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Enamel paint

An enamel paint is a paint that supposedly dries to an extremely hard, usually glossy, finish. In reality, most commercially-available enamel paints are significantly softer than either vitreous enamel or stoved synthetic resins.

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With respect to paints enamel is a fanciful term, implying that an ordinary latex or oil-based paint has the same properties as true, fired vitreous enamel.

Some enamel paints have been made by adding varnish to oil-based paint.

The term sometimes refers to oil-modified polyesters that were introduced in the early 1930s. The oil is required to stop or enhance the crosslinking of the paint in order to achieve sufficient flexibility of the paint film.

Typically the term "enamel paint" is used to describe oil-based covering products, usually with a significant amount of gloss in them, however recently many latex or water-based paints have adopted the term as well. The term today means "hard surfaced paint" and usually is in reference to paint brands of higher quality, floor coatings of a high gloss finish, or spray paints.

Uses/categories of enamel

Floor enamel - May be used for concrete, stairs, basements, porches, and patios.
Fast dry enamel - Can dry within 10-15 minutes of application. Ideal for refrigerators, counters, and other industrial finishes.
High-temp enamel - May be used for engines, brakes, exhaust, and BBQs.
Antirust enamel
Enamel is also used on wood to make it resistant to the elements via the waterproofing & rotproofing properties of enamel. Generally, treated surfaces last much much longer and are much more resistant to wear than untreated surfaces.
Nail-enamel - Used to polish the nails