subject: Enamel Paints [print this page] Usually the term enamel paint means oil-based covering products with a good amount of gloss in them. However, recently many latex or water-based paints are using the same terms as well. The term enamel paint today means hard surfaced paint and usually refers to premium quality paint brands of higher quality, even floor coatings of a high gloss finish or spray paints as well.
Uses of Enamels
* Floor enamel Apt for concrete, stairs, basements, porches, and patios.
* High-temp enamel Used for engines, brakes, exhaust, and BBQs.
* Nail-enamel Used on finger and toe nails to color or make them shiny
* Fast dry enamel Ideal for refrigerators, counters, and other industrial finishes.
* Model building - This paint is usually sold in 14 ml tinlets (in the UK) and is available through specialist hobbyshops.
Points to be considered
Enamel paints can be applied with the help of a brush, roller or spray equipment. Study the directions for application methods and drying time and also do remember that more than a few quotes are better one or two thick quotes. However, while using a glossy paint keep in mind the higher the sheen, more imperfections will show up, so adequate preparations is crucial.
Expert Comments
Oil-based enamel takes 8 to 24 hours to reach optimum hardness. Water-based enamel takes up to a month. Till then care must be taken with washing and handling. Oil-based enamels dry inside out, so if you feel absolutely dry that means they are fully cured. Alternatively, water-based enamels dry from the outside in. In fact a skin forms on the surface of the paint, which give a feeling that the paint has dried. However, the underlying paint dries very slowly. In cool conditions, it can take quite a few weeks to dry.
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