How to use acrylic paints? Is it possible to paint with acrylic paint over oil paint? Diluting acrylic paint with water: proportions and features

Acrylic paint is becoming more and more popular every year. It is easy to use and environmentally friendly. Today it is used in many fields of activity: construction, nail services, and creativity. The technique for performing work using this paint can be different. We'll talk about how to use acrylic paints in this article.


Peculiarities

This paint has a number of advantages over other paints and varnishes.

She is appreciated for:

  • versatility;
  • practicality in application;
  • practicality in operation;
  • efficiency;
  • environmental friendliness.

How to choose?

The choice of paint begins with determining how it will be used: interior, decorative or applied. There are two types of paint composition: organic and synthetic. Each of them is based on artificial resins. Dyes are used to create coloring pigment. Artificial pigments appear in bright and rich colors, and the natural base appears in pastel colors.



As already mentioned, acrylic - universal look paint and varnish materials. It can be used in any room. Acrylic dye is not afraid of moisture. You don't have to be a master to carefully cover any surface with it. First of all, buyers choose a material by color, then turn to information about the purpose. It can be found on the packaging. There is permanent paint, for ceilings, for facades or for interior work.




So, there are usually several types acrylic paints:

  • Wear-resistant the paint is recommended for rooms with increased level humidity.
  • Deep matte and matte paints are suitable for walls and ceilings in dry rooms. They hide small and insignificant irregularities, are easy to apply and have breathable properties. Before this, you need to remove the whitewash from the ceiling.
  • Glossy the paint does not hide unevenness and visually enhances the texture.

The color range of paints is wide. It is possible to make the shade yourself; for this, colors are used. They interfere with white and create the desired shade. Kohler is a concentrated paint. It can be thick or liquid.


White paint divided into milky white, white and super white. For a purer shade, it is better to use the last two colors.

It is enough to follow the following points to properly mix the paint with the color:

  • carefully read the instructions and color chart;
  • use paint and colors from the same manufacturer;
  • mix them in a separate container;
  • You only need to mix the amount that needs to be used for painting at the moment.


Paint for outdoor use used to cover house facades and other outdoor items. Paint for facade works There are two types: water-based and based on organic compounds. The second one is especially good for work with low temperatures V winter period. It lays flat and dries quickly at sub-zero temperatures. Acrylic paint is highly wear-resistant, highly protective and durable, making it suitable for concrete products. Paint protects concrete from influence weather conditions and mechanical influences.



Acrylic-based coating is also chosen for wooden products. It has the following properties:

  • resistance to changes in temperature and moisture;
  • wear resistance prevents cracks from forming on the wooden surface;
  • retains color for ten years;
  • it is characterized by vapor permeability;
  • dries quickly;
  • easy to use;
  • no need to scrape off the old layer to apply a new coat of paint.



Artists and designers use acrylic for painting furniture, creating patterns on glass, drawings on fabric and for painting. There is acrylic for children's creativity– this paint is brighter and washes off easily. It is non-toxic and is stored in plastic jars. There are also paints that have special properties, such as glow in the dark, fluorescent and pearlescent.



Paint for decorative works Available in jars and tubes. Both forms of storage are convenient to use. Paint in tubes can be purchased individually. It is worth noting that jars and tubes of paint come in different sizes. Acrylic fabric paints are distinguished by their elastic properties. When heated with an iron, they acquire a plastic structure and penetrate into the fabric. After dyeing, it is recommended to wash items by hand.


Acrylic paint for nails It is also stored in jars and tubes. The material in the jars is necessary to create a pattern with a brush or using other tools. If necessary, the paint can be diluted with water. Thanks to the narrow spout at the end of the tube, the paints are ready for use immediately. Tubes can also be purchased individually.


Types of surfaces

As already mentioned, acrylic paint has a universal property - it is used on different types of surfaces. Acrylic is “friendly” even with previously painted surfaces. The material can be applied to water-based paint without any problems, since both coatings are created on the same base. Acrylic paint can be used over oil paint. In this case, it is necessary to sand the area to be painted to increase adhesion. Acrylic paint also applies smoothly to latex coatings, since they have a similar composition.





The painted surface does not need to be specially prepared. In this case, sanding is only needed to level the walls. Alkyd and acrylic paints are completely different in composition, so it is not recommended to use one coating over the other. Better clean it up alkyd paint, prime the surface and apply a new color.


This cleaning process is also suitable for enamel paint. The enamel should be removed from the surface, the wall should be cleaned and the prepared area should be painted with acrylic paint.

Preparation is usually done by sanding and coating various types primers. The soil plays the role of a compactor; it penetrates into surface cracks, creating a more dense structure of the product. Preparing plywood for painting occurs in several stages:

  • sanding - at this stage, defects and unevenness are removed using sandpaper, it is important to create a smooth top layer;
  • coating with the first layer of primer;
  • after drying, it is sanded again to remove small and insignificant irregularities and dust is removed;
  • coating with a second layer of primer;
  • After complete drying, the plywood is ready for painting



The plastic is prepared as follows:

  • removal of dirt and dust;
  • grinding - the surface should be rough to increase adhesion;
  • Before applying the primer layer, the plastic is degreased with alcohol;
  • primer;
  • the surface is ready for painting.


Chipboard is prepared in several stages:

  • if the chipboard product is a piece of furniture, then it is necessary to unscrew all the fittings;
  • if necessary, you need to remove the old layer of paint and varnish material and sand it;
  • remove contaminants;
  • degrease with white spirit;
  • if there are cracks, putty, sand the uneven areas again, remove dirt, and then prime;
  • After the primer has completely dried, you can begin painting.



To create creative interior You can paint the wallpaper in the room. For proper application, several important points should be observed:

  • Choose wallpaper for painting. They happen different types. Glass wallpaper is best suited for acrylic dyes.
  • The color of the wallpaper may vary, but it is better to choose white wallpaper to obtain bright colors paints.
  • You can paint the wallpaper only after the glue has completely dried.
  • You can paint using a brush or roller. For textured wallpaper, a spray bottle is more suitable, as it completely paints the wall.





When painting wallpaper, the same rule applies: matte paints hide imperfections, while glossy paints visually enhance the structure.

To prepare for painting concrete, you need to follow several points:

  • Check the moisture content of the concrete. If the concrete product is relatively new (less than a month from the date of manufacture), then it is not worth painting. Humidity will cause paint to crack and fall off. You can check the humidity level as follows: stick a 1 m2 plastic bag to the wall using tape. If condensation remains on the film during the day, then such concrete should not be painted.
  • If necessary, you need to level the wall using putty in two layers. The second layer should be thin and as even as possible.
  • Then you need to sand the walls with sandpaper.
  • Apply 2-3 layers of concrete primer, waiting for each layer to dry completely.
  • Paint it.



Foam plastic – universal insulation. Sometimes it acts as a finishing surface. This type of plane is not so easy to paint with any paint, but acrylic compositions are very suitable for this. The foam coating must be properly prepared for good adhesion and even painting:

  • Clean from dirt and accumulated dust.
  • Cover with acrylic primer.
  • The foam has a very smooth surface, so the primer will flow and create a textured surface. Hence, the point of sanding is very important. Be sure to wait until the primer coat has completely dried.
  • The foam is ready for painting.


As described earlier, acrylic paint is not afraid of temperature changes, therefore, it is suitable for painting hot radiators. Such metal products are prepared in compliance with the following rules:

  • choose acrylic paint with rust protection or metal paint;
  • remove old coating using a wire brush;
  • degrease with white spirit;
  • Apply primer to the entire area to be painted;
  • the surface is ready for painting.


Painting brick walls does not require special skills. Acrylic coating does not bubble or crack when a warm brick structure is exposed to the cold. Brick preparation proceeds as follows:

  • clean the surface from dirt;
  • You need to grind not only the surface of the bricks, but also between them;
  • prime with acrylic primer;
  • Check the surface for unevenness and begin painting.


There are special acrylic paints for glass. Glass products are prepared as follows:

  • cleaned of contaminants and degreased using alcohol or special solutions;
  • then a thin layer of paint is applied;
  • to create stained glass, you can use stencils - they are placed under the glass and outlined along the lines with contour acrylic paints;
  • The outline dries in 25-30 minutes, after which you can paint it with colored paints. They dry in about 24 hours.


Fiberboard has porous structure. Therefore, the stages of preparing such material will be as follows:

  • clean from dirt;
  • polish;
  • degrease with white spirit;
  • saturate the surface with drying oil (using a paint brush);
  • After drying, you can apply paint.



Wooden surfaces are porous material. When preparing for painting, the following rules should be observed:

  • remove the old layer of paint;
  • clean from dirt and dust;
  • remove all fittings;
  • sand with sandpaper or a special tool;
  • fill all cracks and irregularities and sand again;
  • apply 1-2 layers of primer;
  • The wooden product is ready for painting.


Plaster is suitable as a base for wall painting. When painting this surface, you should follow the basic rules of painting: cleaning, sanding, priming, coating.

Required Tools

Acrylic dyes are universal in use. Thanks to its water-based composition, acrylic can be given a more liquid consistency without special solutions. This requires the most simple tools, which are in every home.


What to paint with?

A brush is a universal tool for painting and creating designs. Use wide flat paint brushes to create a solid color. For more complex surfaces (pipe, battery) use a round brush. For drawing, you can use both paint brushes and art brushes. A line brush is a flat brush with short bristles. It is suitable for creating straight lines.

It should be remembered that art brushes for acrylic should be chosen from synthetic or bristles.

There are brushes for manicure. It is recommended to work with such tools in bright light and with a palette. Large flat areas are painted with a roller. It is chosen according to the length and composition of the fur coat. The longer the pile of the fur coat, the more textured the coating will be. For a smooth finish, use felt or nylon rollers. Mini rollers are used when painting corners, joints or transferring a design using a stencil. When working with a roller, use a special tray.


The paint from the spray gun is sprayed widely, so when working you should use protective mask and workwear.

How to paint?

Regular surface painting is feasible for anyone. In this case, you need to follow a number of rules:

  • You should cover all areas that cannot be painted with paper or masking tape (windows, floors, baseboards).
  • You can prepare the surface and cover it with acrylic paint using a simple pattern from the corners and openings to the center. The corners are painted with a brush or a small roller; for the rest of the area it is better to use a large roller.
  • The spray gun is used for painting large surfaces, for example, the roof of a house, the facade of a building. A spray gun nozzle with a smaller spray angle is used in the room. Water-based paint can be diluted with water in an amount of 10-15% of the total volume.
  • Working with color is difficult, it is quite labor-intensive work. Mix paint and colors in a separate container. First, the main color is poured in, and then the color is added in small quantities, portionwise. It is necessary to thoroughly mix the composition until the color is uniform so that streaks do not form.


Facade acrylic paint is best suited for painting facades. The coloring rules are as follows:

  • Before painting the facade, you should prepare the surface depending on its type (concrete, wood). Then all places that must be protected from paint are covered. It is better to paint large areas with a roller or spray gun.
  • The choice of facade color depends on the color of the roof of the house. Landscape designers recommend using a combination of brown and green colors to visually create a cozy house made of wood. Experts advise painting the blind area of ​​the house and doors in dark color. It should be remembered that the house will appear larger if its color is light.


Furniture painting: master class for beginners

Using acrylic paint you can turn an old cabinet into a beautiful piece of furniture. To do this you need to follow these simple rules:

  • After thorough sanding, it is necessary to prime the surface with white acrylic paint.
  • We paint the carved inserts on the doors in a contrasting color, for example, black. You can do the carving yourself.
  • On the tabletop of the cabinet we draw the design with a roller using a stencil. For people who have a lot of experience with paint, you can sketch the sketch in pencil and color it by hand.


Correct use of manicure paints

Using acrylic paint you can create custom design on the nails. It's very easy to do this:

  • after a cosmetic manicure, the nail is covered with the main color of gel polish;
  • then the design is applied with acrylic using a special manicure brush;
  • After 3 minutes of drying, the surface can be coated with transparent gel nail polish.


The color of the varnish depends on the desired pattern. But there are several basic rules that nail service technicians follow:

  • for short nails, dark and bright colors of varnish are suitable: red, black, burgundy, purple and others;
  • for long nails it is better to choose delicate colors and shades: beige, white, pink, milky, etc.

Consumption

Paint consumption is calculated only for painting work. In other cases, these points are not relevant ( artwork, nail coating). Consumption is indicated on the packaging. It all depends on the type of paint and manufacturer. You can calculate the required volume by determining the area that needs to be painted. What is important is paint consumption, surface porosity and the number of layers (usually 1-2).


The packaging may indicate a value of 1 l/m2. This means that one liter of paint can paint one square meter area. As a rule, the error is indicated based on the porosity of the surface - 0.1-0.25 l/m2. 0.1/m2 – for a smooth and dense surface, 0.25/m2 – for an absorbent and porous surface.


You should not skimp on paint by diluting it with water. The composition will have a liquid structure, which will create additional layers of stains.

How long does it take to dry?

The coating dries depending on the thickness of the layer, but not for long - most often from several minutes to a day. The paint takes 24 hours to dry when applied extensively and thickly. Paint can dry faster with minimal humidity, warm temperatures and in a ventilated area. The paints take a few minutes to dry.


Most often we think of acrylic paints as water-based paints. They gained recognition not only in painting, but also in construction, where they were widely used in interior and facade work.

Below we will tell you how and what can be painted with acrylic paint.

Material advantage

Compared to oil compositions, acrylic ones have a number of technological advantages:

  1. Dries quickly (one to two hours is enough), can be applied even to a slightly damp surface. Quick-drying compositions have also been developed, which require 30 minutes to dry completely. This makes it possible to speed up the work process when finishing the interior.

  1. After drying, the material, unlike oil paints, does not fade in the sun or fade, and retains its original color for a long time. The treated surface retains natural ventilation, i.e. it “breathes”, so they are ideal for painting the facade and interior of wooden buildings.
  2. The quality can only be assessed after it has completely dried.. In this case, cracks and various deformations do not occur, which is typical for oil analogues. The material can withstand small temperature changes.
  3. Acrylic paints are easy to work with. For example, residues from tools can be easily removed with plain water without the use of chemical solvents.

Paint that gets onto unwanted areas can be removed without damaging the already painted surface. During the dyeing process they are not released into the air toxic substances, as it dries, water evaporates.

In addition, the price of this group of paints is lower than oil-based materials, which also adds to their attractiveness among consumers. They are produced in cans (volume 0.5-4 l) and tubes (60-200 ml). The first ones are intended for construction work, the second for artists.

Before you paint with acrylic, you must understand that the technology of painting with water-dispersion paints is directly related to the surface being treated and the result that you want to get in the end.

They can be applied in different ways, and it depends on the complexity of the work.

  1. Dilute acrylic paints either with water or solutions specially developed by manufacturers.
  2. Do not add solution or water directly to the paint container. Use a separate container for dilution, into which you first pour the required amount of the composition.

Tip: It’s better to dilute a small amount of paint several times than to dilute all of it at once.
Otherwise, after the water evaporates, the material will simply dry out and be damaged.

  1. Before sealing a paint can so it can be used again, thoroughly clean the area where the can and lid come into contact. If you don't do this, the remaining paint may dry out so much that it will no longer be possible to open the can.
  2. After finishing working with acrylic paints, immediately rinse the tools with water. Then you can quickly clean them and use them in the future; after the paint has dried, this will be much more difficult.
  3. Work only with specially pre-prepared paint. Depending on the complexity and type of work, it should be diluted with water or a special solution, and maybe even thickened to a paste.
    Thanks to this preliminary preparation, acrylic water-dispersed or water-based paints have good adhesion to the base, allowing them to work even in difficult weather conditions.

Solutions used for dilution are divided into two types:

  • for a matte shade;
  • for shiny.

Tip: if you decide to do wall painting, you must know these properties of the materials.

Application

So, what can you paint with acrylic paints yourself?

Below are three surfaces most often encountered in repairs:

  1. Painting non-woven wallpaper with acrylic paint yourself requires some skill. If you don't have enough of it, use the most in a simple way- choose wallpaper with a repeating pattern and a uniform structure.

For work, prepare the tools, the better it is to apply acrylic paint specifically for you, for example, the outer layer. A more complex method involves staining with inside or wash off the paint after application.

Whatever method you use and regardless of your skill, follow two rules:

  • use only water-based paints without adding impurities harmful to humans;
  • Before the process, take a small piece and do a test painting, so you can see the final result with your own eyes.
  1. Acrylic paints and plaster. In this case, the features of the latter should be taken into account. The surface must be dry, clean and level, old paint must be removed in advance.

Advice: special attention Pay attention to sealing cracks, and the plaster before painting should be polished with fine sandpaper.

So how to apply acrylic paint? This must be done in one direction.

  • Tape the ceiling and adjacent walls in the corners with masking tape so as not to stain adjacent surfaces. Thus, you will not need to rush to remove the paint from them later;
  • choose the right tool for the job. The roller, for example, should have long pile. This will help speed up the work process and apply the material more evenly to the surface;
  • dilute the paint for the roller in a wide special container; it should also have a corrugated surface to remove excess paint.
  1. The use of acrylic paints for concrete surfaces allows them to be protected from damage, wear and dust. In addition, application of the material allows:
    • give it an aesthetic appearance;
    • improve performance characteristics;
    • protect from chemicals.

Like any other material, acrylic paint is applied to concrete according to technical instructions and recommendations. The surface must first be cleaned of dirt, dusted, washed with water and dried, but priming is not necessary. The instructions allow you to apply the material even at sub-zero temperatures, which sets it apart from others.

Water-based acrylic paints are also used for concrete. Their main positive characteristic– non-toxic and fire resistant. In addition, they are resistant to alkaline solutions.

Conclusion

Acrylic paints are universal compositions that can be used for exterior and interior use. They are distinguished by the fact that they can use ordinary water as a solvent. Thus, they can be considered environmentally friendly solutions with special characteristics. The video in this article will help you find additional information on this topic.

Acrylic and oil paints are used for finishing surfaces on the outside as well as the inside. In some cases, it is necessary to cover with acrylic a surface that has been painted with oil paint. To find out whether one paint can be coated with another, you need to consider the properties of each material.

Oil paint

Some time ago, oil paints were actively used to decorate surfaces inside and outside. But they were replaced by a new, more versatile material, acrylic paints.
The oil material is made from drying oil or a similar product, which is mixed with mineral pigments. The paint is obtained by grinding all components to a homogeneous composition. IN modern renovation oil paint is used very rarely. But in some cases it is advisable to use it as a cost-saving option for painting large rooms, since its cost is lower than other materials. The main advantage of oil-based paints is their low cost. Such materials are resistant to moisture, oils have reliable protection wooden and concrete materials. Oil-based paints also prevent rust on metal surfaces.
This material has its drawbacks, which makes working with paint not very convenient. There are not too many colors, almost a dozen, so it is difficult to create a specific design and give originality to the surface.
Also, the paint needs to be renewed annually, that is, it wears out quickly, which requires additional costs. If the surface is not renewed in a timely manner, the material may peel off in large pieces. During application, a strong odor appears, so work should be done in a well-ventilated area. When dry, the surface releases toxic elements, so it is best not to spend time in a painted room. A negative quality is the long drying time of such material, almost two days.
You can apply acrylic paint to an oil surface; this will not be difficult.

Acrylic paints

Compared to oil compositions, acrylic paints have clear advantages. Acrylic compositions are environmentally friendly and do not emit toxic substances, since they do not contain organic solvents.
The basis of this material is water, due to this there is practically no odor during application. The material also has a large number of colors and shades, this allows you to make the surface original. The required color can be ordered from a hardware store, and it will be made on site. The acrylic composition is highly resistant to humidity, ultraviolet rays, and temperature changes, and also has good vapor permeability. Thus, acrylic paint is used to decorate the room inside and outside. The painted surface dries quickly, in just a couple of hours. If we compare oil- and acrylic-based paints, the latter are considered more durable and wear-resistant. Such compositions are considered universal and are used to create a variety of interiors.

Can you paint with acrylic paint over oil paint?

Typically, experts do not recommend applying acrylic paint to something that is too old. oil coating, since the materials do not adhere well to each other. But such work is allowed provided that the surface is thoroughly prepared. Surface preparation work begins with sanding the previous coating, using fine-grained sandpaper.
After grinding, the surface is thoroughly cleaned of dirt and dust that has formed as a result of work; a vacuum cleaner can be used for this. Then the surface is degreased and left to dry. The dry surface is covered with 2 layers of acrylic-based solution. But thorough preparatory work They don’t talk about high-quality application of acrylic paint on an oil surface. To get the result, you must use a thick acrylic composition; when diluted with water, the proportions should not exceed 1 to 1.
If a spray bottle is used as the application tool, a suitable thinner must be added. The gloss or dullness of the surface depends on the type of this substance. Sometimes oil paint becomes deeply embedded in the surface, especially if it is used for too long, and then it is impossible to remove it. In this case, special paints are used that are characterized by high adhesion; they are able to efficiently paint even a very greasy surface.

Technology of applying acrylic paint based on oil composition

  1. First, the surface is sanded, all dust is removed using a vacuum cleaner.
  2. Then they are treated with a primer. And leave until completely dry.
  3. The acrylic composition is applied with a brush or spray; in the latter case, special thinners are used.
  4. Start applying paint from the corners of the surface to the middle or from top to bottom. After full coverage walls or ceiling, leave time to dry, usually a couple of hours; there are paints that dry faster.

Basic rules when applying acrylic paint to an oil composition

  1. To ensure a high-quality painted surface, it must be well prepared. The main oil layer of paint is removed by sanding, and then the dust is removed.
  2. All dirt must be cleaned off so that the acrylic composition lays down in an even layer.
  3. In too advanced cases. If oil has ingrained itself into a wooden or other surface, use special paints with a high adhesion rate.
  4. Surface sanding can be done with fine-grit sandpaper or special grinder. In some cases, a drill and a special attachment are used; you must act carefully so as not to damage the surface.
  5. Degreasing is a mandatory step, otherwise the new composition will not adhere well to the previous surface.
  6. To ensure high-quality adhesion of the paint to the previous surface, the acrylic composition must have a thick consistency.

When choosing a paint composition, it is necessary to study its properties, all positive and negative qualities, since the service life of the coating and its reliability depend on this. Before purchasing material, you need to consider what kind of coloring will be done, primary or secondary. In the second option, a surface that has already been previously treated with other compounds is coated.

It is especially taken into account when the walls are painted with oil paint, these are the consequences of old repairs. Typically, oil paint was used for kitchens or bathrooms. When choosing modern acrylic-based paint, you need to figure out what to do with the old finish, namely the oil composition. This article describes all the advantages and disadvantages of oil and acrylic paints.

It is usually not recommended to coat oil paint with an acrylic composition, but it is possible if you resort to careful surface preparation. The old material is partially cleaned off by sanding with sandpaper, primed, and covered with acrylic paint.

Acrylic paints are ideal for painting walls and ceilings in residential areas, for artistic processing of wood and other surfaces. The product, produced in cans, is widely used in the automotive segment for painting not only metal, but also plastic parts.

The technique of applying paint on an acrylic basis allows you to achieve ideal textures and give the painted object any shade. It’s very easy to figure out how to properly paint a surface with acrylic paint, which is why this type of repair is popular among creative people.

Coating Tools

For any successful construction process, including work using acrylic paints, it is necessary to use high-quality tools. To paint a room or furniture quickly and smoothly, you need the following tools:

  1. Brushes different sizes: They will be used to paint hard-to-reach areas, corners, or to do painting, including on wood.
  2. Rollers on short and long handle(the latter is necessary when painting the ceiling, but it can be replaced by purchasing a removable telescopic handle), the pile of which should be of medium length.
  3. Painting bucket (you can save money and use a regular one, but specialized equipment includes a mesh for cleaning the roller from excess paint, which should not be applied to the surface).
  4. Set of spatulas of various widths.
  5. Wide film.
  6. Masking tape for sealing joints and sockets.

This set of tools can be called basic, and you need to take care of its availability in advance before you start applying paint.


List of basic painting tools

For a more technological process, additionally purchase a tray, textured attachments for rollers, a roller with a bendable piece of iron, and in rooms with a high ceiling you will additionally need a ladder.

Room painting options

In the post-Soviet space, such a method of putting a room in order as wallpapering was used, but now an alternative has appeared in the form of painting surfaces. Main place among coloring matter occupied by acrylic paints - they can be used in any room and on any surface, which makes them very popular.

Market building materials rich in choice of different acrylic paints, they can be:

  • glossy;
  • matte;
  • mother-of-pearl.

In addition to the specified spectrum, you can also distinguish different textures of paints. Using this type of paint and varnish material, the application surface can be made velvety, embossed, or painted (for which the material is used in tubes).

The choice of colors of acrylic paints is so large that it allows you to bring to life any design solution. Thus, to paint the walls of the living room, it is customary to use matte monochromatic coatings, and with the help of pearlescent acrylic paints, you can apply additional decor to them in the form of painting.

Safety and Precautions

Acrylic paint, like other types paint coatings, requires compliance with a number of precautions during operation. This is especially true for the aerosol form of release.

Safety precautions are important, even though acrylic paint, compared to other materials, has a more gentle composition, does not have a strong chemical odor, and is recommended for work in enclosed spaces.

To protect yourself when using acrylic composition for painting, you must work taking the following precautions:

  1. Protect your respiratory tract with a respirator.
  2. Wear long-sleeved pants and a sweater, as well as gloves to avoid getting the solution on your skin.
  3. Provide ventilation in the room.
  4. Avoid direct exposure sun rays and high temperatures on the painted surface.
  5. Particular care should be taken when working with various solvents of dubious origin, since a combination of inconsistent components in working substances can lead to poisoning or chemical burns.

When working with an aerosol form of acrylic paint, you should additionally control the container and protect it from heating, since due to the pressure inside, it is influenced high temperature it may explode.

Compliance with basic safety precautions is mandatory even when painting a small area of ​​furniture or other interior items.

Stages of applying the coloring solution

Since painting work is usually carried out during renovations in an apartment, house or non-residential premises and also for updating old furniture or interior details, then dividing the work into stages will be relevant. They are similar to those that are present in other repair work.

In order to carry out painting work efficiently, the following technique must be followed, in which all actions must proceed step by step one after another.

Surface preparation

This stage includes measures to clean the surface from the previous coating. The procedure must be carried out carefully; it is not allowed to leave even small pieces of hard-to-remove wallpaper. After everything has been removed, the surface is disinfected if necessary (this is important in the presence of dampness and fungus).

At the final stage of surface preparation, if necessary, it is plastered, cracks are covered and defects are filled with putty. The quality of the final result greatly depends on the quality of work at this stage.

Primer

As with any other coating, the surface must be primed before applying acrylic paint, otherwise the coating will lie unevenly and will begin to peel off over time.

The actual coloring

Once the surface is completely prepared, the painting stage can begin. If we are talking about painting walls and ceilings, then, first of all, the paint is applied to the most hard to reach places using a brush (work is carried out in one layer), and then using a roller, paint the rest of the part in 2 layers. To ensure that the texture of the coating is uniform, all movements are carried out in one direction, unless otherwise provided by the design idea.

Finish coating

To consolidate the result, you can go over the painted surface with another layer of paint, however, this is not necessary. If everything was done correctly in the previous stages and the result looks good, no additional layers are needed. To give the surface more gloss (especially important on metal surface), it is coated with varnish on top, usually in 2 layers.

Features of artistic painting

Each stage in coloring has great value, since an error in one of them or a violation of the work technique can lead to a poor-quality result of the entire process.

Application artistic painting onto the surface using acrylic paints requires pre-treatment.

To do this, remove the coating from the area where the painting will be, treat it for defects, and apply a layer finishing putty, and painting is already being done on it. To protect the painting from quickly losing its original appearance, after the acrylic paints have dried, it must be varnished.

Painting wooden surfaces

The features of using acrylic paints on wooden objects are not very different from the use on other surfaces, with the exception of plastic and metal.

Acrylic paints are widely used for painting wooden objects. Its popularity is due to the fact that, due to its characteristics, such a composition creates a kind of plastic film over the treated area. The dried coating does not fade over time, does not crack, and is not afraid of humidity and temperature changes.

The most convenient way is to use paint in tubes, which, using a special solvent or water, allows you to achieve not only rich designs, but also a watercolor effect.

The technique of using acrylic on wood has its own small feature. Before applying the composition, the surface must be sanded, then primer is applied to it and sanded again. This preparation allows you to paint a wooden surface with better quality.

Using acrylic paint for various surfaces and products are in demand due to the unique positive qualities of this material. And the harmlessness and ease of application allow not only a professional painter or artist, but also an amateur to carry out the work independently.

One of the most popular, colorful and easy-to-work paints is acrylic. Since their main component is water, they dry out very quickly. How to dilute dried acrylic paint so that it is no different from the one you just purchased, we will consider further.

Features and properties of acrylic paint

About fifty years ago, acrylic paints appeared, but during this time they became the most popular among other types of paints. finishing material. With their help, ceilings, walls, floors, wooden, metal, and plastered surfaces are painted. Their popularity is high due to the following advantages:

  • environmental friendliness - the acrylic paint solution does not contain harmful environment substances, and therefore is absolutely safe;

  • acrylic paints are comfortable to work with because they do not have a strong or unpleasant odor;
  • differ enormously color palette, have greatest number colors and shades, compared to other types of paints;
  • After applying the paint, you do not need to wait a long time for it to dry;
  • the painted surface becomes elastic, easy to wash, and the paint does not wear off even after washing;
  • Dirt and dust do not accumulate on the paint surface;
  • the acrylic paint coating allows air to pass through, thereby allowing the surface to breathe, but does not allow water to pass through;
  • If you choose a quality acrylic paint manufacturer, it can last more than ten years.

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The main components of acrylic paint are:

  • pigment;
  • binding component;
  • water.

The binder is a material of synthetic origin, which is called an emulsion based on polymer acrylics. The paint dries due to the rapid evaporation of water; at the end of this process, an elastic film is created that covers the surface. The paint does not crack, is frost-resistant, resistant to delamination and does not crumble.

The separation of acrylic paints occurs in relation to their:

  • application;
  • resistance to physical impacts;
  • degree of whiteness;
  • shine.

Depending on the method of application, acrylic paints are used for painting interior or exterior surfaces. Paints can be universal or combined.

Among acrylic paints, there are types with the properties of moisture resistance, light resistance, and resistance to mechanical stress.

Acrylic paints are used not only in the construction industry, but also in the artistic field. Acrylic is used to paint glass, make ceramics, and paint on leather, paper or canvas.

Some paints differ in their scope of application, as they are intended for application to brick, concrete, plaster, wood or paint surfaces.

To paint walls, floors or ceilings in a room where there is optimal humidity and air temperature, a special type of acrylic paint is used. Its properties make it possible to cover both plastered and relief or plasterboard surfaces.

How to dilute acrylic paints

Before answering the question of how to dilute acrylic paint, let’s try to understand the reasons why this needs to be done.

According to its structure, acrylic paint has a rather thick consistency, so if it is not diluted before work, this will lead to inconvenience in application and its uneven distribution on the surface. Another reason why acrylic paint should be thinned is if it is used after being left open for a long time. If you plan to restore furniture with acrylic paint or create a painting masterpiece, then diluting it before use is mandatory. If this is not done, then traces of the tool used to apply the paint will be displayed on the structure of the surface being painted.

Acrylic paints are a type of water-based paint, so their first and main diluent is water. Although, after applying the paint, the coating becomes waterproof. Therefore, it is recommended to clean all tools that were used in the process immediately after applying the paint, before it dries.

Another thinner option is the material recommended by the paint manufacturer. To do this, you need to refer to its instructions. Special proprietary solvents change the characteristics and features of the paint, for example, making the surface glossy or matte. Therefore, before choosing a solvent, you need to know all the properties of the paint.

Diluting acrylic paint with water: proportions and features

If, however, water is chosen as a solvent for acrylic paint, then you should familiarize yourself with the recommendations that will help make the paint the desired consistency and will not affect its properties in any way.

Use only clean and cold water. Before mixing all the paint with water, you should conduct an experiment and determine exact quantity water necessary for its dilution.

Prepare a pipette or drop bottle that can be used to measure the amount of water in the drops. Start determining the proportions and consistency of the paint. The most popular proportional options for diluting paint are adding water in a ratio of one to one, one to two, one to five or one to fifteen.

We invite you to consider these options in more detail:

  • if the paint is diluted with water in a ratio of one to one, you will get paint that is suitable for applying a base layer, it fits well on the surface, is quite thick, but does not stick to the brush, paints the surface evenly and evenly;
  • when using a paint dilution in a ratio of one to two, the result is a material with increased liquidity that fits well on the brush; when applying such paint to the surface, the layer will be thin and even;
  • if you take five times more water per part of the paint, the paint will take on the appearance of colored water, which penetrates well between the bristles of a roller or brush, and the layer turns out light and barely noticeable; this option is suitable for painting textured parts or surfaces, since the paint is good absorbs and does not remain on convex elements;
  • If you dilute acrylic paint with water in a ratio of one to fifteen, you get ordinary water with a small amount of coloring pigment; it is used to create gradient colors or to create a smooth transition between two tones.

Dilution of acrylic paints intended for painting on walls

To create a unique masterpiece on the wall or simply to decorate it, use multi-colored acrylic paints, which are sold in small boxes. They are also used by artists to paint on canvas.

1. To avoid overdoing the amount of water, use a pipette. To dilute this paint, use a dry or important palette. If they have a cap, then place them in it.

2. Where the paint is diluted depends on how quickly it dries. It is recommended to dilute acrylic paints on damp palettes.

3. The consistency of this paint depends on what tone is required to paint the picture. If you need a bright color, dilute the paint in a ratio of one to one, otherwise, increase the amount of water.

When using water as a diluent, make sure that there are no foreign chemicals or other elements in it. It is recommended to use water that has stood for several hours. Make sure that the paint does not get on other unpainted surfaces; if this happens, it should be removed immediately with a damp cloth.

When applying paint using a spray gun, the paint composition must be uniform and of high quality. In this case, it is better to use purchased thinners recommended by the paint manufacturer. With their help, the paint consistency will be optimal for application with a spray gun.

Using a thinner for acrylic paint significantly changes its properties, namely:

  • surface appearance;
  • layer strength;
  • color and shade.

For these purposes, special solvents are used, the composition of which changes the properties of the paint. Be sure to only use thinners recommended by the manufacturer. Since an unsatisfactory result of the work is possible, which will appear immediately after the paint has dried or after a certain period of time.

Adding thinner to the paint occurs gradually, and it is recommended to use construction mixer, for uniform mixing. To change the color of acrylic paint, use special toners. They allow you to get almost any color and its shade. First add a little toner to a small amount of paint, choose the color you want and apply it to the surface to see how it looks, and then add toner to the whole paint.

To apply paint, use a roller, brush, spray gun - it all depends on the surface on which the paint will be applied, its features and area. We should not forget that after acrylic paint dries, it changes slightly in color, so first apply a little paint to the surface and wait for it to dry; if this shade suits you, then feel free to apply all the paint.

It is advisable that a small amount of paint remains in the jar, since it will be quite difficult to obtain the desired shade after a while, and the paint may be needed for restoration.

After using acrylic paint, it happens that a little paint remains, and in order to return it to its previous state over time, you will need to work hard. The whole reason is that acrylic paint has water base, and, after a certain period of time, the water gradually evaporates, when this process is completed, polymerization of the paint occurs. This process is irreversible, so the less moisture there is in the paint, the worse its quality characteristics become.

The paint restoration process should begin based on its appearance. If there are small clumps of paint in a can and it has not yet completely thickened, then you should add regular acrylic thinner or water with alcohol.

If the paint dries too much, try grinding it into powder, and then pour a little hot boiling water into the box, after a few seconds, drain the boiling water from the paint and repeat the procedure again. When the paint warms up, leave the water poured in the jar for the third time and stir the paint. Of course, the quality characteristics of such paint will be much worse than fresh paint, since it still contains small lumps and the layer on the surface being painted will become less durable.

If acrylic paint has dried to such an extent that it resembles a large and elastic lump, then it is better to throw away such paint, although before that you can try to revive it. To do this, you should grind it and heat it with boiling water, as in the previous method, but instead of ordinary water for the third time, you should add water with alcohol. In this case, the quality of the paint will suffer significantly.

The final result of the work depends on the thickness of the paint, so it is very important to pay a lot of attention to the process of diluting acrylic paint. If the paint is of a fairly thick consistency, then the stripes and joints that the brush or roller leaves will be very noticeable after it dries.

Therefore, before application, it is recommended to dilute and then mix the acrylic paint very well. Some types of paint require dilution with water, while others do not. Therefore, before starting work, be sure to read the instructions. If a film appears on the surface of the paint, you should get rid of it. There is no need to mix it with paint, as it forms lumps that will be visible when painting. After removing the film, strain the paint to completely get rid of micro-lumps. It is possible to add additional components to acrylic paint, which increase its resistance to the occurrence of fungus or mold.

When choosing a tool, you should proceed from the area that needs to be painted. If it is small, then a brush will be enough, but when painting large areas, it is recommended to use a roller or spray gun.

When working with the brush, hold it at a slight angle in relation to the surface to be painted. There is no need to touch the brush to the bottom of the dish in which the paint is located to avoid deformation of its bristles. Do not wipe the brush on the container with paint; it is recommended to shake it gently. The strokes of the brush should be uniform and the stripes should be wide. Carefully blend the joints between them. If a smooth surface is required, avoid crossing stripes or strokes. Apply the paint twice, the first stroke of the brush is directed upward, and the second downward. Periodically change the side of the brush that is applied to the surface so that the bristles wear evenly. If the paint is applied intermittently, the brush should be constantly washed, since even after a few minutes it hardens and becomes unsuitable for further work.

When choosing a roller, you should decide on its optimal size. This is affected by the size of the surface to be painted. Use special baths that will ensure comfortable work with this tool. Make sure that the roller is completely saturated with paint during the immersion process. Prepare the non-working surface on which the roller will be rolled in after it has been immersed. If this is not done, the surface will become stained. Start applying paint from areas away from the corners, spread the paint over the surface, and make sure that the strokes intersect.

When painting a surface, the pressure applied to the roller or brush is also of great importance. If it is weak, then the layers will be uneven and with gaps. With strong pressure, drips will form, which will negatively affect the appearance surface to be painted. If an unpainted area appears on the surface, do not paint it with thick acrylic paint; it is recommended to apply a thinner layer that will remove all defects and connect this area with the overall painted area.

If the paint is applied in several layers, then during the application process it is recommended to wait several hours until the previous layer of paint has completely dried. Otherwise, the second layer will simply wash out the paint and ruin the surface. If small stains form, sandpaper will help get rid of them.

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