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Latex Paint

Description

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Latex paint is a water-based paint that is most notable for having the lowest amount of VOCs or volatile organic compounds. This means that the paint will not let off harmful chemicals into the air, making it safer when used in interior settings. This is also a good paint to use around children and pets to ensure good health. Overall, latex paint has a lot of good qualities such as it ages well, it cleans easily, resists moisture, and comes in several different finishes. Latex paint also adheres to many different mediums, however, metal is not recommended since the latex does not bond well with it. 

 

To make the paint there are four main components, pigments, resins or binders, solvents, and additives. The pigment gives the paint its color as well as the finish or sheen, protection from damage, and how well it can cover the medium below it. The resins or binders are the main component of the paint that hold it all together and to the surface it is being applied to. The solvent is what gives the paint the viscosity that allows for easy application of the paint. Lastly, the additives enhance certain desirable qualities in the paint.

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Environmental Impact

Although latex paint has very low VOCs, there is still a negative environmental impact. This mainly comes from the dumping of excess paint and the cleaning out paint containers. This leads to the contamination of groundwater and nearby aquatic ecosystems since the compounds in the paint can sometimes be toxic. Older paints may also include harmful metals such as lead that can cause major health risks especially in children at the developmental age. Residual solvents also pose a threat for its hazardous chemical makeup.

Interior Uses

  • Cabinets - Latex painted cabinets can add a pop of color to a space and is very versatile in the options to choose from. They can be any color and any finish. 

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  • Furniture -  Latex painted furniture, specifically wood furniture is very hardy since latex paint bonds well with wood. This application allows you to customize existing furniture to the space that it will be in. 

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  • Ceilings - Latex painted ceilings act very similar as walls and can bond to many different ceiling textures. This adds an unexpected element of color to the ceiling of a space. 

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  • Bold Doors - Boldly colored interior and exterior doors add a nice contrast to the rest of the facade or space in which it is in. It also draws your eyes to the entry of a new space making it more welcoming.  

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  • Walls - Wall applications are by far the most popular uses for latex paint. With the endless amounts of color and finishes that latex paint comes in, the possibilities are endless

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Accent Wall

Bold accent walls can be used in any space and can come in many shapes, sizes, color, or many colors. These walls add a focal point or draw your eye to a certain wall of the room. Since this wall can be anywhere the type of finishes on the paint or additives depend on the space that the wall will be in. If the wall is in a bathroom, an additive that is resistant to mildew and moisture is recommended.


ASTM standards: ASTM D7488

University of Wisconsin - Madison

School of Human Ecology

Interior Architecture Phase 2 - Fall 2024

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