What is the difference between acrylic enamel and enamel?

Enamel paint is oil or alkyd. Alkyd paint is probably the most well known type of oil paint available on the market. The Word alkyd actually refers to the synthetic resin used as a binder in the paint. This would be the oil in the paint, most commonly vegetable oil. Alkyd paints also come in a wide variety of finishes making it ideal for multiple different projects.

Alkyd paint is very resistant to normal wear and tear. Thus, this type of paint is used commonly in "high traffic" type areas. This would include doors and trim within a home and also items that would need painting in the kitchen and bathroom such as cabinets. The alkyd paint will hold up to all the abuses that may come its way.

Acrylic enamel is a water based full gloss usually for interior surfaces only. The gloss is nearly as high as gloss enamel but it is not quite as durable. One advantage is that if you are using white it does not discolor over time as much as alkyd based enamel. Also from a professional point i have never found the finish to be as good as enamel with less than three coats.