For fast and high-quality finishing of any surface, paint is most often used. But in the case when you need to preserve the natural texture of wood, a transparent epoxy varnish is used. It emphasizes beauty and protects the surface from environmental influences.
- Features of varnish
- Benefits
- disadvantages
- Application area
- Material Examples
- Surface application method
- Floor application
- What you need to know when painting
Features of varnish
The substance is a solution of epoxy resin, which in a certain proportion is diluted with organic solvents. This varnish is two-component, that is, before use it is necessary to mix it with a hardener.
Benefits
This type of finishing materials has excellent performance in almost all technical parameters. In addition to an affordable price, such a varnish has the following advantages:
- high resistance to moisture;
- excellent mechanical strength;
- excellent gloss level;
- harmlessness.
disadvantages
Like any other substance, an epoxy coating is not perfect. It has only two significant drawbacks that are directly related to its structure and composition:
- lack of elasticity;
- the need to comply with special cooking technology.
Application area
When using the material, due to the presence of ED-16 epoxy in it (in more expensive variations - ED-20), a high-strength film is formed. The product is used to cover such surfaces as parquet, doors, windows, furniture, solid wood flooring. If the surface will undergo serious loads in the future, then you can safely buy an epoxy varnish mixture, which has a huge margin of safety.
She also found application in the manufacture of souvenirs and putties. Often used to finish metal products.
to contents ↑Material Examples
The most popular variety is epoxy-polyurethane varnish. It forms a coating that is resistant to corrosion and other negative environmental effects. It withstands temperature extremes from –200 to + 120 ° C. Thanks to its components, it reliably isolates the surface from moisture, repels liquid and dirt. After complete drying, the layer is very durable, withstands severe mechanical and electrical loads, as well as vibration.
"Elakor-ED" is one of the examples of varnishes that are intended solely for creating flooring. Easy to apply on any prepared surface. It enables literally 1 day to make the floors durable, resistant to wear and completely airtight. Numerous studies have shown that such a lacquered surface does not react with acids, alkalis and petroleum products. Therefore, it can be used not only in your own home, but also in production.
"Elakor-ED" is designed to fill the last layers of epoxy coatings in solving such problems:
- creating a 3D floor;
- decorating flooring with glitters and chips;
- receiving a glossy coating;
- device resistant to chemicals.
Surface application method
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the surface for varnishing:
- All debris, dust, loose particles of the past coating are removed from the surface.
- If the product is metal, then make sure that there is no rust on its surface.
- Before applying varnish to concrete need to putty cracks and bumps.
- The surface of the wood is primed and polished.
- Plastic materials are first matted with sandpaper and then degreased.
Epoxy varnishes are two-component, made on an epoxy basis, so they must be prepared before use. To do this, a hardener is added and thoroughly mixed for 5-10 minutes. After that, you need to give him time to complete the chemical reaction, sometimes the transparent composition becomes slightly white. Once the formation of bubbles has ended, the substance can be applied.
The viability of the solution after combining the components is a certain time, for example, epoxy-polyurethane varnish is valid for 1 hour. Therefore, if you decide to process a large surface area, it is better to cook in portions.
to contents ↑For application, you can use pneumatic devices, airless spray methods, or the manual method: with a brush, roller. In this case, it is necessary to maintain a temperature range of + 5 ° ... + 30 ° C, and the relative humidity should not exceed 80% (provided that there is no dew on the treated surface). Drying time is about 8-12 hours, and full polymerization occurs after two days at a temperature of at least + 20 ° C.
Floor application
It is better to use a wide tool to apply epoxy varnish for the floor on the parquet or other coating, due to which the work will go faster and easier. Perform movements, trying not to repeat over the painted place, so the layer will be homogeneous and have an optimal thickness.
Experts recommend systematically cleaning the brush with a solvent. If you use a roller, then the movements are best done crosswise. The transverse movement is intended for applying the substance to the surface, and the longitudinal - evens the composition. Movement speed should be reduced near walls or other obstacles. Before starting work, the roller should be rolled out.
What you need to know when painting
The following application rules exist:
- Apply the product in several layers (at least 3) depending on the purpose of the room and the characteristics of the surface. Before applying the last coat, the surface can be lightly sanded.
- Try to adhere to the following proportion - 120 g / m2, since an insufficient amount will not allow to achieve the desired result, and an excessive one can provoke wrinkling. If the proportions are not respected, you can permanently spoil the flooring.
- Staining should be done in a respirator with a special tab that absorbs organic vapors, since epoxy-based substances are toxic.
Epoxy varnishing provides reliable surface protection against various damages and loads. This coating makes the product more beautiful, pleasant to look and touch and increases its life. Using this substance, you can turn ordinary floors into something luxurious and unusual.
