What Is Enamel Paint?

Enamel paint usually refers to any hard, glossy, opaque finish. Consider tooth enamel or nail polish enamel used for fingernails and toenails, as well as paint. Traditionally, enamel paints were defined as oil-based enamel, but since water-based paints have become so common, the term is usually used for any glossy paint used on trim, kitchens, bathrooms or anywhere a durable, shiny finish is desired. However, to confuse matters, some manufacturers sell "flat enamels," which can make this a hard term to define.

Types

Enamel paints are any that are hard, washable and usually glossy. They can be oil-based or alkyd-based, which dry slower and harder than water-based enamels. Oil-based paints have a strong solvent odor, and all cleanup is done with paint thinner or mineral spirits. Water-based (also called latex or acrylic) paints are easier to use, dry faster and have a fairly low odor. Enamels may also be urethane or polyurethane, in either water or a solvent base. Enamels typically come in several sheens, from eggshell or low-luster to satin, semigloss and high-gloss. Specialized enamels, often faster-drying, are used for painting appliances and flooring. Some enamels are heat-resistant.

Misconceptions

Before latex paints were available, most paint manufacturers produced what they called "flat enamels," which were a hard, oil-based flat paint that withstood cleaning and scrubbing. Many washable water-based flat paints are now marketed as flat enamels, meaning that they have little or no sheen, but are still very durable and scrubbable. This is not technically correct, but a marketing term, because most consumers assume any enamel paint will be washable.

Function

The higher the gloss of any paint, the harder it dries. Enamel paints are used in the home on any surface that must withstand high traffic, humidity or grubby hands. Trim, doors, bathroom, kitchens and floors are painted with enamel because they withstand more abuse, are moisture-resistant and can be washed repeatedly without marring the surface. Enamels are also used on appliances, painted furniture and industrial applications. Automobiles, boats, parts of airplanes and even space shuttle components are finished with enamel paint.

Considerations

Enamel paints can be applied by brush, roller or spray equipment, depending on the type of paint and purpose. Follow label directions for application methods and drying time, and remember that in almost all cases, several thin coats are better than one or two thick coats. When using any glossy paint, bear in mind that the higher the sheen, the more surface imperfections will show, so proper preparation is important.

Expert Insight

While oil-based enamel reaches optimum hardness in 8 to 24 hours (depending on drying conditions), water-based enamel takes up to a month to cure and are somewhat easier to mar until cured, so care must be taken with washing and handling. Oil-based enamels dry from the inside out, so when they feel completely dry to the touch, they are fully cured. Water-based enamels dry from the outside in. A skin forms on the surface of the paint, so it feels dry to the touch within an hour. However, the underlying paint film dries very slowly. In humid or cool conditions, it can take several weeks to fully harden.