Enamel - what is it? Types and characteristics of modern enamels

Enamel is a suspension of pigments with fillers in varnishes, which form after the drying phase a solid opaque film with different textures. It is for these qualities that modern consumers choose these compounds more often than others. In addition, they are able to perform several functions at once, for example, decorating and converting rust. The surface in the end can turn out to be moire, matte or glossy. According to the physico-mechanical properties of the films and the protective characteristics of enamels, they exceed water-dispersion and oil paints. Among the main characteristics can be distinguished elasticity and hardness.

general description

As a rule, enamel is a composition that contains a large amount of film former and a small amount of filler. The first ingredient is synthetic lacquer, while the filler has an increased decorative. Enamels are intended for the formation of the upper layers of the coating, to which there are different and high requirements for resistance to the effects of negative factors and decorativeness. These mixtures are intended for painting metal and wooden surfaces, as well as to give them weather resistance and durability. Compositions can have different colors.

Main types of enamels

Enamel is a composition that can be aerosol, acrylic alkyd or heat resistant. Aerosol differs in that their drying takes very little time. If we are talking about acrylic paints, then they can be used for both internal and external works on concrete, wooden, brick and plastered surfaces. Alkyd enamels are used for painting different wooden and metal surfaces, namely:

• Boats;
• Bicycles;
• Doors;
• Furniture;
• Windows.

Use alkyd enamels can be both outside and inside the premises. Heat resistant enamel is a mixture intended for the coloration of radiators, which are used at temperatures up to 100 ° C.

Classification of enamels

Visiting the store, you will be able to find enamels, which are denoted by different abbreviations. For example, the enamel, denoted by the letters PF, is a pentaphthalic mixture, which is made on the same name varnish. There are commercially available GF enamels, called glyptal ones. Silicon-organic compounds are characterized by high thermal stability, while NC enamels are made on the basis of nitrocellulose and are characterized by the resistance of surfaces to static action, liquids and industrial oils.

On the basis of chlorinated, polyvinyl chloride and alkyd resins, XB enamels are produced, which are characterized by excellent atmospheric and chemical stability and resistance to atmospheric phenomena. On the basis of acrylic, AK enamels are produced, which have high light fastness and the ability to maintain whiteness during ultraviolet irradiation. Based on alkyd and acrylic, AS enamels are performed, which have excellent protective properties and the ability to maintain their qualities in a tropical and temperate climate.

On the basis of alkyd and epoxy resins, EP-enamels are made, which belong to category B2. This indicates that the mixture can be operated in all areas except the extreme North. On the basis of phenol and oil varnish, FL enamels are produced which have higher quality characteristics in terms of hardness, drying speed, wear resistance and gloss.

Characteristics of alkyd enamel Belinka Email Radiator

Characteristics of enamels, which you can find in the instructions on the package, allows you to understand what specific mixtures are intended for, and also on what technology they should be used for. For example, the enamel mentioned in the subtitle is a coating mixture used to cover old and new radiators, as well as heating pipes inside the premises. After drying, the surface acquires a glossy sheen, and the layer differs in heat resistance.

The basis is a modified high-quality alkyd resin, fillers, temperature-resistant pigments, organic solvents and additives. Apply the solution with a brush with natural bristles in one or two layers. Clean tools after work is finished with rags soaked in white spirit, solvent or gasoline.

Additional recommendations

Such enamels, reviews of which only the most positive, dry up within 24 hours, this also applies to interlayer drying. It is not necessary to start work if the thermometer's column has dropped below +10 ° С. If you want to work with a radiator, the surface of which is cleaned from other coatings to metal, then it is necessary to begin work with the application of a primer.

Reviews about the features of the application

Before using the enamel described above, it is necessary to prepare a painted surface, for this, it must be freed from dust, dirt, and rust and moisture. To remove rust, wire brushes, chemicals or sandpaper should be used. From fatty contamination will allow to get rid of nitro solvents.

As the buyers say, before applying, the enamel should be well mixed. Application can be done by spraying or brushing. The application of the second layer should be carried out one day after the first. Such enamel, the technical characteristics of which were mentioned above, can be cleaned on the surface of the radiator. According to users, you can do this not earlier than a month after staining.

Characteristics of rust enamel of Mister Hammer brand

Quite often in everyday life there is a need to apply enamel on the surface, which were affected by rust. To conduct such work, it is possible to use the enamel mentioned in the subheading, which is sold in banks of 2.5 kg. For such a volume of the composition, the consumer will have to pay 895 rubles. The color of the solution is silvery. With this mixture it is possible to convert rust, perform anticorrosive priming and color the surface to achieve a decorative effect.

Enamel can be used for staining under atmospheric conditions, as well as indoors. After drying, the layer acquires a high weather resistance, anti-corrosion resistance and increased moisture resistance. This enamel on rust forms a kind of coating in the form of a pattern that resembles a hand chasing. After you can get a hammer invoice pattern, with which you can disguise minor defects.

Consumption of the formulation

It is noteworthy that the single-layer coating will dry for 4 hours, but the base will dry for only an hour. The degree of gloss will depend on the tool and the method of application. In order to achieve the hammer effect, the application should be carried out in two or three layers. In this case, you should be prepared that for an area of 5 m ² will be needed 1 liter of enamel. With a single-layer application, the consumption is reduced to 90 g per m ² . You can use this enamel at home, but this is not all you need to know before applying. For example, the alkyd component is used as the basis, but you can not mix the mixture.

Characteristics of primer enamel 3 in 1 grade "Lakra"

The company "Lakra" offers for sale ground-enamel 3 in 1, produced on an alkyd basis. The composition is able to transform rust, decorate the surface and have an anticorrosive effect on it. After drying, you will get a glossy coating that is resistant to weather and mechanical influences. The mixture is universal, because it can be used not only for internal, but also for outdoor works.

Enamel is intended for painting rusty, clean and partially procoded metal surfaces, on the basis of which rust is present up to 0.1 mm thick. This enamel for rust 3 in 1 should be applied to the prepared surface, which should be cleaned of dirt, dust, and loose rust. You can remove flaking old coatings, if necessary, the surface must be degreased.

If oil or alkyd paints were applied to the surface before , they must be cleaned up to a matt state, and then checked for durability and compatibility. For this purpose, experts recommend a trial staining. If the old coating is peeling off, then it should be removed. Before use, primer enamel should be well mixed, if necessary or before painting, the composition can be diluted to working viscosity with a solvent or white spirit. This is especially true if you plan to use a pneumatic sprayer.

Application should be carried out in dry weather, when the temperature is kept in the range from -10 to +30 ° C. It is important to provide intermediate layer-by-layer drying if the application is carried out in two layers. In the future, enamels and paints can be applied to the surface on oil, pentaphthalic and chlorovinic bases.

Characteristics of enamel paint PF 115

Paint enamel PF 115 is resistant to the effects of low temperatures and precipitation, after drying it forms a waterproof film. A mixture is made on a pentaphthalic base. It is used for painting surfaces outside and indoors. The mixture can paint objects of the exterior, interior, pipelines, radiators, frames and other surfaces.

The main color is white, but on sale you can find yellow, blue, green, gray, cream and beige shades. The paint is resistant not only to weathering, but also to ultraviolet radiation, as well as temperature changes in the range from -50 to +60 ° C. The paint forms a waterproof coating and perfectly copes with the effects of detergent solutions. With the help of enamel paint, you can create a smooth decorative homogeneous coating, which has a 50 percent haze and does not form stains.

Conclusion

Today, a fairly common type of paint and varnish coatings are enamels. They can have different properties and purpose. Suitable solutions for application to metal and wood, as well as other materials. As a distinctive feature of enamel paints, one can distinguish high opacity, resistance to moisture, coloring ability, atmospheric stability and excellent tolerance of sunlight.