Epoxy enamel: properties and applications

The range of varieties of paints and varnishes today is very extensive. Each type of this mixture has its own purpose and unique characteristics. Thus, epoxy enamel, the property and application of which will be discussed below, is in the greatest demand among other varieties of enamel paints.

The main features and distinguishing features of epoxy enamel are:

• Identity on the technical characteristics of epoxy resins, because it is on the basis of them and it is made paintwork.
• High waterproofing quality. Using enamel of this type, you can forget about such a problem as poor-quality waterproofing of any surfaces.
• They are suitable for painting virtually any surface, for example, made of wood, metal, concrete and even plastic.

For high demand for epoxy-based enamel, its merits greatly influenced:

• Epoxy paint coating creates reliable protection against various acids, gases and alkaline solutions, remaining in the form of a film on a painted surface.
• The high level of adhesion ensures a reliable, uniform coating of the working surfaces from any materials and tight adhesion with them.
• Epoxy enamel is not adversely affected by any kind of solvents or other products of the oil industry. Therefore, it is widely used in the automotive industry.

• After being painted with epoxy enamel, any surface becomes protected from rust, pathogens and bacteria, as well as the adverse effects of water.
• Epoxy enamel is in most cases allowed to be applied even in one layer. It will be quite enough for all-round protection of the product.
• Painting any surfaces with epoxy enamel can significantly extend their service life.

This paintwork has its disadvantages:

• There is a poor level of protection from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays.
• When painting surfaces that are very hot, the paint quickly turns yellow.
• Its average drying time is 24 hours.

• A thorough cleaning of the working surface is required before using epoxy enamel.
• Be sure to observe the temperature during operation.
• Epoxy based enamel should be used only in well ventilated areas.

Today, there are several varieties of epoxy enamel, each of which has unique properties:

• ВДЭП Р-270 - it is a two-component, protected from the effects of aqueous compositions, white enamel. It can be used outdoors and indoors, suitable for painting metal, concrete, plastered, wooden and plasterboard surfaces. Reliably protects against mildew, water and corrosion.It has a high level of security, is considered one of the most fireproof, resistant to fading. Dries the coating in two hours, requires applying in two layers. Enamel is produced not only in white, but also in black, beige, gray, brown and blue.

• VC-1236 designed specifically for surface treatment of fiberglass, aluminum and metal. Belongs to the category of fire hazardous means, is widely used in shipbuilding. It is characterized by fast drying, minimal consumption, rather pronounced aroma. It can be applied in three ways: with a roller or brush, with a pulverizer or airless spray.
• VC-773 - it is an enamel, specially designed for painting metal surfaces, which will later be in contact with various alkalis at high temperatures. The average drying time is from two hours to a day, the surface of the coating is matte and smooth, the thickness of one layer is no more than 25 microns, the enamel consumption is minimal.

• VC-5116 - black protective enamel designed for painting metal structures. Mass application received in the coloring of oil tanks and oil pipelines.It has a high level of anti-corrosion protection, so it is painted those metal structures that are most often in contact with water. After drying it turns into a dense, glossy film of black color, it has a high drying rate.
• EP-140 - it is wearproof epoxy enamel which can be used only on previously grounded surfaces. Suitable for painting concrete and metal structures, has a high level of fire safety. They are characterized by low consumption, high drying rate. Available in various colors. Forms on the painted surface a dense film that protects against rust, moisture, acids and high temperatures.

Each of the varieties of this paint coating can be used not only in industrial, but also in living conditions. When selecting and operating it, it is very important to strictly follow the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer.

Having made a decision on the use of epoxy enamel, it is necessary to choose its appearance depending on the material used to manufacture the working surface.It is necessary to choose either a universal paint and varnish product, or specialized, for example, for concrete or metal.

Apply this tool of various kinds can be either with a brush or roller, and using a special spray gun. The specific method of application must be chosen on the basis of the working surface area, its location and the tools available at one time.

The use of any kind of epoxy enamel begins with the preparation of the working surface. First you need to remove from it all the garbage and dirt, the remnants of the past paintwork. If the surface is too greasy, then it must be degreased.

The next stage of work is priming. Especially careful approach to business requires priming concrete pavement. By itself, the concrete is quite porous, so the alignment of its surface should be given the most attention. The primer must be allowed to dry completely before applying enamel on it.

If the manufacturer indicates in the instructions to the tool that it is necessary to use additional solvent or hardener, then it is necessary to choose these products of the same brand. This is the only way to get really high-quality epoxy enamel suitable for further use. In advance, you need to ensure that all the necessary tools for the job were at hand.

After all the preparatory work has been completed, you can proceed to direct painting the surfaces with epoxy paint based on resins of the same name.

The procedure can occur in various ways:

• Painting with a brush or roller - the most simple and affordable methods of application. But it is worth remembering that when they choose the paint consumption will inevitably be large. A small amount of thoroughly mixed enamel should be cast from the container into a smaller container or into a special tray for the roller.

The roller should be evenly soaked with paint from all sides, but so that its surplus does not run down to the floor.Movement must be neat and slow, each new portion of enamel must be applied end-to-end and in the same direction with the previous one. This painting technique requires the application of enamel in at least two layers.

• It is possible to apply epoxy enamel with a special airbrush or airless spray. In this case, the liquid must be poured into the tank and the device must be used further in accordance with its instructions.

It is very important to give the previous layer plenty of time for drying when applying multilayer enamel. The second and all subsequent layers are allowed to be applied 23 hours after the first one is applied, but no later than 24 hours.

Epoxy enamel is classified as toxic products. It has a fairly strong chemical smell, and in contact with the skin can cause burns and an allergic reaction.

It is very important during work to strictly comply with all safety requirements:

• The room must be well ventilated.
• It is better to use a respirator or mask as additional protection.
• It is necessary to choose the right clothes - it should completely cover all parts of the body, you should wear special gloves on your hands.

• For mixing enamel it is necessary to use only wooden shovels.
• Store and use paint is necessary only under the conditions specified by the manufacturer on the container.

Compliance with these simple but very important rules will allow to paint any surface with high quality and to protect them for a long time from various negative impacts.

About enamel bath coverage in the video below.