Polyurethane paint - types and distinctive properties
Polyurethane paint will help protect the surface from various mechanical, chemical or weather influences. It is markedly different from other analogues, both in technical and operational qualities.
Why is she so good? In the article we will try to answer this question, consider the types, differences, characteristics and applications of polyurethane paints.
The content of the article
Advantages of polyurethane based paints
The unique qualities of this coating allow you to put it an order of magnitude higher than other paints and varnishes.
Distinctive features of paints are:
- Huge margin of safety and wear resistance.Polyurethane-based paints are used even on heavy-duty manufacturing sites.
- Excellent compatibility with all, even the most difficult surfaces.Paints are used to coat and simultaneously protect concrete (seeConcrete painting in different versions), wood, metal, stone, as well as porous and loose surfaces.
- No harmful emissions during operation.Polyurethane itself is chemically stable and harmless, to some extent only the solvent included in the mixture poses a health hazard, but after it evaporates and the paint dries, the danger completely disappears.
- Elasticity.
Polyurethane stucco molding painted with the same paint.Along with high strength, the surface painted with polyurethane enamel retains elasticity. For example, paint for polyurethane skirting boards allows you to bend or deform them without the risk of violating the integrity of the coating.
- Incredible resistance to aggressive environments.
Polyurethane-based paint for a long time serves where conventional coatings quickly become unusable.
Types of paints
By composition, polyurethane paints are divided into two types:
- One-component - immediately containing all the necessary substances (diluents, hardeners, desiccants, etc.).
- Two-component - before work requiring mixing of two components from separate containers.
Manufacturers offer several types of paint, let's see how they differ from each other.
Organic solvent based polyurethane paint
In simple terms, this is an ordinary paint modified with polyurethane.
It belongs to the type of one-component paints and consists of several components:
- Polyurethane.
- Solvent (toluene, xylene).
- Coloring pigment.
Hardening or polymerization occurs under the influence of atmospheric moisture, which reacts with the constituent binder components.
Important! Dry air in the room does not contribute to the setting of the composition; therefore, surfaces painted with polyurethane paint cannot be dried with hot air. Simply put, the higher the humidity in the room, the faster the floor will dry, and vice versa.
To dilute the paint, experts recommend the use of numbered solvents made specifically for such coatings.
After applying to the surface, a single-component polyurethane paint gains strength after 48 hours. The coating acquires complete water resistance, special wear resistance, resistance to aggressive environment.
Water-dispersible polyurethane paint
This is a one-component paint in which ordinary water is used instead of a solvent. It has no toxic smell and is completely harmless when painted.
The components of the mixture are evenly distributed in the aquatic environment and form a stable dispersion. When water evaporates, they gradually come together, and then stick together upon contact. As a result, we get a thin, durable film that has both decorative and protective properties.
They purchase it mainly for painting walls in rooms with high humidity (seeHow and what is the bathroom painting done) Paint for polyurethane stucco moldings or skirting boards can also be water-dispersible, as it has special elasticity and does not crack when bending decorative parts.
Important! Since the paint contains water, it is capable of freezing at low temperature. After defrosting, technical indicators are markedly reduced.
Alkyd-urethane paint
The composition of this one-component paint includes the following components:
- Alkyd-urethane varnish (serves to form a film).
- Desiccants for quick drying.
- Thinners.
- Pigments.
- Other targeted additives.
Using polyurethane enamel, you can create decorative and protective films with various textures and gloss levels. Apply it both for internal and external works. For example, polyurethane paint for alkyd-based floors can cover both the floor in the garage and the walkways in the yard.
The paint is resistant to temperature changes in the range from -60 to +60 degrees, is not afraid of moisture, has excellent abrasion resistance, is easily applied by roller, brush or spray. Due to the desiccants available in the composition, the paint dries quickly (1.5–2 hours), and when used on metal, it serves as an excellent anti-corrosion agent.
Two-component paint polyurethane
It is produced and goes on sale in two containers - separately containing resin and hardener.
The advantages of this separation are as follows:
- The ability to prepare the right amount of solution "once", while the residue does not lose its qualities during further storage.
- Hardening and polymerization of the paint takes place without the participation of moisture.
- The coating is more durable and wear-resistant than when using single-component compositions.
Two-component polyurethane paint is used for surfaces that are particularly susceptible to adverse effects. It is resistant to soluble acids, alkalis, oil, various types of fuel, is not afraid of sea and running water, wastewater.
Mixing the components with their own hands is carried out in a separate container with a construction mixer until the composition is completely homogeneous. The prepared mixture has a short lifespan (no more than 6 hours), so the flow rate must be calculated in advance, otherwise the residue will have to be thrown out.
The strength and durability of the coating directly depends on the implementation of the mixing recommendations provided by the manufacturer’s instructions for the paint. In addition, it indicates the number of possible layers, type and volume of solvent, application conditions.
Comparative table of the distinguishing features of paints
To summarize the main distinguishing properties of various types of mixtures, and offer to see a comparative table of the pros and cons of polyurethane paints:
| Paint type | Benefits | disadvantages |
Polyurethane based on organic solvents One-component paint | High wear resistance. Water resistant. Strength. Protection of metal from corrosion. Resistance to mechanical and chemical influences. | Toxicity of solvents. Rapid cure upon contact with air, which may interfere with uniform application. |
Water dispersion Water-dispersion polyurethane primer | It is odorless, diluted with water. Great for painting walls in wet rooms and covering decorative parts made of polyurethane (skirting boards (seeHow to paint a ceiling baseboard: do it yourself), stucco moldings). Affordable price. | Compared with other analogues, it has less wear resistance. Lies poorly on smooth surfaces. Freezes at low temperatures. |
Alkyd-urethane Alkyd-urethane coating | It forms a strong, flexible coating. White spirit is used as a solvent, which has a slight odor and increases the hardening of the paint, allowing you to apply a uniform layer. Dries in a couple of hours. Low cost. | Small thickness of one layer. It is applied only at positive temperature. |
Two-component Two-component paint | Fireproof, withstands temperatures up to 100 degrees. Particularly strong and wear-resistant, it can be used in rooms with a high load (for example, paint the floor in the garage). Creates an even, durable coating. | Low viability of the solution (no more than 6 hours). Do not apply on a moist base; there is a risk of foaming of the painted layer. It is used at temperatures from +5 to +30 degrees. High price. |
Important! Regardless of the type and type, polyurethane enamel on a polyurethane basis is applied only to the prepared surface, which must be cleaned of dirt, dried, and if necessary, primed. Ensuring good adhesion and obtaining high-quality coating depends on this. It is recommended to purchase primer specifically for the selected paint and from the same manufacturers.
As already mentioned above, all polyurethane paints based on polyurethane perform not only decorative, but also protective functions. For example, polyurethane paint for metal protects structures from corrosion, some types when in contact with an open fire begin to foam, which delays the deformation of the metal for up to 1.5 hours.
The coating of porous surfaces (concrete, wood and others) completely isolates the materials from moisture, and also protects them from the appearance of fungus, mold or microorganisms.
Which manufacturer to choose
Polyurethane paints of the following manufacturers are especially popular and in demand on the Russian market:
| Manufacturer | Types of paints | Characteristics | Places of application |
TheoChem Polyurethane Enamel | Enamel "Elacor - PU" | High strength, wear resistant. | Floor of any kind. Coating of concrete, wooden surfaces. |
| Metal paint Metal-Enamel-60, Metal-Enamel S / S | High corrosion protection. UV protection. | Floor on a metal surface. Coating of tanks, tanks, walls and structures in the open air. | |
| Paint "food" Elakor-PU "Eco" Enamel-60 | Strength, resistance to mechanical shock, chemical attack. | Surfaces made of metal, concrete, wood, in direct contact with drinking water and dry products. | |
LLC "TD KRASBYT" Concrete flooring enamel | One-component PURACOR paint | Primed enamel with the addition of corundum particles provides a durable, non-slip, impact-resistant, thin-layer coating. | High-load concrete floors (garages, retail premises, warehouses, etc.) |
| Two-component enamel "PURACOR-2K" | Extra strong wear-resistant coating resistant to any mechanical and chemical influences. | High-load concrete floors (garages, retail premises, warehouses, etc.) | |
CJSC “ALP ENAMEL” Two-component enamels | Two-component matte enamel "POLIURPONT TDR 20" | Anticorrosive, resistant to weathering and chemical environment. | As a primer for concrete floors. As a single-layer coating for metal, aluminum, galvanized surfaces. |
| One-component enamel POLIURPONT TDR-50 | High adhesion to ferrous or slightly corrosive metals, as well as wood and concrete. | For floors with prolonged contact with water, chemicals exposed to high loads. | |
| Politek One-component paint | Two-component paint PU-1358 | Resistance to medium and high loads, use at positive temperature, Resistance to atmospheric action. It is applied in a thin layer. | Concrete, asphalt floors, metal substrates. |
| One-component paint PU-2356 | Resistance to medium and high loads, use at positive temperature, Resistance to weathering. It is applied in a thin layer. | Concrete, asphalt floors, metal substrates. It is used both inside the building and outside. |
I must say that paints from the manufacturer teohim are in special demand all the same, due to the more affordable price and variety of goods. Enamel, varnishes and primers elakor teohim will satisfy the most demanding customer, the scope of their application is much wider than that of other manufacturers.
Conclusion
We talked about polyurethane enamels in an accessible way, now you know what a polyurethane-based paint is, and you understand the difference between different types and types of coatings. We advise you to carefully look at the photos and videos in this article to finally understand for yourself everything about these coatings.
