Articles
Protective Paints
Protective paints come in many forms and for several purposes. Epoxy protective paints are usually heat resistant and offer significant chemical and corrosion protection. They may be used on floors or heat exchanger components. Acrylic paints are obtained from suspending a pigment into an acrylic polymer emulsion. Acrylic protective paints may be water based and used on roofs, ferrous and non-ferrous surfaces, fences, masonry and other surfaces.
When applying the paint it is important to follow some guidelines. First the area to be painted must be measured to assess the quantity of product that is needed to cover the entire surface. Where decorative paints are concerned, one litre will usually cover 10-12 square meters. The manufacturer's instructions should always be read and taken into account. Of course the most important thing to do before applying protective paints is to prepare the surface.
The area must be cleaned and dried. Peeling paint must be removed and sanding may be required. If the surface is an iron one and rust is showing, then it should be primed first. No oil, dirt and soluble contaminants, such as salt, must be present on the surface when the painting process takes place. Acrylic protective paints may be applied by brush, roller or spray. This may be an airless spray or pressure spray, depending on the product. Before using a roller, the corners should be cut in with an appropriate brush. Prior to using the paint one should check the instructions to see: the drying time, recoat time, the appropriate working temperature, theoretical spreading rate (it varies with the porosity of the substrate and weather conditions), appropriate thinners, areas that are/aren't suitable. Protective paints are used in industrial, marine, decorative and flooring applications, being of interest to both professionals and homeowners.