Acrylic Paints Vs. Ceramic Paints

Durability

• Ceramic paint is designed to last longer than acrylic paint due to a higher concentration of solids. Ceramic paint is used more in southern climates. Acrylic paint is used more in northern climates. This is largely due to the way moisture affects the different formulas. Ceramic paint also adapts to other materials slightly better than acrylic because it will lay down flat on composite products used in home building such as masonry or metal.

Color

• Acrylic paint has the edge when it comes to color. Acrylic paint, which also has a water base like ceramic paint, derives its name from the acrylic binder. The color pigment of the paint is suspended in the acrylic binder, allowing for brighter, more vivid color than ceramic paint. Acrylic paint has been around longer than ceramic paint, and is also sometimes refereed to as "latex" paint, although today's acrylic formula contains no latex, which is a rubber compound.

Cost

• Ceramic paint is more expensive. Depending on where you buy it, ceramic paint can be almost twice as expensive. This is in part due to the claim that it will last longer. The paint application methods are similar, and the cost of labor is no different when using either paint. Ceramic paint can benefit slightly more from proper surface preparation -- which is more time consuming -- and could therefore impart slightly more labor cost.

Looks

• Ceramic paint will not chip or crack as much as acrylic. The difference is subtle, but can make a difference in some applications. It will age better and retain smooth characteristics longer than acrylic. Ceramic paint, also known as liquid siding, will dry flat and smooth, almost like plastic. Acrylic paint resembles more traditional paint and will show brush strokes more than ceramic. Acrylic paint can also be slightly textured with a stiff brush, whereas ceramic paint typically won't hold such texturing well, smoothing out as it dries.