Silver paint: types and applications

Despite the constant replenishment of the construction market with new samples of paints and varnishes, silver, known for many generations, remains a kind of leader among dyes for metal and some other surfaces.

This paint does not contain a single milligram of silver and is a powdered aluminum with a characteristic silver color. Hence the common colloquial name - "serebryanka". In practice, it is nothing more than aluminum powder. There are two known fractions of such aluminum powder - PAP-1 and PAP-2.

There is also another type of metallic powder that has a golden color. It is made of bronze, so it should not be confused with aluminum powder paint. Bronze powder, diluted with varnish or linseed oil, gives the painted products a golden color.

The difference between these two fractions of silver lies in the degree of grinding of aluminum; therefore, PAP-1 has a slightly larger particle size. However, the degree of grind does not affect the quality of surface painting.

The method of diluting dry aluminum powder is much more important here. To obtain the finished dye from it, various, mostly alkyd and acrylic varnishes, solvents and enamels are used.

Both powders can be mixed with one of the varnish varieties or diluted with synthetic drying oil. The main difference between PAP-1 and PAP-2 in their preparation lies in the observance of the proportion between powder and solvent:

• To dilute PAP-1, use BT-577 varnish in a ratio of 2 to 5. The paint prepared in this way can withstand heating up to 400 degrees Celsius and not burn out. For mixing, the varnish is poured in portions into the aluminum powder previously poured into the container.
• For the preparation of the PAP-2 fraction, proportions of 1 to 3 or 1 to 4 are applied. Dilute it with drying oil or any known varnish, subject to thorough mixing. But it must be borne in mind that as a result of such mixing, the paint curls up, forming a sufficiently thick mass that is unsuitable for use. Therefore, its further dilution is required to bring it to a state called paint consistency. The further degree of flowability of the dye should be selected depending on the method in which it will be applied - with a roller, spray gun, brush and the like.

To thin the paint, use a mixture of two or more solvents such as white spirit, turpentine, solvent or one of them. If you intend to spray silver, then the metal powder and solvent should be mixed in equal proportions, while a 2 to 1 ratio is suitable for a roller and a paint brush.

If the paint is diluted with synthetic linseed oil, then there are practically no fundamental differences from dilution with varnishes during its preparation. The same applies to the observance of proportional relationships.

The operational characteristics of the compositions of such paint largely depend on the type of varnish or enamel that is used to prepare them. But there are certain qualities that are equally characteristic of all this type of coloring compounds:

• All of them are capable of creating a barrier effect in the form of a thin durable film on painted surfaces. It becomes a reliable protective barrier against moisture penetration and other aggressive external influences.
• Aluminum powder dye is reflective. This property of reflecting ultraviolet solar radiation helps to protect the surfaces of buildings and structures painted with aluminum powder from overheating in hot weather.
• No less important are the protective qualities of dyes based on aluminum powder. They are not subject to corrosion and reliably lie on the painted surface, adhering to it.

This dye is commercially available in the form of a metal powder. To obtain the required dye, it must be mixed with an appropriate paint thinner.

There are also ready-made coloring mixtures. The latter are stirred before use and, if necessary, diluted with any solvent to give them the required paint consistency. Silverfish is sold in paint buckets or cans, as well as in aerosol cans.

Aerosol packaging is very convenient in use and storage. When using spray paints, there is no need for additional painting equipment. Acrylic or other water-based coloring compositions are supplied in the same aerosol form.

The material has the following advantages:

• The popularity of silver enamel, which has not declined for decades, is due to its characteristics such as ease of application. Usually, this dye lays down without drips in an even layer on a previously prepared surface. Even when vertical or inclined surfaces such as walls or roof slopes are painted with silver, drips are practically not formed.
• The surfaces painted with this paint are distinguished by considerable strength. The coloring matter lays down on the surface in an even layer, which, after drying, forms a thin film on it. It does not flake off and sticks firmly to its base.

• Aluminum powder and aerosol colorants are very versatile. Most often, silver staining is used to protect metal products from corrosion, however, it can be applied to any other base such as wood, stone, plaster, and so on. An example is staining with such a composition prepared on varnish or enamel with an acrylic base. Such painting protects wooden buildings from rotting and drying out for a long time, prolonging their life.
• Powdered silver dyes are environmentally friendly, since aluminum powder is not a toxic substance. The composition of it can become poisonous only if its powder is diluted with toxic enamel. Therefore, for wall decoration in residential premises, mixtures based on non-toxic paints and varnishes such as water-dispersion acrylic bases should be used.

• After drying, the dye takes on a pleasant metallic color, which indicates the aesthetics of this type of paint. If desired, you can create more than one tone, but before starting painting, tint the mixture to be prepared in any color.

• However, you can even refuse the idea of ​​self-tinting, because a wide range of aerosol dyes is on sale, with which you can paint walls with beautiful graffiti.

• A no less serious advantage of dyes based on aluminum powder is their durability. According to the long-term practice of their use, the surfaces painted by them do not need to be repaired and re-painted for up to 6-7 years. However, this period can be reduced to 3 years if the painted surface is in constant contact with water, while on the surface of walls inside residential premises, beautiful colorful decor can last up to 15 years.

The disadvantages of these dyes include the fact that aluminum powder is very flammable. In addition, despite the relative non-toxicity and health safety of the finished paint, the ingress of silver powder into the respiratory organs and lungs is a serious danger to a person... Therefore, you should open the package with silverware only in the absence of a draft in the room or in calm weather in an open space, protecting the respiratory organs with a respirator.

Storage conditions and fire safety rules should also be observed when handling this paint.

In the following video, you will learn how to distinguish a fake PAP-1 and PAP-2 aluminum powder from the original.