what is enamel paint

Enamel paint is a type of paint that air-dries to a hard, usually glossy, finish, used for coating surfaces that are outdoors or otherwise subject to hard wear or variations in temperature. Enamel paint is often thought of as hard, glossy, and used in sparing quantities, much like fingernail polish. It is a durable coating that dries to an opaque, lustrous finish and is typically oil-based, compatible with most building materials, and resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. Enamel paint can be used for appliance finish touch-ups, model making, and small crafts. Enamel paints are usually alkyd resin-based, but some have been made by adding varnish to oil-based paint. Nitrocellulose-based paints are also referred to as enamel paints, but they have since been superseded by other types of paints. The term "enamel paint" is not standardized, and not all enamel-type paints may use it.