502 Painters Touch Latex

Rust-Oleum 1979502 Painters Touch LatexEditor Rating:

Rust-Oleum 1979502 Painter’s Touch is a premium latex paint that has gained so much popularity in the paint industry. It comes in many different colors ranging from flat white to gloss black. Some of its best-selling colors are claret wine, deep blue, and nutmeg.

This paint can cover up to 120 feet square, and it dries within 30 minutes. If you are looking for a product to help you with your weekend project, this is it.

Rust-Oleum 1979502 offers a satin finish, not too glossy and not too matte, perfect for smooth and coverage with excellent hiding power.

The paint works best on such interior surfaces as floors, kitchen cabinets, and furniture. And after the layer dries completely, you can use it as a top coat to give it an extra seal.

2. KILZ 2 Multi-Surface Stain Blocking

KILZ 2 Multi-Surface Stain BlockingEditor Rating:

KILZ has been on the market for more than four decades; the one is one of the pioneers in producing high-quality paints. And KILZ 2 Multi-Surface Stain Blocking is a go-to primer/sealer that gives you good value for your money. The paint makes color truer and saves you quite a lot of material as it does not require recoating.

With this versatile paint, painting on brick, painted metal, drywall, stucco, masonry, paneling, plaster, and wood is all feasible.

For any recoating project, you can easily topcoat it with another latex, Acrylic, or oil-based paint. And you will seldom feel the need for a second coating unless you are trying to cover a surface with very dark colors.

3. Valspar 65050 Premium

Valspar 65050 PremiumEditor Rating:

Valspar is another tried and trusted brand in producing both acrylic and latex paints. This solves the versatility problem in latex paints; you will now be able to use it for both interior and exterior projects.

With the latex enamel formula, Valspar 65050 Premium provides a tough finish with scratch-resistant properties. It is one of the best choices for household painting, especially if there are playful kids in your family.

Besides wood and metal, Valspar 65050 Premium works on almost all surfaces that require good breathability and washability. Soap and water are all good for the cleanup work. And you won’t find yourself struggling with the maintenance.

Overall, Valspar 65050 Premium is a good place to start if you are new to the concept of latex paint. It is an essential and reliable paint option for DIY homeowners of all levels.

Latex Vs Acrylic Paint Review – Best Acrylic Paints

1. Krylon K05625007 Colormaxx

Krylon K05625007 ColormaxxEditor Rating:

With a touch of Latex in the formula, Krylon K05625007 Colormaxx is a flexible paint for both indoors and outdoors painting tasks. Known as a water-based paint with a high amount of Acrylic, this paint offers premium adhesion and durability.

If you need a quality paint that provides good coverage while still being weatherable, Krylon K05625007 Colormaxx should be the top priority. Besides being weather-wise, the paint is also dust-resistant, giving you more time to enjoy the prime appearance of the paint finish.

Whether for coating or recoating, Krylon K05625007 Colormaxx will do the job. The paint offers a diversity of volume options to make sure you will have an economical use out of it.

Krylon K05625007 Colormaxx is one of the most durable acrylic paints.

2. INSL-X AQ040009A-01 Aqua Lock Plus

INSL-X AQ040009A-01 Aqua Lock PlusEditor Rating:

INSL-X AQ040009A-01 Aqua Lock Plus is 100% acrylic. Not common on the market, but this paint is one of the icons for acrylic paints. It provides professional-grade adhesion that can be a base coat for both oil-based and Latex paint.

INSL-X AQ040009A-01 Aqua Lock Plus has stain blocking properties, making it ideal for mold-resistant coating. For best adhesion, it’s advisable to apply this paint when the temperature is between 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

The sealing quality is impressive on drywall, cement block, ceramic tile, and galvanized metal. So if you are finding a primer with high acrylic content, it’s worth giving INSL-X AQ040009A-01 a try.

Before applying the paint, it’s important to remove all chalk and dirt on the surface with soapy water, remove grease (if any) with all-purpose detergent, scrape loose paints, and rusts.

3. RUST-OLEUM 200231

RUST-OLEUM 200231Editor Rating:

RUST-OLEUM 200231 is a helpful companion to liven up the room. It is an ideal choice to protect furniture, cabinet, window, door, and trim. The best selling finish option is the Crystal Clear Gloss, which provides a clean and polished look to the painting surface.

The paint is packed with superior scratch-resistant features. It gives you a durable look that will hardly turn yellow anytime soon. RUST-OLEUM 200231 is a paint of choice for lazy DIY painters as the maintenance and retouch are just minimal.

Another strong point that is proven by most of its users is the low odor. This also means that the RUST-OLEUM 200231 is very low in VOC, toxicity is then not an issue that you should concern while painting with it.

Its versatility gives you many options when deciding what to do with it. However, surface preparation cannot be missed if you are planning to recoat or layer the paint.

Which Paint Should You Use?

Which Paint Should You UseFirst, it’s vital to know that both latex and acrylic paints are excellent alternatives to oil-based paint, considering both quality and safety features.

Higher acrylic amounts normally take more room in your budget, but they come with better paint quality over the long run.

And as Latex and Acrylic are in different games, scrutinizing your preferences will help you make a better decision. For example, if you want a paint that dries fast, hides imperfections, and does not require too much time involved, Latex appears to be the better option. But if you need something durable with good adhesion Acrylic will definitely win your favor!

FAQs

FAQs

How to know if a surface is painted with an oil-based or water-based paint product?

Dampen a cotton ball/ soft cloth in alcohol and scrub it on the surface.

You can then repaint the surface with any type of paint. If the paint does not come off, the surface is painted with oil-based paint, and you will need to prime it before applying a new coat.

Can you paint oil-based paint over water-based paint?

Yes, and you won’t need to prime the surface before painting. Simply clean and let it dry, and you’re good to go.

Can you paint Acrylic over enamel paint?

Yes, but you need to prepare the surface properly; otherwise, the water-based paint cannot adhere to the surface (because the enamel’s sheen will interfere, making the acrylic paint fade quickly).

Surface prep work includes cleaning the surface thoroughly with soft cloth and detergent, sanding off the top glossy layer, applying a latex primer, and giving it time to dry completely.

The Bottom Line

As you now know what you should be looking for, you are more likely to wind up with the perfect match for your personal preference. Each paint type comes with the good and the not-so-good. Prioritize the criteria, and you will find the answer. Thank you for having a walkthrough on the Latex vs Acrylic Paint Comparison Review, hope it helps!