Among the wide variety of paints and varnishes, silicone enamels and varnishes stand out for a number of special properties. Due to their excellent resistance to high and low temperatures, they have gained immense popularity not only in construction, but also in various sectors of the domestic industry. What are the technical characteristics of these coatings, how wide is the scope of their application and whether they have disadvantages, we will consider in this article.
Main Components
Manufacturers use many varieties of organic resins to make these compounds. They form the most dense coating, which dries quickly and is not subject to abrasion. Additives in the form of carbamides and ethylcellulose give the protective layer the necessary hardness (after drying).
As a film formerpolyorganosiloxanes are used. They give coatings high temperature resistance that lasts for a long time.
In order for silicone varnishes, enamels and paints to acquire a certain shade, various pigments and fillers are added to them. Today on the market you can find products of both the lightest and darkest tones. The presence of special hardeners in the composition contributes to the long-term preservation of color during the operation of painted surfaces.
Positive and negative features of the material
The positive properties of organosilicon enamels include:
- high degree of resistance to high and low temperatures;
- weather resistant;
- excellent tightness;
- long service life (more than 15 years);
- moisture resistance;
- low consumption;
- variety of colors;
- high anti-corrosion ability;
- UV resistant;
- low cost;
- possibility of application at low and high temperatures (from -20 to +40 degrees) and high humidity.
If we talk about the shortcomings that varnishes, organosilicon enamels (heat-resistant) have, then it is worth mentioning the high toxicity of some types. For this reason, work should only be carried out in ventilated areas, using a respirator.
Scope of application and varieties of material
Silicone enamels are divided into two groups:
- moderate heat resistant;
- heat resistant.
The first group is used for painting any exterior surfaces that are not exposed to strong heat (brick, concrete, stone, plaster and metal). This limitation applies more to colored enamels, which include coloring pigments. This is due to the fact that most of these fillers do not tolerate heating even up to 100 degrees.
Nevertheless, this kind of organosilicon coatings perfectly resists adverse atmospheric influences, due to which it is actively used in facade decoration, protective treatment of metal products and other outdoor works.
A heat-resistant silicone enamels and varnishes are used as anti-corrosion coatings for surfaces that are exposed to high heat (up to +500 degrees) and high humidity. Most often they are used for painting stoves, chimneys, heating boilers, electric motors and fireplaces. Coatings with increased hydrophobic properties can be used for protective treatment of slates and building foundations.
Food sanitary products are successfully used to color food preparation items. Such compounds can also be used to treat surfaces inside hospitals, kindergartens and other publicpremises.
Features of working with organosilicon compounds
Silicone enamels, like any other paintwork, should be applied following the technology of painting. This means that before applying them, it is necessary to carefully prepare the base.
If metal products are processed, they are cleaned of dirt, remnants of old coatings and grease stains. The clean surface is degreased with solvents, and then coated with two layers of primer.
Concrete, brick and plaster can be easily cleaned of debris and dust.
Apply silicone based formulations
Silicone enamels, varnishes and paints are applied using one of the following methods:
- manually using brushes and a roller;
- spray gun;
- using an airbrush;
- by completely immersing the object in the coloring composition.
The main rule to remember when working with these materials is that the surface to be treated must be absolutely dry.
Metal products, as a rule, are painted in two layers, and processing of brick, concrete stone and plastered bases is done three times. The paint is applied in a cross direction.
Re-treatment of surfaces is carried out only after complete drying of the previous layer. For drying some varieties of organosilicon compounds, it is recommendeduse special heaters or blowers. Their complete drying time is two hours.
Consumption and price of organosilicon compounds
In conclusion of the topic, let's consider how much silicone enamel costs. The price of such compounds depends on the scope of their application and the reliability of the manufacturer.
Products of domestic brands, intended for outdoor use, cost from 170 rubles per 1 kg. High-temperature enamel (of the same manufacturer) will cost the buyer from 360 rubles for the same volume.
Double treatment of exterior walls usually requires 170 to 250 grams of paint. This indicator varies depending on the porosity of the material being trimmed.
Heat-resistant enamel is consumed much less, as it is applied to a metal base that does not absorb paint. In this case (during double processing), up to 150 grams of protective composition will go to each square meter.
