Keywords: urethane trim enamel, UTE, solvent based, water based, low VOC
Latex versus Enamel
The focus of this article is on urethane trim enamel paint. But before I get there, I want to explain the traditional understanding of enamel paint. Traditionally speaking, latex paint is water-based, and enamel paint is oil-based. Latex paint used to be made with latex, which is the protein from rubber trees. In time, latex was replaced with vinyl acetate, acrylics, and other plastics. The term “enamel” was borrowed from the ceramics industry. It signifies a hard and glossy surface, as in a ceramic mug. However, there is no porcelain enamel in the paint. It’s just the name. Today there are some water-based paints that are hard and glossy. They also borrow the enamel description.
- Latex paints are easier to use than enamel because they are thinned and cleaned with water.
- Solvent-based enamel paints are thinned and cleaned with petroleum-based chemicals, which are harsh and smelly.
- Enamel paints provide a harder surface making them more durable and more resistant to scuffs, stains, and fingerprints.
- Latex paint is available in flat to semi-gloss sheens.
- Enamel paint is available in satin to high-gloss sheens.
- Latex paint fully cures in two weeks.
- Enamel paint fully cures in 24 hours.
- Latex paint can be applied with synthetic brushes.
- Enamel paint applies better with a natural animal hair paint brush
On to Urethane Trim Enamel paint, or UTE for short. So, what’s the advantage of UTE paint? It’s this simple:
- UTE paint has the hardness and durability of solvent-based paints, but with the ease of application and clean-up of water-based paints.
- UTE paint achieves a luxurious, cohesive look.
- It offers a polished and professional finish for windows, doors, trim, and furniture. It withstands wear and tear.
- It features excellent washability, which makes it the perfect solution for areas that are cleaned frequently.
- It provides long-lasting beauty, resists yellowing compared to traditional oil-based paints and has excellent blocking resistance and color retention, hardness, adhesion, and durability.
- Urethane trim enamel resists fingerprints and dirt pick up on doors and wood trim.
Homeowners who want the best throughout their house will want urethane enamel, the best in class. It has the easy flow and leveling of oil-based enamel with the low VOC and easy clean-up of a water-based latex. As I mentioned, it stands up to frequent washing and burnishing. The advanced formula performs well both inside and outside.
MTS Painting uses UTE paint as the standard for doors, windows, and trim because it is a superior product. Not only is it durable and washable, it doesn’t stink up the home either. That’s important to us because it is important to our customers. Finally, like other water-based paints, UTE paint is easy to clean and dispose of, making it friendlier to the environment.
Are you ready to start a new painting project? Contact MTS Painting for a free estimate and ask us for more information about using UTE paint in your home, and which products are the best for your situation.
