Silicone Enamels: Features, Scope and Cost

Among a wide variety of paint and varnish materials, organosilicon enamels and varnishes are distinguished by a number of special properties. Due to their excellent resistance to high and low temperatures, they have gained immense popularity not only in construction, but also in various sectors of domestic industry. What technical characteristics are available for these coatings, how extensive the scope of their application and whether they have shortcomings, we will consider in this article.

Main Components

For the manufacture of such formulations, manufacturers use many varieties of organic resins. They form the most dense coating, which quickly dries up and does not undergo abrasion. Additives in the form of carbomides and ethylcellulose give the protective layer the required hardness (after drying).

As a film-forming substance, polyorganosiloxanes are used. They give the coatings resistance to high temperatures, which persists for a long time.

To organosilicon varnishes, enamels and paints acquired a certain shade, they add a variety of pigments and fillers. Today in the market you can find products of both the lightest and darkest tones. The presence of special hardeners in the composition contributes to the long-term preservation of color during the operation of painted surfaces.

Positive and negative features of the material

The positive properties of organosilicon enamels include:

• High degree of resistance to high and low temperatures;
• Resistance to atmospheric effects;
• Excellent tightness;
• Long service life (more than 15 years);
• Resistance to moisture;
• Low consumption;
• Variety of colors;
• High anti-corrosion properties;
• Resistance to ultraviolet rays;
• Low cost;
• Possibility of application at low and high temperatures (from -20 to +40 degrees) and high humidity.

If we talk about the drawbacks that have varnishes, organosilicone enamels (heat-resistant), then it is worth mentioning the high toxicity of some species. For this reason, work should only be carried out in ventilated areas, using a respirator.

Scope and types of material

Silicon-organic enamels are divided into two groups:

• Moderately heat-resistant;
• Heat-resistant.

The first group is used for painting any external surfaces that are not subjected to strong heating (brick, concrete, stone, plaster and metal). This restriction is more concerned with colored enamels, which include coloring pigments. This is due to the fact that most of these fillers do not tolerate heating even up to 100 degrees.

Nevertheless, this type of silicone coatings perfectly resists unfavorable atmospheric influences, due to which it is actively used in decoration of facades, protective processing of metal products and other external works.

A heat-resistant organosilicon enamels and varnishes are used as an anticorrosion coating for surfaces that are subject to strong heating (up to +500 degrees) and high humidity. Most often they are used for staining ovens, chimneys, heating boilers, electric motors and fireplaces. Coatings that have enhanced hydrophobic properties can be used to protect the slate and the foundation of buildings.

Products meeting the sanitary and food requirements are successfully used for painting objects used for cooking. Such compounds can also be processed and surfaces inside hospitals, kindergartens and other public buildings.

Features of work with organosilicon compounds

Silicone-organic enamels, like any other paint and varnish coating, should be applied observing the technology of painting. This means that before applying, you must carefully prepare the base.

If processed metal products, they are cleaned of dirt, the remains of old coatings and greasy stains. Clean surface degrease with solvents, then cover with two layers of primer.

Concrete, brick and plaster simply cleaned of debris and dust.

Application of silicone-based compounds

Silicone enamels, varnishes and paints are applied in one of the following ways:

• Manually, using brushes and roller;
• A spray gun;
• Using an airbrush;
• By completely immersing the object in the coloring composition.

The main rule to remember when working with these materials is that the surface to be treated must be completely dry.

Products from metal, as a rule, are painted in two layers, and processing of brick, concrete stone and plaster bases is made three times. The paint is applied in the cross direction.

Re-treatment of surfaces is carried out only after the previous layer has dried completely. To dry certain types of organosilicon compounds it is recommended to use special heaters or blowing. The time of their complete drying is two hours.

The cost and price of organosilicon compounds

In conclusion, we will consider the cost of organosilicon enamel. The price of such formulations depends on the field of application and the reliability of the manufacturer.

Production of domestic brands, designed for outdoor works, costs from 170 rubles per 1 kg. High-temperature enamel (the same manufacturer) will cost the buyer from 360 rubles for the same volume.

For double treatment of external walls, usually 170 to 250 grams of paint are required. This index varies depending on the porosity of the material to be removed.

The heat-resistant enamel is consumed considerably less, since it is applied to a metal base that does not absorb the paint. In this case (with a double treatment) for each square meter will take up to 150 grams of protective composition.