Paint-enamel: subtleties of choice

There is a wide variety of paints and varnishes on the construction market. It is sometimes difficult to understand it, even for those who have encountered repairs more than once. You can choose the best option only knowing the characteristics and features of using certain types of materials. Our article is devoted to the intricacies of choosing enamel paint.

All existing modern varieties of enamel paints can be divided into several types. This classification is based on composition. Each species has its own characteristics. Here are just the most popular types of enamels. If you have already decided which surface you will paint, just choose which one best suits your requirements:

• Alkyd (AU). They can be used for both outdoor and indoor work. They have high wear resistance and gloss. The service life of the coating can be increased by applying successively 2 layers of paint. Before applying paint-enamel, the use of a primer is mandatory.

• Pentaphthalic. This group can be easily recognized by the PF marking on the can, which means the content of pentaphthalic varnish in the composition. One of the most popular and used enamel paints. When choosing such a paint, look for the inscription "GOST 6465-76" or "GOST 6465-53". You may also find that the packaging will be marked PF-115 or PF-226. The first is intended for outdoor work, since no vagaries of the weather are afraid of it, but the second is suitable only for indoor work.

• Glyphthalic... Has an established GF marking. The main drawback of such enamel is the drying time. In some cases, you cannot do without special equipment. For example, when it comes to painting a car body.
• Nitrocellulose (NC). The main advantage is fast, almost instant drying. But this same feature causes difficulties in application, therefore, sprayers are used when working with it. It should be noted that the sale of this product is prohibited or limited in some countries, as the product is very toxic.
• Polyurethane (PU)... If you need to paint a surface that will be subject to frequent mechanical stress, then choose this group. It is ideal for floors, even in high traffic areas.

Even before going to the store, you can decide what kind of paint you need. To do this, you should understand that the letters and numbers on the label have their own meaning. We have already figured out the letter marking. Let's try to understand what the first digit after it means.

Let's take paint - PF-115 enamel. We will judge only by the first digit, that is, by "1". It is she who means the field of application. Even if you did not find in the description for which surfaces and works this or that paint can is intended, you can easily find your way by looking at this figure:

• 1 - intended for outdoor use or, in other words, weatherproof;
• 2 - for interior work (officially - limited weatherproof);
• 3 - conservation;
• 4 - waterproof (suitable for rooms with high humidity);

• 5 - special enamels and paints (have individual characteristics of use and a narrow range of applications);
• 6 - oil and petrol resistant;
• 7 - resistant to chemical attack;
• 8 - heat-resistant;
• 9 - electrically insulating or electrically conductive.

Enamel paint has good adhesion, which makes it much easier to work with. The surface on which it is applied must be thoroughly cleaned from dirt and dust. In this case, it is not necessary to putty the surface. It is enough to pre-cover the surface with a special primer and let it dry completely.

Different types of enamel paints, united under a common name, still have different technical characteristics. Therefore, we cannot talk about the versatility of their use for various surfaces and types of work. Nitrocellulose are excellent for wood processing, and alkyd have a wider range of applications: from outdoor work to decorative painting.

Enamel paints have a high density, so most of them must be thinned before use. For this, you can use almost any solvent or diluent of any kind.

The indisputable advantages include the following properties of enamel paints:

• Wear resistance. Enamel paint, when used indoors, is able to maintain excellent appearance and technical characteristics for 15 years.
• Ease of use. Even a beginner can handle painting. To achieve the desired result, you must carefully read the instructions and follow them. Professional or special tools are also not needed; ordinary brushes can be used for application.
• Low cost. Within the framework of a market economy, each manufacturer sets its own price for its product, but the average price per kilogram of high-quality paint is 65-70 rubles.
• Rich color palette... Enamel paints are distinguished by their richness of shades. It all depends on which color is closer to you or more suitable for the existing interior. At your service is a bright, pastel, universal ball or any other range of shades, the main thing is to choose the right one.
• Fast drying. Unlike oil paints, which may take a very long period to dry, enamel paints dry very quickly, sometimes even one hour is enough for them.

Consider now those disadvantages that can influence your decision to purchase enamel paint:

• High toxicity... If staining is done indoors, it is not recommended to stay in it for the next 24 hours.
• Fragility... To a greater extent, this applies to those paints that are intended for outdoor use. Under aggressive or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, it will last about a year. If you do not plan to update the treated surface every year, we advise you to pay attention to more practical options.
• Exposure to ultraviolet rays. With regular exposure to the painted surface, the sun can shorten the life of this paint and varnish material. As a result, it will tarnish and cracks will appear.

A few tips:

• Appearance. Even the highest quality paint can become unusable if the storage was carried out in violation of the norms or the bank itself is damaged. Before buying, carefully inspect the container; it should not have dents, scratches or other damage. This is not about aesthetic beauty, but about the fact that as a result of air ingress, the paint could dry out.
• Shelf life... It can be easily found on the label or on the jar itself. Always pay attention to this. The more time before the expiration date, the better. After all, force majeure circumstances are not excluded, in which you will have to postpone the planned painting.
• Consumption... It is also indicated on the paint can. If you purchase enamel of several colors, then the consumption must be calculated for each one. For example, dark blue can cover 14-17 square meters of area, while red only 5-10. The white paint of this group is capable of covering an area of ​​7-10 square meters.
• GOST inscription. The digital code may vary, but its very presence is as much a prerequisite as the expiration date or labeling.

Each finishing material has its own pros and cons. Knowing about all the nuances and subtleties, it is quite possible to find the ideal option for yourself. For the types and rules for choosing paints for the ceiling, floor and walls, see the following video.