Enamel paint is 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. The biggest difference between acrylics and enamel paints is that these are chemical and oil-based paints. This makes enamel much tougher and longer-lasting when compared to using acryl options. Enamel paints can also be used on many surfaces such as plastic, metal, glass and wood.