Bronze powder, by definition, is a fine powder composition. The material is produced from two metal alloys - zinc and copper. Paraffin and stearic acid are added to it to prevent sticking and oxidation of very fine particles. Bronze powder has a scaly structure that resembles the appearance of a petal. Has a color from red to gold. May have a certain shade - it depends on the percentage of zinc in the composition.
Production
The product is produced exclusively in an industrial way, by the method of repeated crushing of bronze powder. The procedure is carried out in special pneumatic installations or ball mills. Bronze powder is mined from pure copper and zinc-based alloys by grinding. The end result is a powdery mass containing millions of tiny particles. High-grade bronze powder is obtained by passing through a sieve numbered 0045. The final residue is 1%. Paints and coatings based on bronze powder have a high hiding power, which is 4500 grams per square centimeter.
Where useproduct?
Bronze powder has been widely used in:
- works related to decoration;
- printing industry;
- at enterprises producing paints and varnishes and coatings;
- pencil production;
- paper coating;
- production of decorative and colorful labels;
- cosmetic industry.
Can be applied to plain, patterned and embossed surfaces to create a gold or bronze effect. Found bronze powder application in painting:
- Parts of systems and tanks used in industrial plants.
- Heating radiators, radiator systems in factories.
- Parts for the boiler room that need extra protection against overheating.
- Details of the surface of ships and other port structures permanently under water.
- Pipes of water supply, sewerage and ventilation systems.
- Bridges, fences and so on.
Classification and GOSTs
Based on the purpose and use, the product is divided into the following types:
| Purpose | Marking | GOST |
| For paint | BOD | TU 48-21-721-81 |
| For offset printing | BPO | TU 48-21-150-72 |
| For printing | BPP | TU 48-21-150-72 |
| For pencil production | BPP | TU 48-21-150-72 |
| Jewellery | FLU | TU 48-21-36-81 |
| Vacuum powder insulation | BPI | TU 48-21-36-81 |
The main industries where bronze powder is used are shown in tabular form, GOST and marking indicate for which purposes the product should be used.
Application benefits
Pluses can be considered in two directions at the same time: aesthetics and functionality. And here's why:
- The metal-containing pigments included in the powder actually contain bronze, which means they really protect those parts and surfaces that need it from corrosion.
- Bronze paint powder makes paint highly resistant to moisture, thus extending the life of the item.
- The aesthetics of objects painted in bronze or gold is high. They seem more noble and expensive, they can advantageously stylize the interior, for example, under antique furnishings.
- Paints and coatings are characterized by high resistance to UV radiation, especially for those elements that are constantly exposed to the sun.
Disadvantages of using
There are a number of disadvantages in the applicationand work with the product, and those who want to, but do not know how to use bronze powder should know about them:
- It belongs to explosive substances. Therefore, it should be stored in places as far as possible from sources of open fire, in a tightly buried container or container.
- It should not be applied to surfaces previously painted with oil paints, acrylic based paints, nitro enamels or NBX. The coating may bubble, come off the base, or lay very poorly.
- Acrylic bronze paint, contrary to advertising beliefs, is not that good. Rust spots may appear on surfaces painted with it, even at the time of application.
How to prepare bronze powder paint?
There are several technologies for preparing this composition:
- With varnish - in proportions: 2 parts of powder to 4 parts of varnish.
- With synthetic drying oil - mixing ratios are similar.
As for the consistency, it depends on the type of object that is planned to be painted. To dilute the paint to the desired one, it is best to use turpentine, solvent and white spirit. This is the answer to another important question - about how to dilute bronze powder for painting metal. If the work will be carried out using a spray gun, then the powder with the solvent should be mixed, adhering to the following proportions: 1:1, if the application is carried out with a brush - 1:0, 5.
Recommendationsby dyeing process
When using paintwork with bronze powder, you should adhere to the following precautions:
- put on protective gloves and personal protective equipment;
- open doors and windows, you can not work with the composition in an unventilated area;
- prepare the surface for painting properly: clean from dirt, dust, grease and rust;
- wooden elements must be sanded;
- apply the composition in several layers, allowing the previous one to dry completely.
Secrets of demand for bronze powder for paint
It can be considered old-fashioned. After all, bronze powder has been used for paint by many generations. Judging by the available reviews, the product has proven itself well because:
- Such paintwork materials and coatings become, as it were, a “second skin” of surfaces, and of any kind. When painting, they form a very neat thin, but durable and uniform layer, completely repeating the texture.
- The coating does not peel off, it is resistant to abrasion. This property can be quite called the reverse side of the coin, since it is difficult to remove if necessary.
- Under water, items painted with this composition have a service life of at least 3 years. In the air - at least 7 years. Statistically, much longer.
- The composition can be applied to any materials: concrete, wood, plaster, metal, brick, plastic and so on.
- Bronze powder paintnon-toxic, does not emit harmful substances, dries quickly, fits well.
Features of use
Before you start painting, check out some of the nuances of using these compositions:
- to achieve greater plasticity, the layer of the applied agent must be very thin;
- for the coating to last longer, you need to rub the paint very carefully (with a sponge or hard brush) on the surface that it is painted with;
- if the powder was diluted with nitro-lacquer, then you need to work with such a composition very deftly and quickly, otherwise it will start to dry or thicken right before your eyes;
- when painting metal surfaces, they should be pre-treated with a primer.
How to wash off a random paint stain?
Accidental splashing of paint on other objects during work is a common occurrence. If such an oversight occurred and the composition had time to dry, then it can be removed with the solvent in which the powder was diluted. If a ready-made composition was bought, and it is not known what it consists of, you can use the following recommendations:
- Drip regular sunflower oil on the stain, hold for 10 minutes and rub it hard with a dry cloth.
- Apply regular nail polish remover that does not contain acetone to the stain. Fresh traces will be removed very quickly.
Summing up
Working with bronze paint, you need to know and follow the rules of application, measuresprecautions and nuances. But once they are mastered, the work should not be difficult. The main thing here is to choose the right binder, observe the mixing proportions. Pay attention to compatibility with the surface to be painted. If aerosols are used, then working with them is even easier - the coating process is no different from working with other coatings.
