Alkyd enamel: properties and applications

Alkyd enamel is one of the most popular types of paints, which boasts versatility and durability. Due to the unique properties of this material can be used even for exterior decoration.

Alkyd enamel appeared relatively recently and in a short period of time was able to gain popularity, displacing other types of coatings. This product is notable for its multifunctionality, due to which it is actively used not only for interior work (floor and wall finishing), but also for exterior repair.

The defining difference between acrylic and alkyd enamel is the resistance to mechanical damage, as well as the ability to resist abrasion perfectly. Even after many years, the surface trimmed with alkyd enamel continues to maintain its attractive appearance.

Thus, among the main features of this type of enamel can be identified its impressive elasticity and durability. The material requires a minimum amount of time to dry, so that it can be used in any premises.

The unique characteristics of alkyd enamel make it possible to apply it during outdoor work, as the material is not afraid of the influence of rain and snow, temperature changes and the sun's rays. The product includes state-of-the-art components that provide reliable protection of the material against the corrosion process.

Among the most popular options are the following varieties:

• Quick dry. In most cases, it includes siccatives and various solvents. Due to this, the drying process takes a minimum amount of time, which makes alkyd enamel the ideal solution for interior decoration.
• Melaminoalkide. The peculiarity of this material is that this variety boasts impressive adhesion, so melamine-alkyd species are used for metal painting.
• Alkyd urethane. It is a mixture of pigments and special additives, which also include special dryers.

Alkyd enamel is obtained by mixing alkyd varnish and special solvents. However, other components can also be added to the paint: to impart a certain color, to provide corrosion resistance, and other additives.

If it is necessary to ensure the resistance of the material to various fungal lesions and prevent the development of mold, then antiseptics are added to the product.

It should be noted that, like most other paints and varnishes, enamel with long-term non-use can lose its properties and change the consistency, which can be returned only with the addition of a special solvent.

Alkyd varnish is used as the main constituent substance in such enamel, which can be of two types:

• Pentaphthalic - This is a special resin composition, to which glycerin and natural oils are added. The main advantage of this component is that it boasts its resistance to water.
• Glyphthalic. The composition has a high drying rate, which varies from 24 to 6 hours.

On the modern market there is a huge amount of alkyd enamels, which differ in their active components, characteristics, features of use and other points. Each brand of enamel has its own letter code, which, first of all, indicates which components are included in the material, as well as what it can be used for.

Among the most popular species are the following varieties:

• Enamel that is suitable for outdoor use. The composition of this material includes unique components that provide reliable protection against external factors.
• For indoor use. These types of dry much faster: usually this process takes about a day.
• Enamel for temporary use, which is also called conservation.

• Enamel, which boasts resistance to moisture and water.
• With the presence of special components. For example, insect repellent coating is common.
• Resistant to electrical conductivity.

• Heat resistant. Actively used for decoration of industrial premises. Can boast resistance to too high or low temperatures.
• In recent years, aerosol enamel, which is an opaque vitreous composition in a can, is very popular on the market.

Depending on the classification of alkyd enamel, the following types can be distinguished:

• GF-230. The basis of this material are glyphthalic components, so it is used for interior decoration. In addition, the GF-230 can not be used on the street. Among the advantages can be noted a huge selection of colors and ease of application.
• PF-115. The unique properties of this enamel allow it to be used for exterior decoration of buildings and facades, for painting both wooden and metal surfaces.

• PF-223. In most cases, it is used for painting battery radiators. There are a total of 18 colors. Such a composition is diluted using the solvent. During drying it can give off a rather peculiar odor.
• Matte. They are famous for their greater resistance to the effects of water and cleaning products. The material does not lose its properties even at extremely high temperatures.

There are certain rates of consumption of alkyd enamel per square meter of the painted surface.

In the process of calculating the rate of 1 m2 should consider the following factors:

• the viscosity of the substance - the thicker the substance, the more liquid it can be diluted;
• surface quality and number of layers;
• what works are performed: internal or external.

On average, the consumption of alkyd enamel per 1 m2 is about 110-130 g. At the same time, some important points must be taken into account without fail. For example, if a metal surface is dyed, the amount of material consumed may increase significantly. The use of enamel indoors will be larger than for painting metal outside.

Painting the surface outside during bad weather conditions can also cause a significant increase in paint consumption. For to ensure greater efficiency of enamel, it can be diluted with white spirit, solvent and other solvents.

On the modern market there are a huge number of manufacturers who produce high-quality and reliable alkyd enamel.A large range of products allows each person to find the best option for himself for building or finishing. Below are the most popular manufacturers of these products.

Tikkurila miranol - considered one of the market leaders. The range of the company includes enamels for metal surfaces and wood products, versatile options that are easy to apply and excellent distribution over the surface. The company is one of the few who offers impact resistant alkyd enamels that will be a good solution for painting, for example, tools or a bicycle. The main advantage of Tikkurila Miranol is the presence of a huge selection of colors and colors.

"Express". The company specializes in the production of modified enamels, which are intended for the finishing painting of steel elements. Most products include special additives in their composition that provide reliable protection against corrosion, which makes Express enamels an excellent solution for painting metal surfaces.

Lacra. The company offers high-quality alkyd enamels, made on the basis of alkyd varnish.Among the advantages are the unique decorative properties, excellent adhesion to the surface and ease of application. In addition, the materials are famous for their resistance to the effects of water and precipitation.

Due to its versatility, alkyd enamels can be applied to almost any surface. For interior decoration, this material is actively used for painting radiators. However, it is necessary to make sure that the product is able to withstand high temperatures, so that during the heating season the coating does not begin to crack.

It is also possible to use this type of paint coating. for painting wood products. It should be borne in mind that the enamel dries on such a coating for at least 30 hours.. Also, the material has a very high viscosity, so it is best to dilute it with a solvent.

Thus, alkyd enamel is an excellent finishing material, which is famous for its durability, reliability and reasonable price.

From the following video you will learn about the advantages of alkyd enamels over other types of paints.