Six Differences between Acrylic Paint and Alkyd Paint

Acrylic paint is a new type of paint invented after alkyd paint. Therefore, there is a big difference between the two in terms of performance.

Composition of Acrylic Paint and Alkyd Paint

Alkyd paint is composed of alkyd resin, organic solvent, and pigment, but does not require a curing agent, and belongs to single-component paint.

Acrylic paint is made of acrylic resin, organic solvent, and pigment. Depending on the specific model, it needs to be used with a curing agent. Some belong to single-component paint, while others belong to two-component paint.

Drying of Acrylic Paint and Alkyd Paint

The drying speed of the two is different. The drying speed of alkyd paint is slower, with a surface drying time of ≤3H, which will lengthen the construction period and increase labor costs.

Acrylic paint dries faster, with a surface drying time of ≤0.5H, which can shorten the construction time and save costs.

Decorative Performance of Acrylic Paint and Alkyd Paint

alkyd paint and acrylic paint are often used as topcoats. The decorative performance of the two is not the same. Due to its slow drying speed, alkyd paint film is difficult to meet higher requirements, and it is prone to losing gloss and fading after long-term use.

Acrylic paint dries quickly, and the film is hard and durable. Even after long-term use, it can still provide excellent gloss and color retention, making it better for decorative use.

Characteristics of Acrylic Paint and Alkyd Paint

There is a big difference between the characteristics of alkyd paint and acrylic paint, particularly in terms of weather resistance and resistance to chemical corrosion. Due to the stable and hard texture, strong adhesion, and fewer micropores of acrylic paint film, it has a better ability to retain gloss and color, and is more weather resistant.

alkyd paint is prone to serious loss of gloss and color, as well as peeling and powdering, after prolonged use, resulting in poor weather resistance.

In terms of resistance to chemical corrosion, acrylic paint coating performs better. Due to its stable texture, fewer micropores, and better corrosion resistance, it is considered heavy anti-corrosion paint. alkyd paint has poor resistance to corrosion and is considered a light anti-corrosion paint as it is prone to exposing the base material under prolonged corrosion.

Application of Acrylic Paint and Alkyd Paint

alkyd paint is mainly used for general woodwork, home decoration, and metal surfaces with low corrosion resistance requirements.

Acrylic paint, however, is applied more to metal surfaces that require high corrosion resistance, such as anti-corrosion and anti-rust of factory steel structures, and outdoor decorative coatings for buildings, due to its better performance.

Price of Acrylic Paint and Alkyd Paint

The price of alkyd paint is lower than that of acrylic paint.