Polycrylic has been used to protect wooden surfaces for years. Coating polycrylic over wood not only protects wood from heat and moisture but also adds to its shine and smoothness. The rapid transition in trends forces people to change the color and design of wood frequently using paint.
Now the questions that arise in many minds include what happens if you paint over polycrylic and can you paint over polycrylic?
Yes, is possible to paint over polycrylic surfaces. But the nature of paint and polycrylic helps in determining whether you can paint over polycrylic or not. Remember it can be a bit complex to paint over polycrylic, however by selecting the right kind of paint you can easily paint over any kind of polycrylic.
By reading this article, you will learn a lot about painting over polycrylic. You will find out whether painting over polycrylic is a good idea. You will also learn the types of paints used over polycrylic. Lastly, you will find out a comparison between using primer on polycrylic and using paint on polyacrylic.
Is Painting Over Polycrylic A Good Idea?
Painting over polycrylic is becoming increasing popularity nowadays. Many people have tried this idea, and the majority of them are satisfied with the results and suggest others do the same.
Even with the increasing popularity, many people are not even aware of the significance of painting over polycrylic, and often question if it is a good idea to paint over polyacrylic. The simple answer to this question is Yes. Some reasons that compel us to regard the use of paint over polycrylic as a great idea are discussed below.
Fresh Look
Firstly, painting over polycrylic enhances the whole look. Many people have advised painting over polycrylic for creating a distinct and attractive look. Polycrylic protects the wood, but in doing so it ruins the whole look. The texture of surfaces coated with polycrylic looks rough and dull. So, for adding shine and for creating a unique look, is a great idea to paint over polyacrylic.
Enhanced Durability
Secondly, paint over polycrylic creates a double layer over the original surface hence adding up to the durability. Painting over polycrylic controls the moisture content of the wood to a great extent, hence extending its useful life. Also, the double layer over wooden surfaces protects them from direct exposure to UV rays and sun rays.
Better Finish
It is not easy to clean the surface coated with polycrylic. The rough texture of polycrylic surfaces makes cleaning difficult. Also, the stains on polycrylic-coated surfaces are impossible to get rid of. Painting over polycrylic provides a smooth and slippery texture that is easy to clean. Just by using a soft cloth, you can easily clean the mess.
Because of all these reasons, it is fair enough to say that painting over polycrylic is a good idea. However, the choice of paint significantly impacts the quality of painting over polycrylic.
How To Prepare a Polycrylic Surface Before Painting?
You cannot just buy paint and brushes and start painting over a polycrylic surface. The first and probably the most important thing you need to do when painting over polycrylic surface is to prepare the polycrylic surface.
Properly preparing the surface before applying paint helps one in painting polycrylic quickly and efficiently. It is very easy to prepare a polycrylic surface for painting. Some of the things you need to ensure before painting a polycrylic surface include:
1. Cleaning the Surface
The first thing you need to do before painting a polycrylic surface is to clean it properly.
Use a soft cloth and cleaning solution to eliminate all the stains and dust particles on the surface. By freeing the surface of dirt, oil, and other mess, you can experience greater smoothness and shine after paint. Cleaning the surface also makes painting polycrylic an easy task.
2. Fixing The Damages If Any
If your polycrylic surface is damaged, then it is essential to get it maintained before painting. The scratches and cracks can be covered by painting, but their presence can contribute to creating bubbles. Thus, they need to be fixed before painting.
3. Drying The Polycrylic Completely
If you have freshly coated polycrylic over the surface, then give it enough time to dry before painting it. Many people apply both polycrylic and paint on the surface on the same day. Doing so is not advised, as it ruins the whole look. Make sure to give the polycrylic surface at least twenty-four hours of drying time and then paint it.
4. Look For Weather Conditions
Another important thing you need to do while preparing the polycrylic surface for painting is to look for the temperature and weather conditions. Avoid painting the polycrylic surface in humid weather. The presence of moisture in the atmosphere not only ruins the shine of the paint but also disturbs the consistency of the paint.
Additionally, one should avoid painting in direct sunlight as it also contributes to running the quality and color of the paint. If the polycrylic surface to be painted is movable, then it is a good idea to paint it under shade.
5. Sanding
Can you paint over polycrylic without sanding is a commonly interrogated question. Even when it is possible to paint over polycrylic without sanding, it is not a good idea to do so. Sanding removes all the blemishes leaving a smooth surface to be painted. If the polycrylic used is glossy, then it is essential to sand the surface to give it a matte look after paint.
By taking the measures shared above, you can prepare the polycrylic surface to be painted efficiently. The preparation of polycrylic surface before painting makes the painting procedure easy and provides better results. Also, paint last longer on a surface that is well prepared before painting when compared to one that is not prepared.
Do You Need To Prime A Polycrylic Surface Before Painting?
Before discussing the need to prime a polycrylic surface before painting it is important first to understand what priming is. In simple words priming a surface means applying a coat on it to prepare it for painting.
Priming protects the original surface and makes painting an easy process. To ensure smooth finishing it is always advised to apply a coat of primer before painting. Some other advantages of priming a surface include:
- Primer clogs the open pores resulting in smoothing the surface
- It covers scratches
- It provides a coat for the paint to stick with
- It increases the robustness of the paint
- It neutralizes the color of the surface to make the paint look even better
Impressed by all these benefits people often ask if they need to apply primer to a polycrylic surface before painting or not. Generally, the nature of paint helps in addressing this question. If you are using chalk-based or latex paint, then you don’t need to prime a polycrylic surface. This is because these paints already have primer added to them.
If the polycrlic used is oil-based, then you need to prime the surface before painting. Also, if the surface is stained, porous, glossy, or rough, then it is a good idea to prime it before painting.
What Type Of Paint Will Stick To Polycrylic?
There are many different types of paints available in the market. The most common types include oil-based paints, latex paints, emulsion paint, enamel paint, and cement paint. All the paints have their advantages and disadvantages. The type of paint that is best for you depends on the surface you are using it on. Paint that is best for one surface may not be suitable for the other one.
In the presence of many different types determining what paint will stick to polycrylic is difficult. When working on painting over polycrylics, it is essential to choose the type of paint carefully.
The top types of paints that will stick to polycrylic include:
Chalk Based Paints
Can you paint over polycrylic using chalk paint, is a common query among people thinking of painting over polycrylic. Owning to the benefits of chalk paint, majority of the people are using it to paint their polycrylics surfaces. Chalk paints are water-based paint and are perfect to be used on polycrylics.
Chalk paints not only stick to polycrylic surfaces but also lasts longer than any other kind of paint. There is no need to prime or sand the surface before applying chalk paint, which further adds to its ease of use.
Acrylic Paint
Again, acrylic paints are water-based paints and hence stick well with polycrylics. Acrylic paints are versatile, so you can paint your polycrylic surface with any colour. Acrylic paints are highly appreciated for being affordable, durable, and vibrant.
Additionally, this type of paint is water-resistant and stain-proof, which further makes it a perfect choice for use on polycrylics.
Latex Paint
Can latex paint be used over polycrylic is another frequently asked question. Being water-based, latex stick well to polycrylics. Thus, can be used for painting over polycrylic surfaces. The easy availability and affordability of latex paint compel people to use it widely.
Among the other reasons forcing people to use latex paint include its fast drying and easy application. It offers a smooth finish and lasts longer. Furthermore, the surfaces coated with latex are easy to clean.
Milk Paint
Milk paint is a relatively new type of paint. Owing to its high quality, milk paint is becoming a popular choice among people. Milk paints are composed of borax and non-toxic powder. Being eco-friendly, the use of milk paint is advised by the authorities.
Milk paint creates a protective layer over the polycrylic surface while enhancing its look. Milk paints don’t emit any noxious gas, therefore are not harmful to our health.
By choosing any of the above options, you can provide a smooth texture to your polycrylic surface. One important thing you need to remember while painting polycrylics is to avoid the use of oil-based paints.
Polycrylic is a water-based solution, that expands and contracts with time. On the other hand, oil-based paints don’t remain the same over time, resulting in cracking the finish over time.
People who have used oil-based paints over polycrylics have complained of their difficult application and slow drying process. The use of oil-based paints is also discouraged because their color fades with time, ruining the whole look of the surface.
Best Primers
1. INSL-X High Build Peel Bonding Primer BP-1100: INSL-X primer adheres to all types of surfaces and provides lasting results. It provides a surface for the paint to stick on without getting cracked, and also it prevents the peeling of paint. Additionally, it smoothens the surface for better application of paint.
2. Zinsser Bulls Eye Primer: This primer coats well even on non-sanded surfaces. This primer has a stain-resistant quality that makes it a perfect choice. Also, any kind of paint can be coated on this primer, which further contributes to making it a perfect choice.
Best Paints
1. Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint: Rust-oleum chalked paint is the best choice for painting over polycrylic. This paint is available in many different colors, you can choose the one that goes well with your settings. Depending on the surface, you even don’t need to prime it before using this paint.
2. Kilz Low-Luster Enamel Paint: Paints by Kilz are also a good option for painting over polycrylics. Kilz paints is a reputable brand, so the quality cannot be doubted. Kilz low-luster enamel paint is appropriate for all surfaces.
FAQs
Yes, you can paint over polycrylic using chalk paint. Chalk paint creates a thick layer over the polycrylic, which helps in protecting the surface from heat, moisture, and UV rays for a long time. Chalk paint is highly adhesive and hence sticks well with polycrylic.
Yes, latex paint can be used over polycrylic. Latex paint is water-based and thus sticks well with polycrylic.
The answer to this question depends upon the surface of polycrylic. If the surface is rough, then sanding is required, and if the surface is smooth sanding step can be missed.
Verdict
It is practical to say that painting over polycrylic is a great idea. The choice of paint and surface preparation before application significantly influences the results. For making a better choice, make sure to invest time and effort while deciding on the type of paint you will use over polycrylic.