Mixing colors and having objects and properties painted in desired colors has been an age long practice by humans. In some cultures, humans paint themselves up to as a symbol of wealth, status and as a fashion statement.

The quest for the discovery of paints better suited for both exterior and interior surfaces, led to the discovery of the paints. 

In your search for paints that can give that glossy and oily look with the ability to prevent rust, you might have come across the ultimate paint. The reasons why enamel paints are the ultimate and one of the most sought-after paints, are what will be discussed in this article.

What is enamel paint?

A good description of this paint must put into consideration its physical qualities and its effect on surfaces.

Having the above sentence in mind, an enamel paint can be defined as a semi-transparent and mostly oil based substance. The substance which when applied on a surface gives a dry shell-like opaque finish.

It is very important not to confuse results from the paints with that of enamels heat fired in a kiln. They might have some similar traits, but they are not the same.

Types of Paint

The paint is classified based on its gloss levels. It must be noted that the durability and level of protection of this paint offers depends on its level of gloss. This paint is divided into three (3) as follows.

1. Matt/Satin Enamel

This type of enamel paint is used for interior painting due to their inability to reflect light. It can be used to paints imperfect surfaces as it doesn’t have the ability to illuminate the imperfections. Matt/Satin enamel can be used to paint surfaces such as ceilings, windows, kitchen walls, children room e.t.c.

2. Gloss Enamel

Gloss enamel has a very good ability to reflect light. It is mostly used in painting exterior surfaces due to its shiny and glassy appearance. Surfaces with imperfections cannot be painted with gloss enamel. This is because it will illuminate the imperfections on the surface.

3. Flat Enamel 

Flat enamel do not reflect light. This characteristic makes it one of the most durable type of enamel paints. They are used for the painting of surfaces that might require regular cleaning such as bathroom and kitchen.

Uses of the Paint

Since the 1850s enamel paints have been consistent in their ability to provide a glossy and plastic-like appearance. Depending on what needs to be accomplished with its usage, it can be used for the painting of different surfaces. The following are some of the uses of enamel paint.

On Doors

The glossy and almost plastic-like end result enamel paint gives makes it the ideal paint for doors. Apart from beautifying the door, it also helps to protect the door from termites. Doors are the first part of your room that welcomes a visitor, paint it today and see visitors walk past it to your room with a broad smiling face.

On Grills

Grills are painted using enamel paints due to its ability to resist water, rust and high temperature. This ensures the durablity of your grills and it’s availability come rain come shine. Why don’t you get that grill painted in enamel today and be sure you won’t have to spend money a new pair in a long time.

Walls

Walls can be painted for many reasons such as;

a) Worn out painting,

b) Maintenance of the existing paints, and

c) Walls which has never been painted before.

 No matter the reason, this paint has been used to provide a new glow and coloration to the walls of rooms. Paint that room in enamel paint and enjoy a durable, beautiful and dirt resistant wall in your room.

On Staircases

A beautiful and glossy staircase is an added beauty to house. Apart from the beauty, it gives an impression of a clean and tidy environment to any visitor. A enamel painted staircase provides a beautiful, glossy and easy to clean surface in the house.

Old and new surfaces

Enamel Paint works perfectly for both old and new surfaces. In both cases, the goal of acheiving a glossy, well illuminated and beautiful surface can be achieved.

Shades of paint are available

The shade of the paint varies from well-known primary colors to the lesser-known complex shades. There are shades chart available for use to determine the best shade combination to give you your desired result.

The type of shade of enamel paints to be used depends to a large extent on the surface on which it is to be applied. Some shades fit a particular surface better than the others.

For doors, grey shades of enamel paint fit better, black and maroon for windows, white for staircases and off-white for kitchen walls.

Durability of paint

Enamel paints are known for their durability due to the fact that they are mostly oil based and resistant to water, and high temperature. The durability of this paints depends on the surface on which they are applied. Below I made an attempt to list surfaces and the durability of enamel paint when applied on them.

Paint durability on Doors

Gloss enamel paint are recommended for doors because high degree of durability on doors. The type of enamel paint applicable on doors when dry gives it a hard glossy feel, this increases the woods durability to a large extent.

Paint durability on Grills

Grills due to the nature of its function is exposed to high degree of temperature. Most enamel paint when applied to heat generating equipment can withstand up to 500-degree Fahrenheit of heat. Enamel paint applied on grills makes it highly durable.

Paint durability on Walls

Walls, especially those of the kitchen and children’s room are easily stained. Application of enamel paint makes it easy for the walls to be washed and still retain it’s glossy and shiny nature. Therefore, the paint makes walls more durable and beautiful.

Paint durability on Staircases

Matt/Satin enamel paint are always recommended for the painting of staircases which is one of the busiest areas of a home. The paints can be washed, keeping the staircase clean at all times.

What is the benefit of enamel paint?

This paint has some peculiarities that makes it different from other paints. This peculiarity also makes it a user’s delight and highly sought after.

The benefits of enamel paints are as follows:

• This paint when applied dries faster than other paints. 
• It gives glossy finish after drying. Although some types are more reflective than others.
• This paint when finished, gives a hard surface which are water resistant and easy to clean.
• It can be used on any type of surface. The result from any type of surface is always a beauty to behold. 
• There is an 100% assurance of a uniform finish on any surface it is applied on.

When next you are thinking of painting any surface in your house, you have a reliable paint in enamel paint ready to deliver just as you’ve dreamt of. Who wouldn’t want to have glossy, reflective, hard and water-resistant surfaces in their house? Your guess is as good as mine.

FAQs

Does enamel paint need primer?

Enamel paints are water resistant, and most times do not require primers. Some surfaces do not allow for paints to stay on them. Those surfaces require preparations that involve the use of primers before the paints can be applied. Surfaces such as metals and plastics require the use primers for enamel paint to stay on them.

Which is better, enamel or acrylic paint?

The debate of which is better between enamel and acrylic paint has been going on for a while. I would say enamel is better than acrylic because of the numerous advantages it offers when compared to acrylic paint. Acrylic paints give a non-reflective finish when compared to enamel paints which give a glossy finish. Enamel paints are oil-based paints which are water resistant. The same cannot be said of acrylic paints which are water-based and are therefore not water resistant.

Can I paint enamel over acrylic?

Yes. Enamel paints can be used over acrylic paints with necessary precautions taken. A primer needs to be applied over the acrylic paint before enamel can be applied to it. This is to prevent a situation whereby the acrylic paint rises underneath the enamel after some years due to chemical reaction.

Do you need a special brush for enamel paint?

As the ultimate paint, enamel paint can’t be applied using normal paint brushes. To apply this paint on surfaces you need a brush a natural bristle to get the job done. A Chinese bristle or ox-hair bristle had the capacity to deliver a finer finish.

Conclusion

Every human wants to go back to a well painted home surface after every close of work. Enamel paint provides that glossy finish and almost plastic-like appearance for your surface. That appearance makes your surfaces irresistible to the eye. If you have kids and pets in your house, then this paint is the best bet as it allows for easy cleaning of any stain they might leave on the wall.

Why don’t you try out enamel paints on your about-to-be painted surface today and enjoy the treat the ultimate paint has to offer. 

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