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. Most enamel paints are
alkyd resin based. Some enamel paints have been made by adding
varnish to oil-based paint. Although "enamels" and "
painted enamel" in art normally refer to vitreous enamel, in the 20th century some artists used commercial enamel paints in art, including
Pablo Picasso (mixing it with oil paint),
Hermann-Paul,
Jackson Pollock, and
Sidney Nolan.
The Trial (1947) is one of a number of works by Nolan to use enamel paint, usually
Ripolin, a commercial paint not intended for art, also Picasso's usual brand. Some "enamel paints" are now produced specifically for artists. Enamels paints can also refer to
nitrocellulose based paints, one of the first modern commercial paints of the 20th century. They have since been superseded by new synthetic coatings like alkyd,
acrylic and
vinyl, due to toxicity, safety, and conservation (tendency to age yellow) concerns. In art has been used also by Pollock with the commercial paint named
Duco. The artist experimented and created with many types of commercial or house paints during his career. Other artists: "after discovering various types of industrial materials produced in the United States in the 1930s,
David Alfaro Siqueiros produced most of his easel works with uncommon materials which include Duco paint, a DuPont brand name for
pyroxyline paint, a tough and resilient type of nitro-cellulose paint manufactured for the automotive industry". Nitro-cellulose enamels are also commonly known as modern
lacquers. Enamel paint comes in a variety of hues and can be custom blended to produce a particular tint. It is also available in water-based and solvent-based formulations, with solvent-based enamel being more prevalent in industrial applications. For the greatest results, use a high-quality brush, roller, or spray gun when applying enamel paint. When dried, enamel paint forms a durable, hard-wearing surface that resists chipping, fading, and discoloration, making it a great choice for a wide range of surfaces and applications. ==Uses and categories==