Plastic paint gets its name from its high quantity of plastic content. This water-based paint has a thick texture that results in high opacity and a smoother finish. Moreover, it has a highly resilient texture and is easily washable, making stain removal a breeze. In this article, we will delve deeper into the types, applications and pros and cons of plastic paints to help you decide if it is suitable for your requirements.
See also: How to use acrylic paint for walls?
Types of plastic paints
Plastic paints are available in several types that are suited for different applications. Here is a list of the most common types for you to refer to:
Acrylic emulsion paints
With acrylic resin as its primary component, this type of paint is known for its exceptional durability and flexibility. It boasts of features such as resistance to cracking and peeling, good colour retention and washability. You can use this on both interior and exterior walls, and also on metal surfaces with proper priming.
Vinyl emulsion paint
The vinyl acetate polymers of this paint offer a smooth finish and superior adhesion properties. Being mainly suited for application on interior walls and ceilings, it is easily washable and is available in various finishes like matte, satin and gloss.
Textures emulsion paint
This type of plastic paints has extra materials like sand or fine aggregates that provide it a textured finish. It is mainly used for ornamental purposes due to its ability to add depth and dimension to surfaces and hide imperfections without compromising durability. Its applications mainly include creating decorative effects on interior walls.
Silk emulsion paint
If you want a finish that is both attractive and durable, this is the one for you. As the name suggests, silk emulsion paint provides a silky and smooth finish to interior walls. Alongside offering a subtle sheen, it is also washable and resistant to stains.
Matte emulsion paint
This type provides a flat and non-reflective finish that provides exceptional coverage for imperfections. It offers good coverage, is easy to apply and results in a sophisticated look with its subtle finish.
Satin emulsion paint
Offering a unique sheen, this type provides a finish that is more reflective than matte but less glossy than silk or gloss. It results in a perfectly balanced sheen and is highly durable and easily cleanable.
High-gloss emulsion paint
To achieve the highest level of sheen possible, you can go for this variety of plastic paint. Its shiny and reflective effect is often preferred for doors, trims and accent walls. It highlights architectural details admirably and is extremely durable and easy to clean.
Antifungal emulsion paint
Specially designed for moisture-prone areas, this paint comes with added substances that prevent the growth of fungi and mildew. It is recommended for use in bathrooms and kitchens for a cleaner and healthier living environment without compromising looks.
Exterior emulsion paint
This type is specially formulated to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, like UV radiations, rain and temperature extremes. The most durable of the lot, it comes with UV- and water-resistance and antifungal properties.
Fire-retardant emulsion paint
For areas requiring enhanced safety measures, this paint is suitable as it is specially designed to resist the spread of fire. It considerably slows down the spread of flames in case of a fire emergency, offering an extra level of protection in vulnerable areas.
Applications of plastic paints
Plastic paints are suited for different kinds of applications, making it a versatile choice. Here is a list of everything plastic paints can be used for:
Interior walls and ceilings
Plastic paints can be used for application on walls and ceilings of any type of room. Its durability makes it suitable for high-traffic areas while the diverse types of finishes provide the desired visual appeal. Being moisture-resistant and easily cleanable, they are ideal for areas exposed to grease, steam and splashes.
Exterior walls
The variety of plastic paints specially designed for exterior applications have exceptional abilities to withstand harsh weather, UV radiation and pollution while maintaining colour and integrity over time. Moreover, they also provide a professional-looking finish, making them suitable for application on commercial buildings as well.
Furniture and woodwork
Suitable for application on cabinets and door and window frames, these paints enhance the appearance of wooden furniture while also providing a protective layer against scratches and stains. The finish is very durable and can easily withstand rigorous use and exposure to elements.
Metal surfaces
Some plastic paints are specially formulated for use on metal surfaces to prevent rust and corrosion while providing a pleasing finish. They play an essential role in ensuring the longevity and aesthetic appeal of metal furniture exposed to harsh environments.
Textured finishes
The textured varieties of plastic paints can create a variety of decorative effects to add depth and interest to feature walls of your rooms. They are also suitable for detailed artworks and murals that call for a textured look.
Commercial spaces
Plastic paints are suitable for spaces like offices, retail stores and restaurants as they result in a professional, clean finish that is easy to maintain and clean on a regular basis. They can enhance the visual appeal of the space and are also stain-resistant, making them ideal for areas vulnerable to spills.
Educational and healthcare facilities
Alongside being super easy to clean and maintain, plastic paints are generally non-toxic, making it safe for environments exposed to children. Additionally, the antibacterial and antifungal variants help in maintaining optimal hygiene in spaces and preventing the spread of infections.
Industrial applications
The durable and easy cleaning properties of plastic paints are much-valued in industrial setups as such environments are constantly exposed to dirt, grease and contaminants. Using plastic paints helps minimise their impact on the infrastructure.
Public infrastructure
Public areas with high foot traffic benefit from the durable nature of plastic paints. They are also widely used in public washrooms as they are moisture-resistant and washable, making cleanliness and hygiene a breeze in areas where they are most required.
Specialised uses
The fire-retardant variant of plastic paints are ideal for usage in fire prone areas, adding an extra layer of protection against reckless spreading of flames. Some variants are also formulated to resist graffiti, a highly-demanded property in case of public buildings and transport systems.
Pros and cons
Let’s now take a look at the pros and cons of plastic paints to help you decide whether or not it would be a good fit for you:
| Pros | Cons |
| Durability: They can withstand frequent cleaning without losing their finish and retain their appearance for years. | Higher costs: The initial cost of painting might be higher than regular paints due to more expensive variants. |
| Aesthetic appeal: They result in a smooth and even finish and are available in various finishes, colours and styles, allowing endless customisation possibilities. | Application issues: Thorough surface preparation required for optimal results, including sanding and priming. |
| Cleanability: They are super easy to clean and maintain without damaging the underlying surface due to their stain-resistant properties. | Skill level: Application process requires some level of skill, especially in the case of textured paints, making it unsuitable for DIY projects. |
| Good coverage: The application process is a breeze and can be done with brushes, rollers and spray equipment; fewer coats required as compared to regular paint. | Performance limitations: Extreme temperatures might affect the drying process, hampering the overall outcome; most variants require additional coating of sealant for protection against moisture. |
| Environmentally sustainable: Various modern formulations are low on VOCs, thereby reducing indoor air pollution. | Environmental impact: Despite low VOC, they can cause harm to the environment due to their non-biodegradable nature. |
| Versatility: With appropriate priming, they can be used on various surfaces like walls, wood and metal for both indoor and outdoor applications. | Health concerns: Even with the low VOC varieties, some individuals might experience sensitivity to the chemicals used in the paints. |
| Special properties: They are available in antifungal variants that resist the growth of mould and mildew and fire-retardant types that slow down the spread of fire. | Surface damage: Some surfaces might react poorly to plastic paints if not properly prepared; difficulty in removal might make future renovations more challenging. |
FAQs
What are plastic paints made of?
Plastic paints are made from pigment binder like acrylic or vinyl emulsions, with some additives and coalescing agents, using water as a solvent.
Are plastic paints suitable for all types of surfaces?
Plastic paints are versatile and can be easily used on surfaces like walls, ceilings, wood and metal as long as they are properly prepared and primed.
How long do plastic paints take to dry?
While most varieties dry within 1 - 2 hours and can be recoated after 4 - 6 hours, it depends on environmental factors. Full curing might take several days.
Are plastic paints environmentally friendly?
While many varieties are formulated with low VOCs that reduce harmful emissions, the plastic components themselves can cause microplastic pollution over time.
How should plastic paints be applied?
Plastic paints can be applied using various equipment like brushes, roller or spray cans. The surface should be properly cleaned and primed and adequate drying time should be left between coats.
How do I maintain surfaces painted with plastic paints?
Plastic paints are easily washable and can be cleaned with a mild soap solution using a sponge. Cleaning regularly can help maintain its longevity and appearance.
What are the differences between matte, satin and gloss finishes of plastic paints?
Matte results in a flat, non-reflective surface but is not as washable. Satin provides a soft sheen and is more durable than matte. Gloss is high on shine and very reflective, but cannot easily hide imperfections.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |