What is acrylate?
Acrylate is a collective term for plastics and resins based on acrylic acid and methacrylic acid. In construction, acrylate is widely used as a binder in paints, varnishes and coatings, as a sealant, and as a raw material for flooring systems and sheet materials (such as Perspex/Plexiglas).
Properties
Acrylates have several favourable properties for building applications:
- Good adhesion — acrylate bonds to many substrates: concrete, timber, metal, plastic
- UV resistant — unlike many other plastics, acrylate barely yellows
- Water resistant — once cured, acrylate is water resistant
- Flexible — acrylate remains somewhat elastic and can accommodate minor movement
- Fast curing — acrylate products dry relatively quickly
Application
Acrylate in paints and coatings
Most modern emulsion paints and latex paints are acrylic-based. The higher the acrylate content, the better the quality of the paint.
Acrylic sealant
Acrylic sealant (also called decorator’s caulk) is used for:
- Filling gaps and cracks between window frames and walls
- Junctions between ceiling and wall
- Cracks in plaster
Acrylic sealant is paintable, but less elastic than silicone sealant. It is therefore not suitable for joints that move significantly, such as sanitary joints.
Acrylate in flooring
- PMMA floor — a poured resin floor based on polymethyl methacrylate, extremely fast curing (walkable within hours)
- Perspex/Plexiglas — a transparent acrylic sheet used as an alternative to glass
Related terms
- Plastic
- Paint
- Sealant
- Resin floor
- Coating
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