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Enamel Paint vs Latex Paint

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enamel vs latex paint

Taking on a major paint project can be a pretty arduous task. You have to plan out how much paint you need, do all the prep work, and factor in drying time and multiple coats. However, one thing that a lot of people seem to overlook is the type of paint they use. Depending on the surface you’re painting on and a few other factors, you’ll want to decide between enamel or latex paint. Down below, we’ll compare and contrast enamel vs latex paint, list the pros and cons of each, and discuss where you might want to use each paint type.

enamel paint and latex paint

What are Enamel Paints?

Enamel paints, also sometimes referred to as hard-surface paints, dry slow but hard, making them perfect for hard surfaces.

What are Latex Paints?

Latex or water-based paints are fast-drying paints that are more malleable, making them the appropriate paint for projects where the surface may expand or in locations where movement and flexibility are required.

The Main Differences Between Enamel Paint vs Latex Paint

The main difference between enamel paint and latex paint is the difference in paint bases: Enamel paint is oil-based, whereas latex paint is water-based.

Now that you know a bit more about the chemical difference between enamel and latex paint, we’ll now take you through a few different factors you’ll want to consider when choosing between enamel and latex paint.

Finish

Deciding on the finish that you want for your project will help to narrow down your choice of paint.

Eggshell and matte, or flat finishes are only available with latex paints. This latex finish is considered to be the more modern and sophisticated of the two paint types. Latex paint’s finish is easy to clean and is durable enough to withstand all high traffic areas in your home. Satin finish is available as latex paint but can also come in enamel paint.

Enamel dries with a hard glass-like finish that is easy to clean and hard to stain. Enamel paint is available in satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss. Oil-based/enamel paints are commonly used for trim, cabinets, and other possible high-impact areas due to the high durability of enamel paint’s finish.

Interior Vs. Exterior Use

The flat or eggshell look of latex paint is a modern look that has become popular for use on interior walls and ceilings in homes.

Flexible yet durable, latex paint is also easy to clean and water-resistant, making it ideal for most interior projects. While durable and waterproof, latex paint remains slightly flexible even when completely dry, making it ill-suited for the exterior climate.

Conversely, the hard glossy finish of enamel paint can look harsh and dated over large areas indoors but is well suited for the outdoor sunshine and elements. Although oil-based or enamel paint tends to fade and yellow over time, exterior oil-based paints in neutral or earth tone colors such as beige, tan, or taupe will be less likely to break down and fade than other oil-based paint colors.

Paint Fumes

Fumes from any paint in significant amounts can cause lightheadedness, headaches, irritation to the eyes, or trouble breathing.

Latex paint has a milder odor than enamel paint, making it a better choice for walls and bigger projects. Being higher in fumes, oil-based enamel should be reserved for smaller projects or used outdoors when possible.

With either type of paint, if you must be indoors, work in a well-ventilated room or area and open doors or windows to circulate airflow if possible.

Additives

Paint additives, extenders,  or conditioners can improve your painted project’s overall final look by slightly thinning the paint, elongating the drying time, and allowing the paint to level itself and lay flat for a smooth finish.

Floetrol, shown below, while not the only brand available, is the most popular paint additive for latex paints. Penetrol, also shown below but not the only brand available, is the most popular paint additive for oil-based paints.

Drying Times

Thick even coats of paint can create a smooth brush mark-free finish when the paint is left to level and dry properly.

Latex paint dries faster, so paint must be laid quickly and left to level. Enamel paint takes longer to dry but has a better finish due to the oil-based paint actually absorbing the surface being painted. A longer drying time allows for enamel paint to be manipulated for longer to ensure the perfect thick even coat.

Cleanup

Cleanup of latex paints typically requires only water and a rag. As latex paints are water-based, clean-up is fairly easy.

Enamel paints require paint thinner, such as the one pictured below, for cleaning brushes and surfaces that paint has spilled on.

enamel paint

What Are The Advantages Of Enamel Paint?

Oil-based enamel paint’s longer drying time may seem like a disadvantage, but the longer drying time gives you more time to work with the paint for a perfectly smooth coat. Enamel paint also goes onto surfaces smoother and with better coverage coat for coat compared to latex paint.

The smooth thick coats of enamel paint left to level and dry will result in the desired flawless durable finish.

Ease of cleaning is another advantage of enamel paint. A good rule of thumb is the shinier the paint finish, the easier it will be to clean. Enamel paint is also waterproof, making it perfectly suitable for any outdoor condition.

latex paint

What are the Advantages of Latex Paint?

If you want to paint on unprimed drywall or stonewall or brick wall, you should opt for latex paint and a suitable latex paint sprayer.

It also works well on surfaces that have already been painted with other latex or oil-based paints. In addition, it is a more budget-friendly option that works well on large interior walls.

Colorado Painting

If you live in the Denver, Colorado area and are looking for a commercial or residential paint job, you should look no further than Colorado Painting.

We have been Denver’s best painting company for 38 years, with a proven track record of excellence, no matter what your project calls for. We’ve done it all – interior, exterior, deck staining, and foundation painting, so you can be sure we can handle your job.

Contact us today to discuss your painting needs and get a free estimate.

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Trevor Z Marshall

Owner & Managing Member at Colorado Painting

Originally from Texas, I’m now thrilled to call Colorado home! Life at our house is full of energy, with four kids, a dog, a cat, and a rotating cast of fish (turns out they’re not the easiest pets to keep alive). Thankfully, my wife Erin and I somehow manage to stay afloat. I’m a proud graduate of Vanderbilt University and have been fortunate to live and work across the country, gaining valuable experiences along the way. When I’m not working, I enjoy making the most of Colorado’s beautiful outdoors, catching up with friends and family, following sports, especially European football, and exploring Boulder’s fantastic craft beer scene. I’m passionate about supporting our team members, whom we proudly refer to as Partners, in delivering top-tier customer service and achieving outstanding results. Looking forward to the opportunity to work together!

Jeff K.Jeff K. ★★★★★ Colorado Commercial & Residential Painting did a great job and would highly recommend them.Rodgrick M.Rodgrick M. ★★★★★ Excellent service!!TravisTravis ★★★★★ Colorado Painting was super easy to work with and they did an excellent job. The project was completed quickly and with no issues. I would highly recommend Colorado Painting.zoe R.zoe R. ★★★★★ Could not be happier with my experience!! The crew was kind, professional, and very punctual. not to mention the attention to detail, which was fabulous. The salesman and project manager were very knowledgeable and helpful, and I love the way my house turned out! I'll be recommending Colorado Painting to my friends and family for sure.Lois R.Lois R. ★★★★★ The Colorado Painting team was amazing! Quick, clean, professional, and friendly. They helped pick colors and we couldn't be happier with the outcome. Highly recommend these guys.Michael H.Michael H. ★★★★★ We recently had the interior of our home painted and couldn’t be happier with the results. The crew was professional and paid great attention to detail. The whole process was easy and I would highly recommend them!Katie F.Katie F. ★★★★★ Their price was comparable to other companies but the service & results were above and beyond. Love the painting job on our house years later!Kelly F.Kelly F. ★★★★★ Painted our odd shaped vaulted ceiling entryway and bathroom! We were extremely pleased with the results. They repaired weathered trim around skylight and vaulted shelf. Looks amazing. Quick, efficient, professional job! Love these guys!Paul F.Paul F. ★★★★★ Everybody we worked with was extremely qualified, knowledgeable and helpful. They went above and beyond! We highly recommend this company and will definitely use them again!Kelly F.Kelly F. ★★★★★ Honest prices, great service and good quality work!Malak D.Malak D. ★★★★★ I had an amazing experience with this painting company from start to finish. The team was professional, punctual, and extremely detail-oriented. They took the time to properly prep the space, protect my furniture, and ensure everything was neat and clean throughout the job. The quality of their work is outstanding smooth finishes, sharp lines, and even coverage that completely transformed the look of my home. What really stood out was their communication. They explained the process clearly, answered all of my questions, and kept me updated each step of the way. The crew was respectful, friendly, and finished the project on schedule. I couldn’t be happier with the results the rooms look brand new! I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for reliable painters who truly care about their craft and their customers.Faith KFaith K ★★★★★ This place is the real deal! They know everything when it comes to paint and are professional through it all. If you’re around Denver DEFINITELY reach outHanna A.Hanna A. ★★★★★ I don’t often leave reviews, but these guys are out of this world. All the guys were incredibly professional and nice. They quoted me a good price and made sure I was 100% happy with the job when they were done. I know that if I wasn’t, they would have done anything to fix it, luckily I was more than pleased! I recommend them to everyone!GANDOFF0030GANDOFF0030 ★★★★★ Commercial team was on top of it! Amazing people and understood what I asked of them. Very well done and will recommend every single time!Allison P.Allison P. ★★★★★ The staff was great at communicating. The painting team was very fast and did a great job. They painted our whole house and back porch and it looks so good!Danny F.Danny F. ★★★★★ WOW!Osman & his team are incredible, they all work together to get the job done. Bedroom #1 - Popcorn ceiling removed, retextured & entire room painted. Bedroom #2 and bathroom painted. Entire job completed in 2 days! It was amazing to see the pride these guys put into their work! Thanks also goes to the project manager, Ben, for keeping us informed along the way.Eric HEric H ★★★★★ Had a wonderful experience with the Colorado Residential Painting team, from sales, painting execution, to final walk through, and payment process!Sales:The team worked diligently on getting me the best price with top quality paint materials. The quoting process was prompt, professional, and with clear communication. In addition to painting the entire home exterior, we had exterior trim that needed replaced, and we even included a custom solid wood front door that needed careful attention to sand, stain, and reseal. Our sales rep (Eric) was a pleasure to work with and helped us through the up front analysis and evaluation of options to choose from.Painting Process:Communication and attention to detail was extraordinary! Greatly appreciate the level of expertise and professionalism! The lead painter (Leo) and his team were superhuman in their details, work ethic, and commitment to making the customer satisfied! The project lead (Ben) was onsite everyday making sure the team had everything they needed to work efficiently and get the job done on time without any delay.The ENTIRE team was friendly, communicated clearly, and simply amazing!Highly recommended and phenomenal job!Peter M.Peter M. ★★★★★ Fantastic service all around. Great people. I cannot say enough of good things about them. i would definitely recommend them.pam F.pam F. ★★★★★ Excellent service, attention to detail, great crew and companyCharlie A.Charlie A. ★★★★★ Eric and the team were nothing short of exceptional. They were very professional and courteous. They asked a bunch of questions for my preferences and provided their expert opinion when asked for it. They have problem solving skills when it comes to siding repair and made it look seemless. Top notch group overall and I would hire them again not for exterior painting.js_loader
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