Difference Between Acrylic and Enamel

Acrylic and enamel paints have similar characteristics.

It's not easy to tell the difference between acrylic and enamel just by looking because both are glossy, true colored and hard. But there are chemical makeup and finish differences.

Enamel

True enamel is a layer of glass that has been thermo-induced in a thin layer onto metal. It is not paint, but some paints are labeled "enamel paint" because they give the appearance of enamel.

Acrylic

Acrylic is pigmented plastic that can either be water or chemical based, but when acrylic paints are referred to as "enamel" or "acrylic" it is usually the enamel that is the chemical base and acrylic that is water based.

Differences

Enamel is heat and scratch resistant, but has little elasticity. Though tough in appearance, acrylic paint can be scratched. (Soluble acrylic paint sometimes needs a top coat for durability.) Acrylic paint has little or no odor, whereas enamel paint can be quite pungent. Enamel can yellow over time, and although acrylic maintains its color even in sunshine, it can stain. Acrylic paints adhere to surfaces easily and their flexibility keeps them crack-resistant. Enamel has a longer drying time and is more cumbersome to clean up.

References

• Sydney Painting Professionals: Paint Specifications
• Vitreous Enamel Association: What is Vitreous Enamel?
• Craig Central: Paint Types
• Web Exhibits: Pigments in acrylics
• Architectural Plastics, Inc.: Custom Sheet Plastic Fabrication & CNC Cut & Hand Routing of Solid Stock