It’s a good choice to paint with latex as the paint is versatile, easy to apply and even more environmentally friendly than others. Also, latex paint is well known for its faster drying time which gives smoother finish and does not even show brush strokes.
Latex paint can be used on wood, brick, metal or cement or any other surfaces with less likelihood of cracking or peeling.
Is Latex Paint Waterproof?
Latex paint isn’t waterproof but it contains acrylic resins, which are plastic materials that can hold the moisture. They are well-known for their quick drying up with providing a water-resistant surface. It gives better coverage on the surface and ensures excellent transparency and durability.
Latex paints are considered water-resistant rather than water-proof due to their water-based formulation, which is primarily made of resins such as polyvinyl acetate polymers.
It acts as binders to hold pigments and water as solvents to form a film over the painting surface that helps to hold moisture. It’s well-known because it dries quickly and leaves a glossy, water-resistant surface.
It will repel water on damp surfaces, but moisture will be retained rather than be completely waterproof. Here are briefly discussing about the types of latex paints:
Acrylic latex paint:
It’s one of the most popular and high-quality water-based latex paints in the trade, made entirely of acrylic resin for added durability and water resistance.
Acrylic latex is more flexible and water-resistant than natural latex since it is made up of 100% synthetic acrylic resin. Vinyl acrylic latex is the best and most extensively used acrylic latex for painting bathroom and kitchen surfaces.
Exterior latex paint:
This exterior latex paint is a weather-resistant, water-soluble variety of latex paint that can withstand any type of adverse weather. It also keeps the color from fading.
Interior latex paint:
This interior latex paint is a good choice for resisting mildew and any form of leakage because it contains vinyl acrylic, which is considerably less expensive and washable, making it suited for interior walls.
Enamel latex paint:
Enamel latex paint holds water on wet surfaces, retaining moisture. It enables the integration of both oil-based and water-based paints, making it appropriate for both exterior and interior use.
It dries rapidly, is water resistant, and provides excellent coverage and use.
Does rain affect latex paint?
Rain can affect latex paint. The impact of rain on latex paints differs depending on the type.
Some types of latex paint that are 100 percent acrylic resin latex are not visibly affected by rainy weather as they do not trap moisture beneath them due to the presence of 100 percent acrylic binders like polyvinyl synthetic polymers that give an elastic property on the surface.
But some varieties of latex paint may be affected by constant rainfall that will affect the latex paint as it is not fully water-proof but slightly resistant to moisture.
To prevent latex paint from flaking during rain, freshly painted latex walls must dry completely in the sunlight. Water-based paints, such as latex paint, are usually preferred over oil-based paints on rainy days because they retain moisture better.
Because latex paint is not waterproof but somewhat water resistant, it may flake off paint in some spots and be affected by rain.
2 Reasons why latex paint is not waterproof:
Latex paint, despite being a water-based paint, is not waterproof. Waterproof paints, in most circumstances, are unaffected by continuous rain and do not easily peel off under wet conditions.
Due to the presence of microscopic, unnoticeable pores that might absorb water, they are not considered waterproof. They also lack the sealant’s capacity to form a suitable bond with the surface, preventing the paint from becoming waterproof.
Because latex is made up of resins and water, the polymer in it makes it water resistant, allowing it to solely deal with moisture.
Small pores:
To be waterproof, it should be free of any pores because they can aid in the absorption of water, yet latex paint has some unnoticeable pores on the painted surface.
Due to the presence of vinyl resins, these holes can absorb water when exposed to heavy rain, making the surface less waterproof but still water resistant.
Lack of sealing ability:
In order to be waterproof, waterproof paints should usually seal the surface well. Latex paints contain synthetic resin, which has no sealing properties.
Epoxy paints, on the other hand, contain epoxy resin binders that act as a sealant, binding tightly to the surface and preventing water from entering.
Is latex paint water-resistant?
Latex paint can withstand water. It is resistant and long-lasting because of the resin polymer component. It is composed of a synthetic resin polymer emulsion, with the resin acting as a binder and water acting as a solvent for water resistance.
When moisture is present in the environment, the resin binder particles form a securely bonded compound on the surface, preventing water from entering. To withstand moisture, it produces a plastic-like layer on top.
Acrylic latex is widely used and appreciated for its non-reflective appearance, as well as its durability and water resistance. Latex paints adhere well to a variety of surfaces and are easily washable.
Because of their water resistance, these paints are ideal for use in high-humidity environments such as bathrooms and kitchens. Thus, the water-resistant quality of latex paints avoids cracking on wet surfaces by keeping water from damaging the surface.
How long before latex paint is water-resistant?
To become water resistant, it can take an average of 5-6 hours after the final coat of paint has applied. When it was applied, it was completely wet and fresh and absorbed moisture in the atmosphere making the paint water-soluble.
Though it can feel dry to touch within one or two hours, the solvent can still be evaporated from the paint coating.
When you’ll notice the latex paint has completely hardened and the paint particles become closely packed it means the paint has become completely water-resistant.
Constant two to three hours of direct sunlight can fasten the process to make it dry but it’s better if you are painting an exterior and finish it up four to six hours before the rain starts.
After 5-6 hours it becomes fully dried up you can wash, clean or wipe and the paint won’t come and even moderate rain won’t damage.
How do I make latex paint waterproof?
There are actually two ways to make latex paint waterproof : applying two to three coats of the water-based sealant or stir in a paint additive before the beginning of the process.
By sealing the latex paint with a moisture-resistant or waterproof sealant, latex paint can be made waterproof but first it needs to scuff the latex paint first with a sandpaper. Then apply the water based sealant in two or three coats over the latex paint and let it dry.
The waterproof sealant will prevent water and oils from penetrating the latex paint underneath and prevent damage due to rot, freezing and warping. For the second process of adding waterproof additives in the paint follow the steps:
Measure and pour in the bucket:
Measure the four parts of latex paint perfectly and pour it in a 22.5 liter (5 gallon) bucket.
Add the additive:
Add the waterproofing paint additive in 1-to-4 ratio and ensure the amount of the additives is 20 percent of the total paint volume. But don’t mix latex paint with an oil-based sealant.
The mixing process has to be slow and mixed until the additive is thoroughly combined with the paint.
Stir the paint:
Stir the paint with a wooden stir stick for at least four full minutes and then apply the paint and let it dry.
What kind of paint is waterproof?
Waterproof paint is either water-resistant or entirely waterproof that helps to avoid water seepage and the resulting damage to a home’s foundation. They provide a strong waterproof seal and sustains the moisture on its surface.
They are mostly used on surfaces made of concrete or wood bricks, cement, stones for absorbing water and other liquids, surfaces easily cleaned with soap and water. Waterproof paints not only work as water-resistant but also work against humidity.
There are many types of waterproof paints. Some waterproof paints make surfaces dirt resistant, durable, and give long protection besides making it water-resistant. Some prevent the surface from tearing, cracking, peeling, blistering and flaking.
Some contain algaecide and fungicide which works against fungal and algal growth and also for anti-aging. Here are the list of different kinds of waterproof paints:
- Epoxy Paint
- Masonry Paint
- Acrylic Paint (after dried up)
- Acrolein Elasticized Paint
Final Thoughts
Latex paints are typically considered water-resistant as they can hold moisture due to their water-based formulation. Latex paint contains acrylic resins that provide better coverage on the surface. Moreover, it dries up very quickly, leaves a glossy surface and repels water from damp surfaces.