Latex paints

Latex

— one type of paint (see "Type") with a so-called water-dispersion composition.

All water-dispersion paints, as the name suggests, are diluted with water when applied. In this case, the actual "active substances" do not dissolve in water but are in an emulsion state—a suspension of tiny droplets. It should be noted that accidental stains from such paint on hands, clothing, etc., can be easily removed by washing with water or simply wiping with a damp cloth. However, after drying (evaporation of water), this paint forms a dense film on the treated surface and becomes water-resistant. At the same time, the film is permeable to air, allowing the treated surface to "breathe." Additionally, the general advantages of water-dispersion paints include fire safety, non-toxicity, almost complete absence of unpleasant odors, the possibility of using rich colors that retain their original appearance for a long time, and suitability for use in high humidity conditions.

This particular variety is most often an acrylic or acrylate paint (see relevant sections) with an added latex component. However, there are formulations available that do not contain any acrylic polymers at all. In any case, latex paints are considered high-quality materials and are priced accordingly. From a practical standpoint, they are notable for their very high moisture resistance, versatility, ability to cover small cracks (up to 1 mm), and good polymerization speed—this last feature, in particular, facilitates the use of latex when painting ceilings. On the other hand, latex is less resistant to constant exposure to light compared to pure acrylic; it does not last as long on surfaces exposed to direct sunlight.