Is it possible to wash latex paint - or can streaks be avoided?

Don't be afraid to wash latex paint. It is quite wear-resistant. The surfaces on which it is applied can be treated with water, detergents and a soft bristle brush. Since this type of coloring composition is not afraid of aggressive chemicals, it is used where cleaning is carried out much more often and more thoroughly than usual: in hospitals, educational institutions, etc.

Latex paint comes in different varieties. The composition of the substance also determines where it can be used. Some varieties tolerate sun, others do not. The same applies to moisture resistance and other parameters.

Pros and cons of latex paint

What advantages does this type of paint have?

• This is a wear-resistant coating that will last longer than traditional types of paint.
• Such compositions have a rich color and retain their brightness for a long time.
• Many types of latex paint hardly fade or deteriorate when exposed to sunlight.
• The painted areas are not sticky due to the fact that there are almost no additional additives in the composition.
• The paint is easily removed from clothing.
• Latex paint is harmless, does not release toxic substances into the air and does not have an unpleasant odor. Its solvent is ordinary water.
• The coating is moisture resistant.
• Bubbles do not appear on the painted area, since the paint allows air to pass through well.
• The painted surface dries quickly - in about half an hour.
• This type of paint can create both a glossy and matte surface.

It also has disadvantages:

• To prevent fungus from growing in the room, it is necessary to pre-treat the wall with a primer.
• It tolerates cold worse than other types of paint, which is why it is not very suitable for poorly heated rooms. Therefore, painting a dacha with it, for example, is not the best option.
• Applying paint is not so easy: you need to press the brush not too hard, but not too lightly.

Types of latex paint

Latex paints can be divided into varieties according to several criteria.

Compound

There are five subspecies here:

• Water-based. It's inexpensive and doesn't smell at all. It washes off well from hands, clothes and tools, but does not tolerate wet rooms very well. You need to wash it as carefully as possible, under no circumstances using toxic household chemicals, otherwise the coating will be damaged and acquire an unpleasant odor.
• Butadiene-styrene. Much more moisture resistant. However, it is not suitable for rooms where sunlight is constantly exposed. In the sun it simply fades. Therefore, this variety is best suited for pantries or bathrooms.
• Acrylic-silicone. It is not afraid of light or moisture, therefore it is excellent for painting facades.
• Acrylic. Recently it has become much more popular, even though it is quite expensive. This is because painting the surface of the same area will require much less than in the case of cheaper analogues.

Purpose

According to their intended purpose, latex paints are divided into:

• dense - only for the ceiling;
• vinyl - for both ceilings and walls;
• dripless - they can be used to paint cracked surfaces;
• acrylic - they can be used to process wood products;
• textured - allow you to make relief designs.

How to clean surfaces coated with latex paint?

It is recommended not to use abrasive cleaners. Brushes and rags should also not be hard (especially in the case of water-based paint).

It is better to use a mild cleaner or mild soap solution:

1. Add the product to warm water.
2. Dampen the sponge or rag, wring it well and gently wipe the painted surface. Particular care should be taken to clean areas that you frequently touch, such as door handles. You need to wipe smoothly and easily.
3. Next you need to use another sponge. Soak it in clean water and wipe the wall so that no cleaning agent remains on it. Be careful not to touch sockets and other places where electric current is supplied.

A mixture made of cold water and soda (the ratio of ingredients is one to one) will help deal with stains that are very difficult to remove. Apply it to the stain, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

You can easily clean painted wood using alcohol.

Walls coated with latex paint are completely safe to wash. However, it is better to understand which variety was used. This way you will definitely not damage the coating by choosing the wrong detergent or using a brush that is too hard.