.If you regularly make 3D prints, model building or craft items with clay, you will need to learn how to use paints as well. There are two types of paints that are usually used by crafters. The big question is between enamel
.If you regularly make 3D prints, model building or craft items with clay, you will need to learn how to use paints as well. There are two types of paints that are usually used by crafters. The big question is between enamel vs. latex paints. I’ll explain which is the best for your project!
The main difference between these paints is that enamel is an oil-based paint that is made with either alkyd (synthetic) or linseed (natural) oils. Latex is a water-based paint made from acrylic resin.
Both types of paints can be used for personal or commercial crafts. Oil-based paints last longer because they contract and expand from room temperatures better than latex paint. It is ideal for projects that will be handled with heavy use, or intended for outdoor exposure on metals, like cars and trucks.
On the other hand, latex paint is more suitable for artistic work, color blends, house paint, and a clean, matte finish.
Let’s take a closer look at how Latex paint works. In this type of paint, the carrier is typically water with glycol ethers mixed as a solvent.
Note that despite its name, Latex paint does not contain latex from the rubber plant. The term “LATEX” in the paint actually refers to the acrylic resin (binder) that is used in the paint. Confusing, right?
You will find many paints on the market that are made with water as their thinner. However, they do not have a latex resin and are simply called “water-thinned” or “water-reducible” paints.
If you buy a paint for your project that specifically has the words ‘latex’ in it, that is because it contains a plastic resin that’s not made from rubber. Instead, the resin is made of polyvinyl or acrylics.
Latex Paint for Crafts
If you want to paint your 3D prints or clay crafts, you can opt for latex paint. You can use this paint with a brush or use a suitable latex paint sprayer. It also works well on surfaces that have already been painted with other latex paints. Acrylic paint for crafts is very inexpensive, sometimes costing as little as 99cents per bottle!
Here is a basic budget set that I have used often:
Many beginner and advanced level creators prefer working with latex paint for their air-dry clay models. This type of paint holds up best compared to other types of paint, such as Tempera.
An eggshell or flat finish is only possible with latex paints. This latex finish is considered to be the more sophisticated and stylish of the two. Latex paint on crafts is also easier to clean up once you are done. Is durable enough to withstand wear and tear.
Flexible yet durable, latex paint is easy to clean and water-resistant enough that makes it ideal for most crafting projects.
Prep the surface.
Using Latex paint on non-porous surfaces such as metal, requires a base coat of a primer paint specifically intended for metal. If you don’t use a primer first, the latex can have a non-permanent bond to the surface and once exposed to temperature changes or weather, you can end up with a peeling mess.
In addition, it works better if you sand the surface you are trying to paint. Latex works best when there is a small texture of roughness. Provides just enough tooth for the paint to adhere to.
Latex paint has a milder odor than enamel paint, making it the better choice for bigger projects where you will need to paint for several hours.
You can mix a variety of additives to Latex paint including Floetrol. It is not the only brand you can use, but quite popular with users.
Even without a primer, Latex paint adheres well to wood, as wood is porous.
Latex paint dries faster than enamel, so the paint coats must be laid quickly and left to level. Cleaning up latex paint is much easier and only requires water and a