Hammer paints for metal: distinctive features and areas of use

Paint is one of the ways to protect the top layer of metal from damage. However, not all such products can withstand the harsh operating conditions of the products. Therefore, manufacturers are trying to improve their products, regularly releasing new modifications of the compositions on the market. Particular attention should be paid to hammer paints that can easily withstand temperature extremes and mechanical stress.

Hammer paint is a nitro-based polymer mixture. When the film hardens on the surface of the product, a kind of dents are formed on it. The effect of a hammer hitting metal is created. This explains the name of the tool.

Manufacturers add several more main components to the solution:

• Metallic powder. In most cases, copper or aluminum is used in production.
• Fine fraction glass. This component forms a texture on the surface after curing.
• Aluminum flakes. It is they who form a unique texture on the surface.
• Silicone or alkyd resins. They repel water well, preventing it from seeping under the protective film.
• Technical wax. After hardening, this component forms a protective layer.

Please note that a similar effect is observed when applying special powder paints. However, the cost of this process is quite high, as it requires the use of special equipment. Therefore, many people prefer hammer paints, which are easy to apply under normal conditions.

Today hammer paints are widely used in construction.

This is due to the numerous advantages of such formulations:

• Resistance to temperature extremes and climatic irritants. Almost all types of hammer paints can easily tolerate temperatures up to +80 degrees.
• The mixture is universal, since it can be used to coat not only metals, but also other materials.
• The paint is easy to apply without the use of specialized tools. For this, standard rollers or brushes are used. Some manufacturers produce formulations in the form of aerosol cans. Please note that some types of paints can be applied even when there is strong wind outside.

• Drying period of the mixture does not exceed 2 hours. But the film acquires absolute strength only after 24 hours after application.
• The products are environmentally friendly. When painting, solutions do not emit pungent and harmful odors.
• The service life of the protective film can be up to 8 years, which is difficult to achieve with other formulations.
• Resistance to mechanical damage. This is due to the fact that the material is plastic even after drying. It is quite difficult to peel off part of the film.

However, such paints may not always be the best solution.

This is due to several significant disadvantages:

• High price. The price of hammer paints exceeds the cost of similar materials (enamels) several times.
• The complexity of the application. To get a strong and durable coating, you should strictly follow the recommendations of specialists when painting.
• The complexity of the withdrawal. Removing a coat of hammer paint is difficult. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully select the color if you plan to apply it with a top coat.

Hammer paints have unique technical characteristics.

Today they are used in various sectors of the national economy:

• Industry. The composition is used for painting machines, structures and mechanisms. It is also the best choice for protecting the enclosures of various electrical systems (switchboards, etc.).
• Automotive industry. Many types of discs, bodies, and other metal parts of cars are covered with hammer paint. This allows them to extend their service life several times.
• Building sector. Here, with the help of this agent, metal structures are protected from corrosion.

• Painting forged fences to give them an aging effect, as well as to prevent the likelihood of corrosion processes.
• Metal furniture production. In most cases, hammer mortars are used to paint entrance doors, safes and other similar products.
• Advertising industry. The compounds perfectly protect metal structures, and are also used to create a decorative effect on various types of plastic or glass.

Hammer paints have unique technical characteristics. At the same time, the substances are constantly being improved, acquiring new and improved properties. There are several main brands of this type of paint on the market today.

• ML-165. The paint belongs to enamels, the main component of which is alkyd-styrene substances. Among the positive properties of the material, one can single out heat resistance. The paint does not lose its original properties when exposed directly to temperatures no higher than 130 degrees. As a protective layer, the product can be used on almost all types of surfaces.

• EP-1323 ME. Epoxy enamel that combines the properties of paint and primers. A unique product that is mainly used to coat metals that are susceptible to external influences (truck cranes, forklifts, fences, etc.). The paint can be applied over rust, which eliminates surface pretreatment.

• NC 221. This paint has a low price. It is used as a decorative coating. The quality of protection here is much worse than that of the previously reviewed modifications. However, the composition withstands external climatic conditions well. It can also be used indoors.
• Hammerite. This type of hammer paint is the most expensive and of the highest quality. Suitable for covering various products. It can also be applied over rust.

The main task of hammer paint is considered to be the protection of metal surfaces. Initially, manufacturers did not pay attention to the color palette of the product, as they considered this moment to be secondary.

However, today the paint is produced in different shades, among which the following basic colors can be distinguished:

• black;
• Gray;
• White;
• blue;
• blue;
• purple.

Please note that many manufacturers produce compounds that may outwardly resemble the colors of wood, natural stone, etc.

The modern market is saturated with hammer paints. The popularity of the product explains the emergence of numerous low-quality fakes.

Experts recommend giving preference only to well-known brands, among which there are several manufacturing companies:

1. Hammerite. Some types of paints can be applied to galvanized metals only after they have been primed with special solutions.
2. Dali. Compositions are intended for application to metals (galvanized, etc.), wood and plastic.
3. Alpina.

The compositions of these grades are distinguished by high adhesion to metals, which allows them to be applied even over rust. According to reviews, paints resist moisture well, as well as direct exposure to oils. Some varieties are able to withstand contact with mild alkalis and acids.

Another good option is spray paint from Kudo.

The variety of hammer paints often leads to doubts when purchasing a product. To find the right solution, you should pay attention to several factors.

• Application method. The most popular are liquid solutions. For their application, rollers or brushes are used. Some manufacturers produce formulations in spray cans. Their price is slightly higher than the cost of a standard modification product. Usually they are used when it is necessary to obtain a uniform layer of paint, as well as when it is required to fill in with paint hard-to-reach places.

• Purpose. Hammer paints are used as protective products. However, many of them require preliminary cleaning of metal or other material in order to increase adhesion. There are also special modifications that are easily applied to rust. These products combine a primer and regular enamel. It is also important to pay attention to what substances the composition is intended for. Hammer paints always work with metals, but they may not always adhere to wood, glass or plastic.
• Physical and chemical characteristics. These parameters allow you to select a composition that can withstand not only high temperatures, but also a relatively aggressive environment.

Hammer paint application technology consists of several successive steps.

• Surface preparation. Before applying the solution, you should thoroughly clean the metal from oily stains, and also remove the peeling layers of the previous coating. New metal structures must be pre-treated with sandpaper or a grinder. Minor damage will increase the adhesion of the mortar to the substrate.

Please note that all non-ferrous metal products must be primed with special solutions before painting.

• Painting. This process can be carried out in various ways. The easiest option is to use a paintbrush. The algorithm for applying hammer paint with this tool is no different from ordinary painting. Experts recommend using a brush for small segments. It is better to paint flat surfaces with a roller. It is important to ensure that the canvas is positioned strictly horizontally. This will allow the paint to spread evenly. Do not dip the roller into the solution, it is better to pour the mixture over the tool. It is undesirable to use foam rubber for soaking, as the paint will simply "corrode" it.

The easiest way is to use aerosol cans or spray guns. With the help of such tools, the composition is applied in several thin layers. The interval between painting steps should be about 20 minutes. When using an aerosol, direct the jet at right angles to the surface to be painted.

For information on how to properly apply hammer paint, see the next video.