Finishes
Contents
Water-based Paint
Latex - The term "Latex" is used by some paint companies to refer to their water based paints. There is no natural latex in modern paints.
Acrylic - "Acrylic" or "Acrylic Latex" paint are water based paints that contain "Acrylic" as the film forming binder ingredient. "Acrylic" provides a non yellowing durable finish. "Acrylic enamel" or "Acrylic latex enamel " paint is a water based acrylic paint with a high durability rating. Typically these paints have a (non yellowing) gloss or semigloss sheen for coating windows, doors, and woodwork trim.
Water based paints dry quickly as moisture evaporates. Their finish is not as shiny or as durable as oil based paints but the ease of clean up makes water based paints a popular choice. They can be cleaned up with warm water and a bit of mild detergent.
Oil-based Paint
Wood Stain
Wood stain is a type of finish that is low in viscosity and designed to penetrate the surface rather than remaining in a film on top of the surface. Stain is predominantly pigment or dye and solvent with little binder, designed primarily to add color and allow the woods natual grain to show through.
