Water based varnishes: types and uses

Varnish coatings based on water are very popular in construction and finishing works. This product is characterized by a number of properties that make it an indispensable component in the design of the home. Modern construction stores provide for buyers a huge selection of varnish products. Therefore, before purchasing this product, it is necessary to familiarize yourself in advance with all the possible types of products, the characteristics of the compositions and the features of the application.

Water-soluble lacquer formulations are actively gaining popularity in the construction market. A distinctive feature of such mixtures is the need to dilute the main components with water.Typically, the composition of such varnish as a binder component includes emulsifiers, which are in the form of a dry powder poured into water.

After mixing the powder, a special water-dispersion composition is formed.In which the various chemical elements which are responsible for formation of a protective film and pigmentation are added.

Initially, lacquer serves as a protective coating for products from various materials. Most often, the composition is a clear solution that gives any surface a glossy texture. Also in some cases it contributes to enhancing the saturation of the color of the surface. Since there are different varieties of lacquer solutions, each of them is characterized by a special set of characteristics and components of the composition.

Polyurethane varnish has polyurethane as its main component. It is he who gives such coatings the unique property of creating additional strength and resistance of the surface to various kinds of impacts.

This varnish is resistant to not only moisture, but also various chemical components.included in cleaning products. In addition to chemical manipulations, lacquer mixture perfectly tolerates mechanical stress. She is not afraid of various blows, so she is often used in rooms where there is a high risk of damage to surfaces.

Acrylic varnish is a different composition. It is based on acrylic acid. This varnish has a milky-white color and is a composition in which, in addition to acrylic resins, there are also stabilizers that preserve the structure of the mixture. On a surface the varnish forms a transparent protective layer when drying. A single-component acrylic lacquer has a very elastic texture, it does not lay down thickly on the surface, but allows it to "breathe." Despite the fact that such products tend to protect the surface from fading, however, these compounds are not resistant to abrasion.

For the treatment of wood uses a special type of coating based on water - stain. It refreshes the color of wood and has a disinfecting effect. Products based on water is a powder that must be diluted with water before use.This substance has a color in its composition, so the color intensity is usually regulated depending on the concentration of the powder used.

The similar structure includes two components - acryle and polyurethane. Thanks to this combination, the coating is endowed with additional properties, is more resistant to various influences, but at the same time retains its elasticity. Such products combine various positive properties, including resistance to fire and the absence of an unpleasant odor characteristic of many other mixtures.

Lucky are also divided into varieties according to their texture. They are of the following types:

• Matt lacquer presented in the form of compounds produced by mixing alkyd and urethane resins. In finished form, the coating is an opaque dense film. It does not create any shine on the surface, it looks restrained and noble.
• Glossy varnish is transparent. It creates a special layer, more resistant to abrasion. It can be both colorless and have some shades, such as gold or silver.
• Semi-gloss varnish, especially common among acrylic species. It is very clearly distinguishes the surface relief, has an unobtrusive brilliance. This coating should be applied only on perfectly smooth surfaces, because it will emphasize the disadvantages.

Aqualux have a number of positive qualities that distinguish them from various other types of lacquer formulations.

The main advantages include:

• Environmental friendliness. In the process of using such mixtures do not form toxic fumes, emissions of which are hazardous to health.
• Short drying time. Unlike various other decorative coatings, these varnishes dry no more than 5 hours, which significantly saves time for repair work. The drying time of some species is only a couple of hours.
• Water-based lacquers are not subject to burning, so they provide a higher level of security than, for example, paper finishing methods.

• The film formed by varnish is not under high tension. This provides more effective material protection.
• Water formulations are durable.
• The material gives the surface additional aesthetics in appearance.

• The varnish has a high level of adhesion. It perfectly adheres to wooden surfaces, and during operation chips and other violations of the coating structure are not formed.
• Some types of waterborne varnish have antiseptic properties, for example, acrylic composition.
• Lucky normally carry ultraviolet radiation. When exposed to sunlight, they do not lose their appearance and protective functions.

The following nuances can be attributed to the negative characteristics of water-based lacquer:

• When applied, it is necessary to observe a number of conditions related to temperature and humidity - to maintain a certain temperature (not lower than 15 and not more than 20 ° C) and a humidity level in the range from 55 to 60%.
• Lacquer products of companies that have proven themselves among users, has a rather expensive cost. Less than 1 liter of products will have to pay from 500 to 1000 rubles.

Compared with the numerous advantages of the material, we can say that the disadvantages are not so significant. All the positive qualities overlap the disadvantages and form a significant reason for the acquisition of such a lacquer composition for finishing work.

The scope of application of varnishes varies depending on their varieties. Waterborne varnishes are mainly used for interior decorating, as they are not sufficiently resistant to weathering.

Polyurethane compounds are usually used in public buildings: educational institutions, office buildings, trade pavilions. Usually in these places there is a high permeability, which such a lacquer coating withstands very well.

Acrylic products are best used for home interiors, especially as a colorless wall covering. The composition is unstable to both mechanical and temperature fluctuations, so ordinary apartments are best suited as a sphere of its use. Cover with such a mixture only fat-free surface.

Two-component formulations are used to treat floor coverings. They are often treated with parquet.Glossy lacquer is used as a finishing parquet layer. It can also be applied to plaster, wallpaper, stone surfaces, wood, concrete, drywall.

There are a number of companies producing paint and varnish products, which have earned a lot of positive feedback from consumers. The most popular companies include:

• Tikkurila. Products of this brand are represented by acrylic lacquers with high resistance to mechanical stress. Lucky are great for indoor use, where the windows do not face the sunny side. In the absence of exposure to ultraviolet light, such a coating can last for a long time and not lose its presentable appearance. Among the range of the company you can find varnishes for walls and ceilings, and for flooring. It is considered an excellent composition for the protection of wood products. All products of the company are hypoallergenic, which is especially important for families with small children.

• Products of the company Eurotex very remarkable for its aqua-azure, which provides reliable protection of wooden surfaces from rotting and the appearance of various parasites.With the help of special pigments in the composition, you have the opportunity to create not just a transparent coating, but also give the material shades of noble wood species. Among the products there is a special kind of varnish designed to cover the wooden surfaces of the bath or sauna. These types of mixtures suggest increased resistance to high temperatures and humidity.

• Popular not only in the Russian Federation, but also in many European countries, is the company Lacra. It offers customers the highest quality products, which is confirmed by the relevant certificates. These varnishes are used mainly for finishing. They have high aesthetic values ​​and are absolutely safe for health.

• To paint furniture and other interior parts of wood with a protective lacquer layer, you can choose 3V3 products. Such coatings are specifically designed for furniture. They are completely non-toxic, dry quickly and do not leave stains when applied. The company offers a choice of customers a number of colors, among which it is easy to find the most appropriate shade for the interior.A significant advantage is the possibility of re-using tools after applying this lacquer coating, because all devices can be easily cleaned from excess mixture with water.

The service life and quality of the coating depends on its application. Only taking into account all the nuances of creating a protective layer, you can create a high-quality design with varnish. First of all, you should remember all the necessary tools for the job.

These include:

• protective gloves;
• respirator;
• rollers;
• brushes;
• grinding tools.

An important step is preparation. Since water-based lacquer is not suitable for exterior work and on metal, it should be used only for wooden surfaces, in advance of their preparation.

It includes the following steps:

• Removal of the old coating (if any). This procedure can be carried out using the grinder.
• Next, you need to clean the wooden surface from dirt and allow the material to dry.

• Mandatory step is the priming of wood. You can buy special varieties of primer, and you can significantly reduce the amount of work and purchase self-priming solution. It consists of both components of the primer and varnish.It is recommended to apply a primer mixture in several layers.
• Depending on the density and components of the lacquer composition, it is applied in a certain number of layers. The less dense the coating, the more layers need to be applied. Acrylic, for example, is sometimes applied to the surface 8 times.

• Before applying the coating, be sure to shake it well before opening, and then mix thoroughly.
• To keep the compositions in proper quality, it is worth keeping it only in a room with positive air temperature.
• It is also not recommended to carry out works on the surface varnishing during the cold season. Under the influence of low temperatures, the varnish often cracks, loses its aesthetic appearance and requires additional surface restoration.

• Do not use a solvent instead of water to dilute the composition.
• Consider interior features when choosing a varnish. Not all styles are suitable for glossy varieties.
• When applying lacquer, be sure to wait for the complete drying of each previous layer. If you re-apply on a dry surface,that is, the risk of irregularities and irregularities in its relief.
• Many prefer to tint the tree. For this purpose, the color of the desired shade is added to the varnish. Remember that you need to add such a component in small quantities.

To lacquer coating became a real decoration of your interior, follow the recommendations of professionals and be careful when buying and applying the composition. Then the surface of the walls, furniture or floor will delight you every day with its beautiful and concise look.

On how to make a varnish parquet water-based paint, see below.