August 30, 2018

Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or hiring a professional painter in rochester ny, it’s good to be curious about the products you’re using. Today we are going to be covering a little bit about latex paint.

What is latex paint?

All paint is made with a pigment and a binder. The pigment gives the paint its color, and the binder holds it in place once it’s dry. Pigments in paint are generally the same, which is why paints are traditionally named by the binder used. Oil paint is made with pigments in oil, and latex paint is made with pigments suspended in a latex solution.

Latex is made of large, complex molecules mixed in a solution of water. It is commonly found in plants. In fact, 10% of all flowering plants have some form or latex within them. When exposed to air, latex coagulates and forms a tough, flexible compound.

Latex paint is made with a synthetic latex that dries without releasing harmful organic compounds. It forms a thin, rubbery layer that traps the pigment within it.

When do we use latex paint?

Latex is the preferred general use paint for homeowners and professional painters for a variety of reasons. The primary one being safety. Latex paint is non-toxic, non-flammable, and doesn’t leave behind a horrible odor. It’s ideal for your home’s interior, and has many exterior uses as well.

While it has many advantages, latex paint is not without flaws. Chief among these is it’s problem with adhesion to some surfaces. Latex holds up extremely well when it sits on top of latex, or flat oil paints and primers. It doesn’t adhere well to un-primed metals, or surfaces with a glossy sheen or protective coating. 

If you are in the market for a painter in Rochester NY, look no further then the Golden Boys. Call today to schedule your estimate!