Composition, advantages and disadvantages of alkyd paints
First you need to define what alkyd enamels are.
The classic paint composition is based on a combination of alkyd varnish, color pigments and solvent. Depending on the recipe, various components can be added - antiseptics, sand, marble or granite chips with a fine fraction. The main type of solvent used is white spirit.
The main component of alkyd enamel is pentaphthalic or glypthal varnish on an alkyd base. Each type of varnish has its own characteristics and affects the possible area of application of the coating.
Advantages and disadvantages
The popularity of alkyd paints is a consequence of a number of operational advantages. The main advantages include:
- Easy to apply . Like regular paint, alkyd enamel does not require special skills to work with the composition. The application process is no different from processing with oil or water-based paint. It is enough to follow the operating instructions indicated on the container and observe basic safety precautions.
- Wide range of applications . Various compositions of alkyd enamel are suitable for painting external and internal walls, door and window structures, furniture, radiators and other interior elements. The ability to combine different colors and shades of coating allows you to implement the most original design solutions.
- Anti-corrosion properties . Alkyd paints protect the surface from environmental influences both indoors and outdoors.
- Polymerization rate . Drying time for alkyd paint is no more than 24 hours. Moreover, after an hour it loses its sticky properties, allowing you to continue treating the room.
- Low price. Taking into account the current economic situation, this is an important factor.
However, there are a number of disadvantages associated with the use of alkyd enamel. One of the disadvantages is low resistance to elevated temperatures - the paint application range is usually from 5 to 30 degrees Celsius.
A common stereotype is that alkyd paint “stinks.” This statement is only partly correct: modern compounds developed for interior treatment of premises do not have an unpleasant odor. However, alkyd varnish bases still contain a number of chemical components that can be toxic to the human body.
After completing the work, it is recommended to leave the treated room (taking into account how long it takes alkyd enamel to dry - for about a day), and upon returning, thoroughly ventilate it.
Manufacturers
Domestic products differ in packaging - they are packaged in metal or plastic containers. Imported products, for example, Tikkurila, have more attractive packaging.
The cost of domestic paints and varnishes ranges from 200 to 300 rubles per liter. The foreign-made analogue costs higher. Imported alkyd paints contain only the highest quality components that have passed many tests. That is why such products are odorless and have a high drying rate.
Tikkuril's Miranol enamel is perfect for painting wood products, from window frames to children's toys - it is so safe. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about domestic products.
When choosing, pay attention to expiration dates - fresher paint will give a better result. Also, you should not buy the most affordable or, conversely, the most expensive enamel.
More about alkyd compositions (2 videos)
Alkyd-based paint of different brands (25 photos)
Classification of alkyd paints
Alkyd-based paints and varnishes have various characteristics that determine their purpose and application. Both paints for general use and special compositions intended for specific surfaces are produced.
On containers with enamel you can find an unusual combination - GF-230, PF-115 and others. What it is? This is a special marking used for ease of orientation in various types of alkyd paints.
Types of alkyd enamels by chemical composition
The short abbreviation on the can's label helps identify the base used to create the paint. There are several types of markings:
- GF – paint based on glyphthalic varnish;
- PF – enamel on a pentaphthalic varnish base;
- CS - a mixture of increased chemical resistance used for metal;
- KO – coating containing silicon components of organic origin;
- ML – melamine-alkyd enamels;
- MS – alkyd-styrene mixtures.
There are two most popular types of alkyd enamels, differing in the type of varnish included in their base - pentaphthalic and glypthal.
Mixtures marked PF can be found much more often - they are distinguished by high strength and water resistance. Glypthal-based paints dry much faster, but are less resistant to mechanical stress.
Types of alkyd enamels by area of application
Paints based on alkyd varnishes are suitable for various types of painting work. To understand which paint to paint a particular surface, digital marking is used. It consists of three digits: the first indicates the purpose, and the last two indicate the serial number in the product catalog.
According to their intended purpose, alkyd enamels are marked as follows:
- 0 – enamel for ground work;
- 1 – for external painting;
- 2 – for indoor use;
- 3 – preservative composition;
- 4 – enamel of increased water resistance;
- 5 – composition containing special components;
- 6 – paint that is resistant to interaction with oil- and gasoline-based mixtures;
- 7 – coating with increased chemical resistance;
- 8 – special heat-resistant enamel;
- 9 – composition that provides electrical insulation and conductive properties.
Glypthal-based paints, due to their lower strength, are recommended for interior decoration. Pentaphthalic enamels are better suited for treating external surfaces, as well as elements subject to regular mechanical stress.
Most modern compositions do not require the use of a paint hardener - polymerization in air ensures the strength of the coating.
Popular types of alkyd enamels
Among the huge number of different types of alkyd paints, there are several compositions that are most popular among professionals.
PF-115
This pentaphthalic-based composition is intended for painting metal and wood surfaces. Requires two layers of application. The palette has 24 shades, including bright glossy colors. The coating can be applied either by spraying or using a brush. Dries in a day. The most popular brands are “Tex” and “Leningrad Paints”. You can learn more about PF115 enamel here.
GF-230
Enamel paint for finishing work related to painting ceilings or walls. Experts are skeptical about whether it can be used for floors or outdoor work, since the composition is less resistant to mechanical stress than pentaphthalic analogues. When applied it has a characteristic varnish smell. The best and "Teknos". “Yaroslavl paints” are also popular.
Matt alkyd paint
This category is characterized by a high degree of polymerization and increased resistance to moisture. If necessary, the coating can be washed and treated with cleaning agents. Matte alkyd compositions can withstand temperatures up to 60 degrees and are more economical, providing a consumption of 130 g/m2.
Aerosol enamels
One form of release of alkyd-based paints is aerosol cans. This is convenient: brushes and rollers are not required for painting work. Using a spray, you can paint any hard-to-reach places with high quality - the enamel lays down in an even layer and does not leave smudges. Aerosol application eliminates the problem of time constraints - the question “how to dry quickly” is not relevant, since polymerization lasts only five hours. Compared to how long it takes for alkyd enamel to dry during traditional painting, this is extremely fast.
There are also specialized types of alkyd-based paints, the composition of which is designed specifically for a specific type of surface.
Areas of use
Due to the fact that alkyd paints contain organic solvents, these paints are characterized by high adhesion to any surface - they can be applied to metal surfaces. The paints are suitable for painting wooden surfaces, as well as any other.
In this case, the coating not only has a protective function, but can also stop corrosion processes that have already begun. Therefore, the composition is applied to metal even with traces of rust. No preparation is needed - alkyd primer is applied to the surface without cleaning.
There are special alkyd coatings whose purpose is to work with metal. They are used for painting roofs, including galvanized metal, for application to metal fences, benches, pipelines, and heating radiators. Alkyd paints for metal contain corrosion inhibitors.
Alkyd paints for wood are used in finishing work on carpentry, in finishing work on log and cobblestone walls. These paints and varnishes are chosen for painting external structures and plank facades. Wood paint contains antiseptic components.
Along with special ones, there are also universal materials that can be applied not only to wood or metal, but also to cement surfaces, brick, and concrete.
On video: which is better – alkyd or acrylic paint?
Features of practical application
Alkyd paints are effective to use and do not require special painting skills. Before application, it is necessary to clean the surface from the previous coating, wash it of dirt and treat it with a degreasing compound. For painting you will need:
- brush, roller or spray gun;
- solvent;
- masking tape;
- respiratory mask and gloves.
The composition is diluted to reduce the viscosity of the composition. White spirit is optimal as a solvent. It is used in the mixing process, which guarantees the absence of negative chemical reactions. Using aerosol cans greatly simplifies the process - the paint in them is already in the optimal consistency and is ready for application.
In order to obtain a durable and strong coating, alkyd enamel is applied in several layers.
If painting work takes place indoors, it will be necessary to provide high-quality exhaust and ventilation - this is due to the toxicity of the components contained in the composition. Also, it is necessary to work with gloves and a respirator mask.
Enamel consumption
The average coating rate for alkyd enamels is 150 g/m2. As a rule, one liter should be enough to treat ten square meters of surface. It all depends on the consistency of the enamel, as well as the solvent used for dilution and the characteristics of the surface. Painting metal structures will be more economical than treating similar surfaces made of wood or concrete.
Before painting, it is strongly recommended to calculate the amount of work to be done in advance in order to purchase the optimal amount of enamel.
