Alkyd varnish: properties and scope

Alkyd varnish is often used to treat wooden surfaces on the street and at home. There are several varieties of this material, so you should study in detail the properties and scope of each type.

What it is?

Alkyd varnish is a mixture containing various synthetic alkyd resins with organic solvents. Means possesses good adhesion and high level of moisture resistance.

Alkyd varnishes are actively used to work with surfaces of different types.

  • Face parquet. Alkides do not allow the ends to stick together with each other, therefore the surface tension is excluded;
  • Parquet floors with the system "warm floor";
  • "Floating" floors;
  • Parquet made of delicate varieties of wood, which have increased sensitivity to the environment.

When this varnish hardens, it forms a transparent and sufficiently hard layer. Many people say that alkyd products freeze for a long time. However, manufacturers have developed products with special additives, with which they reduced the time of polymerization. This means that the surface can be used after a short period of time.

After polymerization, a glossy or matte film is formed on the alkyd varnish, depending on the chosen agent. The material that you will process with such a mixture will be provided with reliable protection from irritants of any type. It is quite simple to apply the alkyd mixture, since the product has a thick consistency, due to which the product spreads well on the floor and other surfaces to be treated, creating a dense film layer.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of alkyds include the following properties:

  • solutions are resistant to temperature changes, changes in humidity. There are no competitors for alkyd varnishes in this area;
  • increased level of resistance to vibrations;
  • The composition does not have adhesive qualities. Therefore, floors treated with such varnish will not creak;
  • high decorative qualities.The tool is able to penetrate deep into the wood, thereby highlighting the natural beauty of the product;
  • convenient application due to thick consistency;
  • after polymerization, the lacquer forms a matte or glossy film;
  • optimal durability against mechanical loads;
  • alkyd varnishes are resistant to contact with chemicals;
  • no mold or fungus forms on the surface.

Among the shortcomings, users note the following qualities:

  • the varnish dries for a long time. Polymerization takes more than a day. However, as described earlier, some manufacturers add special hardeners that shorten the setting time;
  • until the surface is dry, the varnish emits a foul odor that can be dangerous if inhaled. In order not to cause harm to your body, you must leave the windows open until the tool hardens;
  • alkyd products may shrink if you have applied too much varnish to the surface. Therefore, you should follow the instructions for use;
  • surface life is about 3 years.

Specifications

Almost every type of varnish goes through testing before it hits the counter.Before testing, each sample is under normal conditions for two weeks. Testing is the study of external characteristics with the help of special devices.

The device determines the following specifications:

  • varnish thickness when applying two layers;
  • the period for which the varnish is completely frozen;
  • resistance to mechanical stress;
  • resistance to moisture;
  • consequences from contact with detergents;
  • term of use.

Only those mixtures that meet the stated requirements are allowed for sale.

    According to established standards, the composition of alkyd varnish should have a colorless structure, which, after being located on the surface, forms a matte or glossy layer.

    Buyers get a reliable and quality product, which after use will significantly change the treated surface. For the implementation of internal work should be based on their personal requirements, which are necessary to achieve a specific goal.

    As a rule, alkyd varnishes are used to work with wooden surfaces.

    Alkyd-urethane varnish can be divided into two main categories:

    • yacht;
    • parquet;

    Yacht material is used when painting ships. According to statistics, this product is considered the most popular. Buyers are attracted by the low cost of the product, along with its increased resistance to wear.

    Remember that yacht lacquer is not suitable for indoor indoor use, as its composition has a high level of toxicity. When dried, it releases toxic vapor, after polymerization - less dangerous volatile components. The service life of the material is about 5 years.

    Parquet lacquer is used to work with wooden floors. Both varnishes are suitable for processing any other wood surfaces. Yacht often get to work with arbors, verandas and other forms of architectural character.

    Parquet lacquer is relevant for interior treatment of premises. In addition to floors, he copes well with furniture, frames, railings and doors.

    Alkyd varnishes for parquet are divided into several types.

    • Water based solutions. This product is popular because it does not have a smell. The advantages include such properties as environmental safety and resistance to high temperatures.However, such products are notable for their high cost, which is not suitable for every buyer;
    • Two-component. Such mixtures create a film on the floor. They have a low cost and strong odor during drying. Store material in open containers can be short-lived, so you need to spend the varnish immediately;
    • Single component varnishes. They can be stored for a long time in a closed container. Polyurethane mixtures are not afraid of contact with chemicals;

    Also this varnish can be divided into several subtypes:

    • matte;
    • semi-matt;
    • glossy;
    • semi-glossy.

    Matte products will be optimal for surfaces that quickly become dirty during use, as matte film is easy to clean.

    Gloss reflects light well, so it is suitable for use in dark rooms.

    PF-231

    This varnish is considered a high quality product on an alkyd basis. It creates a gloss on the surface that is resistant to wear. The solution is clear, has decorative and moisture-resistant qualities. Such material is acquired for work with surfaces made of metal and wood, as well as for processing parquet inside rooms.

    MCH-0163

    Such a product belongs to the category of two-component varnishes, whose composition consists of urea-formaldehyde and alkyd resins, acid hardeners.

    If you compare the MCH-0163 with the previous version, this type of varnish has enhanced characteristics:

    • high level of water resistance;
    • strength;
    • resistance to abrasives.

    Among the disadvantages of users include its darkening in contact with sunlight, poor surface elasticity, the presence of a strong odor and the formation of bubbles during processing.

    VC-2146

    The brand is considered a one-component alkyd-epoxy composition, which has advanced characteristics. The role of an improved element is epoxy resin. The product is characterized by increased hardness, resistance to abrasives and water.

    Varnish is used to process parquet, wooden surfaces, texture and decorative paper. It should be noted that abroad there are no analogues to such a product.

    PF-283

    Used for processing wood and metal surfaces. When applied, the solution forms a high gloss layer that has good decorative qualities.PF-283 is a mixture in which alkyd resins, modified vegetable oils, fatty acids of vegetable oils, tall oils in organic solvents are present. Also in the components listed sikkativ. Apply lacquer with a brush or use an aerosol in a can for this purpose.

    You can learn more about the varieties of alkyd varnish by watching the following video.

    Tips for choosing

    Choosing alkyd varnish, you should decide on some criteria:

    • decide for what works the lacquer is needed: external or internal;
    • There are varnishes for wooden surfaces and for metal processing. Some varieties may be suitable for paint;
    • decide which load will be applied to the treated surface of the floor. If only two people live in the house, you can choose a water-based tool. For the processing of the corridor suitable tool with pigments. Such material qualitatively protects the surface from the formation of dirt and dust;
    • for the kitchen you can buy anhydrous polyurethane mixture. Floor covering absorbs the product well, so extra care is not required;
    • If you want to apply lacquer on the surface, where there are heavy loads, you should purchase formulations that contain water-repellent elements.

    Many buyers choose tinted varnish to get the most decorative effects from the surface. To make the floor look spectacular, use a colorless composition as the first layer, which will help level the surface and smooth out all wood defects. To demonstrate the naturalness of the tree, apply the tinted solution first.

    Consumption

    Many people are interested in how much the alkyd varnish has. This indicator depends on the type of mixture and your talent. Experts advise applying 2-3 coats of varnish. Each level should be applied only after the previous one has dried. Thus, the surface treatment will take at least 3 days.

    The consumption of alkyd means is 50-75 grams per square meter. If you use more varnish than expected, the polymerization period increases. Also, you risk getting a less solid surface.

    Before use, some brands should be diluted to the working consistency of xylene or solvent.You can mix one of these drugs with white spirit in a 1: 1 ratio.

    Manufacturers

    There are several trademarks in wide demand among buyers:

    • White house
    • Parade
    • Tikkurila

    Alkyd-urethane mixtures from Parade were able to win a large audience, as this manufacturer sells varnishes with high elasticity. Buyers leave reviews in which they report that the film, which was formed after the application of the product, does not crack and does not deteriorate for a long time. Alkyd products can highlight the naturalness of wood material and make the floor more spectacular. Parade offers its customers a mixture of exterior and interior.

    White house won over buyers reasonable prices and low odor. The manufacturer produces high-quality varnishes, which are characterized by high protection against wear, fast curing and decorative component. Varnish is able to preserve the natural shade of the tree. As well as the Parade, the manufacturer manufactures products for working with street and home surfaces.

            Tikkurila considered a proven manufacturer of many materials for construction work.The brand has won the respect of customers and is known as a manufacturer of reliable and high-quality products. Good reviews receive yacht varnish Tikkurila, which is characterized by rapid polymerization, excellent spreadability. The low price helps this brand to stand out among the manufacturers of alkyd varnishes.

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            Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

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