Polyurethane paint: features of choice

Polyurethane paint is good for all surfaces, be it concrete, metal or wood. The polymer composition has not only high decorative, but also protective properties. Other types of materials have more ambiguous characteristics. Often, coating a product with a polyurethane compound is precisely the function of protecting it from damage.

When performing external finishing works, polyurethane enamel is used. This enamel increases the stability of stone rocks, since it creates a strong film on its surface, which prevents moisture from penetrating inside.

Polyurethane paints have a wide range of applications: from domestic use to road marking. Two-component compositions will help to create interesting effects.

After the applied composition dries, an attractive gloss appears. Unfortunately, the glossy finish emphasizes all the roughness and unevenness, so the surface must be brought to perfect smoothness in advance. There are also enamels that create a matte finish.

The painting procedure is best carried out at temperatures ranging from minus 10 to plus 30. Air humidity does not play any role. The enamel is well applied to concrete even at a humidity close to 95%. The coating itself tolerates temperatures from minus 40 to plus 150. To obtain a good adhesion of the paint, you need to prime the surface.

Polyurethane paints can be classified according to their composition and the materials for which they are intended. You can apply paint with a brush or roller, or you can buy paint in a spray can.

Metal products are usually spray painted. This method of painting cars allows you to get a uniform color without streaks and streaks. Concrete floors are easier to paint with a roller, while wooden surfaces are easier to paint with a brush. Different forms of release of the composition facilitate the task of painting an object.

Polyurethane paints are very versatile and suitable for different types of materials. A primer is required. This is especially true for metal surfaces.

Wooden surfaces do not need to be primed, but be sure to dry them well. Wood tends to absorb everything into itself, so not a single layer is required. Wood paint is mainly intended for furniture and furniture production.

The paint of this category is notable for the fact that it creates a strong layer on the treated surface, protecting the material from damage. The paint is based on polymers and a homogeneous mixture of hardeners and colorants. Each element in the paint composition contributes to the formation of a durable, moisture-resistant coating.

Often this group of paints is sold in two separate containers, one containing the resin and the other containing the hardener.

Two-component paint has advantages over one-component paint:

• more positive reviews than regular paint;
• moisture resistance;
• the ability to prepare the solution in portions, which ensures an economical consumption of finishing material.

The paint, which contains an organic solvent, belongs to the category of one-component and contains a pigment and a thinner. It polymerizes under the influence of moisture, therefore, it is useless not to use the composition in an excessively dry and warm space. The coating becomes maximally durable after two days. Resistance to aggressive environments and abrasives appears at the same time. Such properties are possessed by compositions for concrete.

Water-based paints are also one-component, but instead of a solvent, they use water. These formulations are safe for health and do not have an unpleasant odor. Evenly distributed components of the composition after evaporation of water are attached to each other, forming a strong smooth film.

At low temperatures, such paint will not lose its properties, but its characteristics will noticeably decrease. Such options are good for use in rooms with high humidity. The paint is very flexible, therefore it is suitable for plastics, rubber products and coating of parts of unusual shapes (stucco molding, plinths).

The alkyd-urethane group of paints is intended for painting metal surfaces such as car bodies. In addition to pigment and solvent, the paint contains substances that accelerate drying, and alkyd-urethane varnish.

The buyer can choose the gloss level and texture to his liking. The paint has high durability and decorative properties, it is also suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The temperature range ranges from minus 50 to plus 50.

Other benefits include:

• scratch resistance;
• ease of application;
• fast drying (2 hours);
• ability to protect the material from rust.

Today, the building materials market offers polyurethane paints from many manufacturers. The price for a can depends on the brand awareness, volume and form of packaging. The most popular are German, Turkish, Greek paints. The CIS countries produce products that are not inferior in their characteristics, and their prices are an order of magnitude lower.

Foreign compositions are sold more expensive due to the high cost of transportation and brand awareness. Domestic products undergo serious quality control, have the necessary certificates and licenses. Each type of coating has its own expiration date. It doesn't matter what kind of coating is needed - varnish, enamel or paint. You can safely buy products from Russian brands.

Separately, it should be noted polyurethane paints from China. Celestial Empire represents the largest market for paints and varnishes of any type and purpose.

Thus, paints based on complex polymers have not only the function of protection and give the surface such properties as antistatic, impact resistance, anti-slip, but also improve the appearance of the coating.

Faced with the problem of choosing a polyurethane coating, the buyer can be confused among the huge number of options. Paints for the same purpose differ in the types and proportions of the components present in the mixture. This can significantly affect performance.

For example, there are enamels adapted to low temperatures. Therefore, there is a difference in surface requirements and application conditions. Keep in mind that some one-part formulations have a shelf life of less than 6 months.

Getting started, you must carefully study the instructions for using a particular paint. Before making a choice, it is advisable to read the general recommendations regarding polyurethane coatings.

If you plan to paint the surface with existing old paint, it is necessary to test the compatibility of the compositions and the degree of their strength in an inconspicuous area. Old paint may start to peel and bubble. In this case, the old surface will need to be cleaned.

For maximum adhesion, the surface must have a number of properties:

• It is necessary to make the surface smooth, clean and free from grease.
• Moisture readings should not exceed 5%.
• The temperature should be at least +5.

• It is necessary to remove lagging and crumbling fragments using grinding, milling, sandblasting.
• Seams must be sealed with sealant.
• If the flooring is new, it is imperative to remove the laitance layer.
• The surface must be thoroughly primed.

Before work, the paint must be mixed with a mixer or manually using a stick. Do not let sediment remain on the bottom of the can. Avoid bubbles when mixing.

An extra layer of coating will not bring additional strength and may even lead to the formation of pores, bubbles and other defects. For best results, do not deviate from the instruction algorithm. Wait for the required time before applying the next coat.

The paint is applied with a roller, trowel or brush. Aerosol versions are an exception.

Drying time may be slower in low humidity conditions. The room can be artificially humidified, but not allowed to form condensation and splashes on the surface. This will cause bubbles to appear.

Use alkaline products to clean painted surfaces - acids can be harmful.

Residual paint must not be disposed of down the drain.

Paints of this group have both professional and household use. In everyday life, polyurethane compounds protect surfaces from moisture and mold. If desired, the coating can also be used in residential areas. After drying, it is absolutely safe for humans.

Polyurethane floors are self-leveling surfaces that include special two-component polymers. The resulting floor surprises with its high aesthetic properties, as well as elasticity and durability. Special chemical reactions lead to the synthesis of polymers - this is how a monolithic texture of self-leveling floors is created.

Self-leveling floors are resistant to deformation, wear, abrasion, and are insensitive to aggressive environments. Floors of this type are suitable not only for industrial and commercial premises, but also for residential buildings and offices.

When choosing a coating, it is important to consider:

• the degree of chemical and mechanical stress during operation;
• the purpose of the room;
• preparatory work for creating a self-leveling polyurethane floor;
• individual features of the room.

Having given yourself an answer to each of these points, you can start choosing a design and calculating the cost of the floor.

Epoxy urethane flooring is used in parking lots, platforms and other similar premises due to its high degree of strength and wear resistance.

Glossy black floor is a bold and unusual solution.

The floor, reminiscent of the palette of a watercolor artist, becomes the main accent of the corridor.

Polyurethane flooring can be seen in the gym.

A floor in the form of a green lawn with daisies is a good solution for a nursery.

There are many options in which the floor becomes the highlight of the entire room.

How to paint a concrete floor with paint, see the video below.