Alkyd paint: features of choice

The durability of many materials depends on external factors acting on the surface. One way to extend the life of a metal or wood is to coat them with protective compounds. They minimize the external impact on the upper layer of the substance, thereby reducing the risk of its destruction. Among its analogues, alkyd paint perfectly solves these problems.

Alkyd paints have appeared on the modern market for a very long time. Their history began a few decades ago since man learned how to synthesize artificial polymers.The name of these mixtures is due to the presence in their composition of polyesters, which are called alkyds. These products consist of oils and fatty acids, which are combined into one group.

Such a compound allowed to obtain high-quality liquid, which was then used as a solution for various paint-forming components.

The popularity of alkyd paints today is due to several of their positive aspects:

• Resistance to moisture. The top layer repels water very well, not allowing it to penetrate under the surface of the coating.
• High density protective film. This, in turn, also affects the wear resistance of the material. The substance tolerates abrasion and can persist for a long time.

• Resistance to mechanical damage.
• Paint is not afraid of the effects of various chemical solutions. Therefore, it is used in industrial enterprises and other specialized places.
• High drying speed.

Alkyd paints - this is a fairly wide group of mixtures, which includes the so-called enamel. It is these solutions that are often associated with mixtures based on alkyds. Another popular product is acrylic enamel, used almost everywhere.

To understand which material is better, you should compare several of their characteristics:

• Drying time Alkyd enamel dries up to 2 days, which allows you to quickly and accurately make repairs. Acrylic-based solutions gain strength from 2 to 30 days, depending on the composition and place of use. Sometimes this brings some inconvenience, especially if the timing is tight.
• Life time. Alkyd paints can be used both at positive and at sub-zero temperatures. The frozen mixture at the same time does not tolerate ultraviolet light. Therefore, in 2-3 years the alkyd layer will simply crack, and it will need to be changed. Acrylic enamel is much more elastic than its counterpart. Its service life can reach up to 8 years.If it covers metal or plaster, then the top layer will last up to 20 years.

• Cost Acrylic-based paints are distinguished by a high price, which is several times higher than that of alkyd solutions.
• Composition. The main component of acrylic paints is acrylic polymer, as well as water, acting as a solvent. Nevertheless, alkyd mixtures suggest the presence of alkyd varnish, as well as white spirit. Both types of paint contain special dyes and plasticizers, but this already affects the specific characteristics of the solution.

Alkyd paint is suitable for many applications.

It is made on the basis of several main components:

• Alkyd resins. Often in the paint includes lacquer, which perfectly binds together all the other components.
• Solvent. Many manufacturers use kerosene (white spirit) as this element. But some use and other solutions related to this chemical group.
• Fillers. The main element here is granite or marble crumb. It is crushed to the size of flour, which allows you to evenly distribute the substance in the solution.

Depending on the structure and composition of this type of paint is divided into 2 large groups:

• Oily. The main component of this solution is linseed oil. There are several brands of such mixtures, among which MA-021, MA-025 and others can be distinguished. Such solutions are quite rare, as they have a strong odor when drying, and also quickly fade under the influence of the sun. But the cost of oil paints is relatively low, so many also use them.
• Enamel. The main component here is an alkyd varnish, which forms a durable film on the surface after solidification. Depending on the main filler enamel can be divided into glyphthalic and pentaphthalic. The first group of solutions quickly hardens. Apply glyptal paint preferably only indoors. Pentaphthalic mixtures are more versatile and repel water very well. There are several varieties of colors, among which PF-115, PF-133 and others can be distinguished.

An excellent alternative for this is an aerosol mixture.It is easy to apply paint in barrels as it lays down in a uniform thin layer. But it should be noted that not all alkyd formulations can be produced in the form of aerosols.

To change the physical properties of paints, many manufacturers add to the composition of certain substances.

Depending on this product can be divided into several types:

• alkyd-urethane;
• styrene;
• others.

The color palette of alkyd paints is quite limited. Especially popular are black, white and brown solutions. But manufacturers allow you to change the color of the paint yourself.

To do this, they produce many colors (dyes). They are added to the composition of the acquired paint, and it acquires the desired color. By combining several blends, you can get the shade you want.

The use of alkyd paints is quite wide, since the material easily forms a strong bond with almost any material.

Today, solutions of this type are used in various industries to solve complex problems:

• Painting wooden surfaces. Very often alkyd solutions are used to paint doors, furniture or floor.Please note that not all formulations can be used in this case. For example, the floor of the tree should be painted with mixtures that have a high resistance to abrasion (PF-253).
• Protection of metal parts. This group includes almost all types of alkyd paints. But there is also a gradation of use, depending on the environment of use. So, for painting of radiators of heating the mix of the PF-223 brand will be suitable. It is intended only for internal work and is able to withstand high temperatures. Among the shortcomings can be identified very pungent smell, so all the work should be done only in protective clothing.

• Concrete wall protection. Paints for these surfaces appeared relatively recently. To achieve high-quality results, they are recommended to be used together with special primers. These solutions are used in most cases for walls, as concrete flooring is almost never painted.

Many companies are engaged in the production of alkyd paints today, among which there are several brands:

• Belinka. Paints are great for a variety of surfaces.But the main focus is the manufacture of solutions for wood.
• Tikkurila. The Finnish company is the leader in the paint market. Here you can find high-quality alkyd products that meet all safety standards. Among the positive characteristics, you can highlight the long life of the material and a large number of color shades (up to 120).

• Alpina. The company is also widely known for its products. Both alkyd and acrylic enamels are on the market. Materials are of high quality and ease of application.
• Sadolin. Swedish brand, present on the market for a long time. Produces several types of alkyd paints. Here you can find solutions for both wood and metal. The color of many formulations can be changed by tinting.

Alkyd paints are produced by many companies today, but not all of them are distinguished by quality.

When buying such a product, you should pay attention to several characteristics:

• Cost Cheap enamels are not able to protect the surface from corrosion for a long time and efficiently. Preference should be given only to foreign brands that have proven themselves in the market.
• Purpose All types of alkyd paints are used with specific materials. Theoretically, the wood solution can be applied to concrete or metal, but it will not stay on this surface for a long time. Therefore, it is better to use only specialized solutions.

• Composition. For the manufacture of paint should be used only quality materials. All this must be supported by relevant documents. It is important to pay attention to the level of safety, as some modifications may emit very toxic components. Therefore, it is not recommended to work with them in the domestic environment.

In the next video you will find a review of alkyd paint for furniture Tikkurila Empire.