Concrete is endowed with many good qualities: strength, durability, high wear resistance and frost resistance, resistance to aggressive environments and temperature extremes. Nowadays, this material is used for many construction purposes - for the construction of ceilings, walls, foundations, etc. But, despite its excellent protective qualities, concrete itself requires protection, and special varnishes on various bases are used for these purposes.
Varnish for concrete: application
Varnish mixture is able to protect concrete surfaces from almost any impact, and is most often used:
- like concrete flooring;
- on railings and fences using natural stone and concrete;
- on concrete garden paths, sidewalks and other objects that are constantly exposed to the weather.
Benefits of using
As practice shows, varnish for concrete and stone not only protects against moisture, corrosion, but alsoincreases the strength of the material. When applied to a concrete base, the following results are achieved:
- increases material life;
- concrete becomes more stable and durable;
- abrasion resistance greatly improved;
- frost resistance increases;
- improves the appearance, the surface becomes glossy (if used as a top coat);
- increases the service life of the processed object.
Prices for varnish for concrete depend on the basis on which they are created, and range from 100 to 2000 rubles. per liter.
Classification
Concrete varnish is classified according to the following parameters:
- base composition;
- colors, fire resistance, amount of anti-corrosion additives;
- reflective.
One of four substances is used as a base: polyurethane, polymer, silicone or acrylic. In this regard, concrete varnish happens:
- Polyurethane. It has improved moisture retention, so it is most often used on surfaces that are most susceptible to moisture.
- Polymer. The protective agent does not pass moisture, dries quickly. They can easily cover large areas.
- Acrylic. Due to its high cost, it is mainly used as a decorative coating on small surfaces.
- Silicone. In its characteristics, it combines high moisture resistance and gooddecorative qualities.
Each of the listed types has its own distinctive features and scope.
In addition to the protective properties, the possibility of creating different reflective effects should be noted. Varnish happens:
- glossy;
- semi-gloss;
- semi-matte;
- matte.
Polyurethane varnish for concrete
Products based on polyurethane are the most popular and widespread. They have good penetrating and protective properties. To achieve a greater effect, a polyurethane-based impregnation is pre-applied.
Polyurethane varnish belongs to the middle price category. Its cost is 150-300 rubles. per kilogram.
Among the many offers, experts recommend choosing Tistrom brand products. This protective agent is excellent for coating in workshops, car services, garages and other similar buildings. It is endowed with the following advantages:
- resistance to oil products, oils, gasoline;
- easy to use;
- good decorative qualities;
- does not lose its properties and is not damaged by wet cleaning.
This product not only provides a durable and wear-resistant coating for the concrete floor, but also gives additional tensile and compressive strength. Often this varnish is used as a base in industrial premises, utility rooms, cowsheds, poultry farms, etc.
Polymer-based varnish
Such protective equipment has a goodwear resistance, strength, water resistance and resistance to aggressive environments. They belong to the category of quick-drying, which reduces the time of work on the opening of floor coverings, especially large areas.
As a rule, these varnishes are based on styrene, which gives the agent and the treated surface additional qualities: chemical resistance and high strength. The cost of polymer varnishes is the most favorable - 15-25 rubles. per kilogram.
The most common polymer-based product is Texol.
Varnishes based on silicone-acrylic
These are the most expensive products. Their price per kilogram reaches 700 rubles. The high cost is justified by the relatively low consumption and the ability to perform work in the conditions of existing production. After application, the varnish gives the surface a matte color. The most popular brands are Element, Wet Stone, Orion.
Water-based polishes
This category is most often used for covering wooden surfaces and decorative colorless concrete painting. An example of a water-based product for concrete is a two-component varnish of the PaliStone FP brand. It is used to coat concrete, artificial and natural stone, paving slabs and other surfaces.
Apply recommendations
Any concrete varnish will last much longer if you follow the basic rules for applying it:
- clean the surface, get rid of dust;
- check humidity (no more than 4%);
- surfaceprimed;
- prepare a protective agent: a one-component varnish can be applied immediately, a two-component varnish is used after mixing its components.
Apply with a brush or roller. Drying time is approximately 2 hours. If necessary, a second coat can be applied.
After coating, you can walk on the surface after 5-6 hours.
