Polyurethane thinner. Purpose of solvents: which solvent is best for which paint?

To protect surfaces from negative impacts, including atmospheric ones, are actively used today polyurethane enamel, which is offered for sale in wide range. This mixture consists of various polymers having protective properties. If we compare this composition with other paints, then no other option can compare with polyurethane enamel. Quite often this composition is used as protective coating, since the film has a high margin of safety.

Classification of polyurethane enamels

Polyurethane mixtures are divided according to the material that needs to be coated, as well as by the type of application and composition. You can use a brush or a special aerosol spray for application. The area of ​​use of polyurethane enamel is quite wide, different types Can be applied to stone, wood or metal. Before using the polyurethane mixture, the wood does not need to be primed; it just needs to be well dried.

Specifications

One-component is a composition that is made from polyurethane, pigment and solvent. Among the main characteristics of this mixture are:

• wear resistance;
• elasticity;
• harmless after solvent evaporation;
• chemical stability.

Polyurethane compounds adhere perfectly to the most difficult surfaces.

Types of polyurethane enamels

Polyurethane enamel can be water-dispersed. Among the advantages are harmlessness at the dyeing stage and the possibility of dilution plain water. It is not recommended to paint hydrophobic surfaces with such enamels. This includes concrete, stainless steel and plastic.

Polyurethane is represented by a unique chemical modification that allows the composition to be stored in the form of an aqueous, non-hardening dispersion. This allows you to obtain a durable, wear-resistant coating. If it is necessary to paint the floor in production premises It is recommended to give preference to compositions with organic solvents.

Polyurethane enamel based on organic solvents

Polyurethane enamel can be made on the basis of, for example, xylene or toluene. For dilution, it is better to use licensed solvents recommended by the manufacturer. After gaining strength, which takes two days, such a coating acquires qualities called its main advantages: wear resistance, water resistance, resistance to aggressive environments.

There are also alkyd-urethane coatings; they are used to create an elastic and durable coating that hardens slowly and also has a moderate odor when painted. The price of such mixtures is significantly lower compared to one-component urethane enamels.

Description of two-component polyurethane enamels

Enamel consists of a hardener and enamel, the former of which is added before use. The mixture remains viable for 3 hours, and drying lasts 6 hours. Price of this material high, as is the strength of the coating. Such polyurethane enamel for metal can be used for metal structures that will be loaded under industrial conditions and operated in hot shops with an aggressive atmosphere.

Upper limit operating temperature of this mixture is +80 °C and can reach 100 °C. If there is a need to coat a structure that will be used in fire hazardous conditions, then special compounds should be purchased. For example, “Polistil” metal paint, when exposed to temperature, will form a carbon foam that reliably insulates and resists flame for up to 1.5 hours.

Application of polyurethane enamel "Elakor-PU"

If you need it, pay attention to Elakor-PU, the cost of which per kilogram is 275 rubles. This composition should be used when certain conditions, which are expressed in the absence of capillary rise of water from below. The presence of waterproofing of the base is also important. The residual surface moisture should not be more than 5%. Before applying the composition, the surface gets rid of oily areas. If we're talking about O concrete base, then it should be sanded using a special machine to remove any remaining old paint, pollution and cement laitance.

Before polyurethane enamel is used for concrete, the surface must be dusted using an industrial vacuum cleaner, and then coated with a primer from the same manufacturer. Before use, the mixture is mixed well, and it must be applied with a polyamide roller in 4 layers. Minimal amount layers is 2, the final number will depend on the task being pursued. You need to wait about 4-8 hours between coats.

Application of enamel for concrete "Elakor-PU Enamel-60"

This enamel is a one-component colored moisture-curing semi-gloss mixture, the main advantage of which is the possibility of application at subzero temperatures. After polymerization, a wear-resistant solid plastic polymer is formed on the surface, which will be chemically resistant.

Preparation consists of cleaning and priming the surface, which is then coated with enamel at temperatures from -30 to +25 °C. The temperature of the material itself can vary from +10 to +25 °C. It is also important to take into account the relative humidity of the air; it should not exceed 80%. Before application, the composition is mixed until the color and consistency are uniform. To do this, you can use a paint mixer, which is set at speeds ranging from 400 to 600 per minute.

To carry out the work, you can use rollers or brushes that are resistant to solvents. Airless spray technology can be used. For one layer, the area of ​​which is square meter, it will take approximately 150 g of enamel. The final result will depend on the smoothness of the surface. Layer-by-layer drying lasts the same amount of time as in the above option.

Conclusion

If you decide to use a two-component polyurethane composition, you should note that it is not applied to wet surfaces. This requirement is due to the fact that the hardener will react with the liquid by releasing carbon dioxide, which promotes foaming of the surface.

The areas of application of solvents and thinners are extensive. By doing repair work We inevitably deal with solvents for varnish, enamel, and paints. In construction, rust and concrete solvents are used. liquid glass, liquid nails, polyurethane foam and other materials. Artists constantly use solvents, and in everyday life they help us remove complex contaminants. Our article will help you understand this big topic so that you can quickly answer the question: which solvent is best to use in each specific case.

Solvent and thinner: what's the difference?

The terms "solvent" and "diluent" are often used interchangeably. However, there is an important difference between them. If we talk in simple language, the solvent interacts directly with the film-forming (hardening) component.

For example, gasoline is a popular solvent for oil paints. It dissolves the binder so it can thin out paint for application and can remove dried paint stains at the same time.

The thinner does not dissolve the substances that form the film, but can only reduce the viscosity of the composition. For example, water dilutes water-based paint well, but it will not be able to wash off dried paint.

Types of solvents

For convenience, we divide all solvents into the following groups:

1. Solvents for paint and varnish materials (paints, enamels, varnishes), as well as adhesives and primers
2. Solvents building materials (solvents of bitumen, concrete, foam, rubber, rust, etc.)
3. Household solvents(stains from oil, grease, tape, etc.)
4. Artistic solvents

Solvents for paints and varnishes

Almost all solvents for varnishes, paints and enamels are volatile organic substances with a low boiling point. These properties ensure rapid drying of the compositions after application.

There are solvents:

— homogeneous - based on one substance or a mixture of homogeneous substances (for example, toluene);

- combined - based on several homogeneous solvents in a certain proportion (for example, P-4 = toluene + acetone + butyl acetate).

As a rule, combined ones differ more high efficiency and targeted action.

Using our table, you can easily understand which solvents are used for which paints.

Purpose of solvents

Other beneficial features solvent data:

— cleaning and degreasing the surface;

— removal of paintwork materials from brushes, rollers, spatulas and other tools.

Video about what solvent to rinse the spray gun with

Solvents for removing paint: fresh and old

If, during the work, paint stains ended up in the wrong place (stained furniture, floor, glass), it can be removed with the solvents indicated in the table. True, for delicate surfaces (wood, laminate, plexiglass) you should not use combined compounds like R-646. It is better to use homogeneous ones and be sure to first test their effect on an inconspicuous area.

Special solvents are produced for removing old paints from large areas. They will help remove paint from walls, with metal products and so on.

Solvents for building materials

Removing hardened mortars often causes serious difficulties. Manufacturers have done everything to make bitumen, concrete, polyurethane foam, etc. as resistant to chemical influences as possible. What solvents will help in this case.

Solvent for concrete, cement, grout- a mixture of concentrated acid, metal protectants and inhibitors.

Liquid glass solvent - can be washed off from instruments warm water immediately after application. Hardened material can be removed with organic solvents

Solvent for polyurethane foam - fresh foam is easily removed with ethyl acetate or solvents based on it (for example, P-645, 647). The solvent for hardened polyurethane foam can be considered folk remedy"Dimexide" (sold in pharmacies). Also "Dimexide" is excellent super glue remover.

Liquid nail solvent- uncured ones are removed with solvents mineral based or water. Hardened ones can be removed mechanically or by heating with a hairdryer to a temperature above 50°C

Rust solvent- special compositions based on phosphoric acid, tannin, hydroxycarboxylic polybasic acids.

Silicone solvent ( silicone sealant, glue)- along with special compounds from sealant and glue manufacturers, you can use acetic acid or white spirit.

Polymer solvents:

— PVC- tetrahydrofuran, cyclohexanone for several days;

— polyethylene- xylene, benzene when heated;

— polyurethane foam- can only be removed with fresh special solvents from the manufacturers.

Solvent for rubber and caoutchouc - toluene and other organic solvents are suitable for removing the substance (rubber dissolves, rubber swells and breaks down)

Solvent bitumen mastic - toluene, solvent, gasoline, white spirit

Foam solvent - acetone, solvent R-650

Solvent for paraffin and wax- kerosene, white spirit, gasoline, acetone.

In the next article we will tell you about small household solvents and solvents that artists use.

Polyurethane is synthetic material, one of the varieties elastomers. It tolerates exposure to aggressive environments, high and low temperatures. During production, polyurethane can be given any mechanical characteristics; it is produced in the form of both viscous liquids and solids.

Due to these properties, it is widely used in different areas industry. Polyurethane for metal has good protective properties; it perfectly resists aggressive atmospheric influences and other destructive factors for a long time.

Specifications

This paint and varnish material is a suspension, the main components of which are:

• polyurethane compositions;
• fillers;
• colored pigments.

In industry, polyurethane paint is used mainly for protection steel structures from corrosion.

Already three decades ago, when it first appeared, it was actively used for painting bridges, airplanes, cars, interior elements made from elements, household electrical appliances and so on. Since then, the range of this type of paint and their range have expanded significantly.

Read our article about perchlorovinyl paints.

Basic specifications polyurethane paint for metal:

1. conditional viscosity - 50-90 units;
2. share of volatile substances - up to 34%;
3. film adhesion - about 2 points;
4. after drying, it is resistant to temperatures from −40°C to +150°C;
5. film resistance to mechanical shocks - not less than 50 cm;
6. hiding power - up to 75 g/m2;
7. average consumption - 150 g/m2.

Properties

To the main benefits polyurethane paints for metal include:

• high adhesion to unprimed metal;
• resistance to aggressive influences of the atmosphere, fresh and sea ​​water and other destructive factors;
• short drying time - from 2 hours (depending on the type and composition of the specific paint);
• water-dispersed polyurethane paints are environmentally friendly and cannot cause harm to health even when working with them regularly without protective equipment.

Flaws polyurethane paints and varnishes:

• high cost compared to other types of paints and varnishes;
• The share of polyurethane paints on the market is small, they are presented in relatively few stores, so finding a composition suitable for its properties can be difficult.

Types of polyurethane paints

By composition polyurethane paints and varnishes are divided into two groups:

• one-component - such paints contain all the necessary substances, and they can be applied straight from the can;
• two-component - before using this type of polymer paint, it is necessary to mix the compositions, which are supplied in two separate containers.

One of the cans of two-component paint contains the resin, and the other contains the hardener.

It is stronger than a one-component paint composition and more resistant to aggressive influences.

Two-component dye stable to impact:

• acids;
• alkalis;
• different types of fuel;
• machine oil;
• fresh and sea water, waste water.

It polymerizes and sets without the participation of water vapor in the air, so the range favorable conditions to apply it more widely.

Can be mixed before use required amount composition, while the remaining components of the mixture, located in two different jars, will retain their properties even after very long storage.

One-component coloring compositions are divided into three groups:

1. polyurethane paints based on organic solvents;
2. alkyd-urethane;
3. water-dispersed polyurethane paints.

The first type, in addition to polyurethane and pigments, contains solvents such as xylene or toluene.

It is better to dilute them with licensed solvents specifically designed for such purposes.

This paint polymerizes and hardens due to the contact of its binding components with atmospheric moisture. Thus, if the indoor air is too dry, the applied layer will takes a very long time to dry.

A distinctive feature of the second type of paint is the presence in the composition alkyd urethane varnish. These compositions are distinguished by a very short drying time - from one and a half hours. It is used as a solvent for such coloring compositions. White Spirit.

Water-dispersed polyurethane paints received this name because water serves as a solvent for them. Their main advantage is the absence unpleasant odor and harm to health when working with them without means personal protection. Such colors grab when water evaporates from them.

Another variety - powder paint. It is a homogenized dry mixture, which includes:

• polyester resin;
• filler;
• hardener;
• pigments.

Polyurethane powder paints belong to the group thermosetting coloring compounds.

They are applied to the surface, after which the product is subjected to heat treatment, during which the particles fuse and enter into chemical reactions with each other. As a result, a solid and exclusively durable coating . Powder compositions are well suited for painting mechanical engineering products.

Features of application when painting

To ensure optimal adhesion of paint to metal, before applying it, all surfaces must be cleaned, removing old paint and rust, and dried. For better application they can also be cover with soil.

If it is intended to apply two-component paint, the compositions located in different cans must be mixed in a container of suitable size using construction mixer. Thanks to its use, you can achieve optimal homogeneity of composition.

The resulting coloring composition must be used within a certain time - from 6 to 72 hours, after this period the residues will be unusable. If necessary, one-component polyurethane paint can be diluted with a suitable solvent to bring it to the desired consistency.

You can apply paint using a brush, roller or spray gun. This should be done at temperatures from −10°С to +30°С, relative air humidity should be within 95%.

A layer of polyurethane paint is durable and durable coating which will reliably protect the surface from aggressive influences. With its help you can significantly extend the service life of any metal products.

Find out how to paint a galvanized roof from the video:

Parquet chemicals are a group of products used to protect and decorate wood floor, wall and ceiling coverings. This includes varnishes and paints, primers and putties, stains and tinting, adhesives, antiseptics, solvents and thinners. A large number of Store-bought wood varnishes are in most cases a liquid, ready-to-apply mixture. The question arises: is it possible, and how, to dilute the varnish if it is too viscous?

When diluting varnish, the main thing is to follow the correct proportions.

To answer this question, several factors need to be taken into account. First of all, let’s turn our attention to key composition mixtures. Second, select the required solvent. Third, when mixing, we maintain proportions so as not to reduce the quality of the material. Let's take a closer look at how you can dilute thickened varnish and how to do it according to the rules? Also, what should I use to remove the old protective coating from wood and how should I care for the tool?

Dilute, dilute or dissolve

At first glance, there is no difference. Using a special means, we bring the varnish substance into a “working state”. A solvent is a liquid that dissolves dried varnish, bringing it from a solid to a liquid state. We use a thinner if we need to adjust (reduce) the viscosity of paints.

Certain types of organic eluents serve dual roles, but some may be effective in one application and completely useless in another. So, for example, white spirit can be used to dilute compositions of polyurethane, alkyd and oil groups. However, if the varnish has dried, it will not be possible to dissolve it with white spirit.

White spirit can be used to thin certain varnishes.

But shellacs, on the contrary, are equally dissolved and diluted with denatured alcohols. However, we will not go into such subtle details.

If you need advice on how to dilute varnish or what to use for diluting paints, it is better to consult with specialists.

Polyurethane mixtures

Polyurethane-based varnishes, paints, primer mixtures, adhesives and more contain polyurethane - a modern polymer material. The totality of its parameters exceeds such famous materials as rubber, plastic, rubber, and metal. To obtain paint and adhesive solutions of great strength, in commercial production it (polyurethane) is mixed with special chemicals.

A lot of varnishes are made on a polyurethane basis and on a water basis. This parquet chemistry is environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

If you need to make the substance more liquid, you can use the following as a diluent for polyurethane-based compounds:

• toluene;
• xylene;
• acetone;
• eluents such as R-4, R-5.

Acetone - modern remedy for thinning polyurethane-based varnishes

Alkyd mixtures

Alkyd compounds have good adhesion, moisture resistance, and insensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, reliability. They can be used for interior and exterior work. Alkyd mixtures contain main element, organic solvents, driers (for faster setting), additives. The key element could be:

• pentaphthalic resin;
• glypthal resin with cotton oil;
• a mixture of melamine-formaldehyde and alkyd resins.

To enhance the parameters of materials, alkyd resin parts are often included in multicomponent varnishes, paints, and enamels. The classic thinner here is white spirit.

Bitumen mixtures

Bituminous varnish is a mixture of a specialized brand of bitumen, a wide variety of resins and oils. After drying, a strong black film will appear on the surface, moisture-resistant and insensitive to chemicals. It is considered fairly new in household use material. Belongs to the inexpensive category. It is more often used as an anti-corrosion layer for protection.

For wood surfaces, it is used when there is no need to highlight the natural texture of the base (instead of paints). Bitumen material found a use in the form decorative covering for the effect of surface aging (patina). Another original characteristic of bitumen mixtures is cool gluing. The bitumen-based solution is diluted with white spirit.

To prevent it from thickening during storage, the container must be airtight. The storage location should be dark (without direct sunlight), with moderate temperature and humidity.

Bituminous varnish very reliably protects the surface from moisture and chemical influences, diluted with white spirit

Yacht varnishes

Yacht (or yacht) varnish is considered one of the most effective means of protecting the surface of natural wood. Already from the name the specifics of the area where it is used are clear. In addition, the yacht composition is perfect for woodworking outside and inside any objects (not just boats, boats, yachts). It is insensitive to moisture, temperatures, and aggressive environments.

Yacht varnish. Important characteristics:

• high degree of protection for wooden structures;
• physical and mechanical immunity to environmental influences;
• durability, increasing the service life of wood.

To achieve such results, toxic chemical elements (toluene, xylene) are used during the manufacture of the material. There are several production technologies:

• alkyd yacht (based on organic solvent white spirit);
• urethane-alkyd yacht (the eluent is the same, but in smaller quantities);
• alkyd-urethane yacht (solvent additives are highly volatile);
• acrylates (water-based compounds).

Dilutes yacht varnish with white spirit, no more than 5% of the total volume. The solvent acts on the substance only in fresh. After drying, the varnished parquet flooring will become impervious.

Varnish for yachts, boats, boats is highly resistant to wear and can also be diluted with white spirit

How to remove dried varnish

Above, for the most part, are listed ways to improve the consistency if the varnish has thickened. What should you do to remove varnishes and paints from painting tools? Can synthetic-based material be removed from wood after application?

It is simply impossible to remove outdated furniture or parquet varnish from the surface of wood. In most cases, where this is feasible, scraping or grinding is used. For non-mechanical removal, the type of solvent is selected personally. The key composition and Chemical properties varnishing.

The simplest method of removing unsuitable parquet flooring with a protective effect - use of a specialized remover.

The substance is a chemical mixture. You can use liquid, gel or powder. Acetone copes with the simplest types of paints and varnishes. Denatured alcohol is more suitable for removing shellac. First, liquid, gel or powder is applied to varnish surface

To remove softened varnish, it is more convenient to use a spatula. You must work carefully so as not to damage the wood surface. What to do if the old protective coating was not completely removed the first time? If necessary, the finishing can be repeated.

To remove substance residues from painting tools, use:

1. Water-based parquet varnish is washed off with a warm water-soap solution;
2. White spirit, kerosene, and turpentine are suitable for many organic solvent-based paints. The remaining substances can be rinsed off well, then the instrument is washed with some household chemical and rinsed thoroughly in water.

When choosing the type of eluent for diluting paint and varnish mixtures, the main thing is to carefully study the composition and also use the manufacturer’s advice indicated on the packaging.

You need to remember about personal protective equipment, especially if you have to work with strong-smelling, quick-drying compounds. Ventilating the room during and after work will protect against poisoning by toxic fumes. These materials should be kept away from children.

Solvents are often used to dilute paints and varnishes (paints, varnishes, enamels, glues). They come in all kinds of varieties. And each of them has its own characteristic properties. In this article we will tell you in more detail what a solvent is for acrylic paints, oil paints, varnish, and glue.

Acrylic solvent

This composition is often used to dissolve polyurethane resins, two-component acrylic paints, and primers. Although acrylic paints can be diluted with ordinary water; the use of this solvent significantly speeds up the process when the coating layer dries. In addition, its use allows you to achieve a flat and smooth painted surface without the formation of any smudges or white-milky deposits.

Solvent for acrylic has the form of a transparent liquid with a specific odor. It is produced in several versions, which differ in drying time (slow, medium and fast). And they are used in certain conditions, depending on humidity and air temperature. For example, in cold weather it is better to use a composition with a high evaporation rate. On a hot day, on the contrary, it is advisable to use a solvent with a low evaporation level.

It is advisable to store the composition in well-ventilated, cool and dark rooms (without access of UV rays to the packaging). It is also important that basic norms and standards apply fire safety. The packaging itself must be tightly closed and in an upright position.

Solvent for oil paints

The following solvents are often used to thin oil-based paints: white spirit, gasoline, acetone, turpentine. We will tell you in more detail about each of them. So, white spirit is produced during the distillation of oil. It is used for dissolving alkyd, bitumen, oil paints, as well as for rubbers, drying oils, epoxy esters and polybutyl methacrylate. Nefras 150/180 can also be used instead (as a substitute). Turpentine - manufactured industrially when processing pine wood.

The following types are distinguished: dry distillation, steam, sulfate, extraction. The best is considered to be the one that contains large quantity pinene. It is used to dilute oil, glyphthalic, bitumen, and pentaphthalic paints. Acetone is prepared by treating cumene hydroperoxide. This is a good solvent for varnishes and paints based on vinyl polymers. It is also used for diluting polyacrylates, epoxy resins, chlorinated rubber, vinyl chloride copolymers.

Solvent for glue moment

A glue solvent is necessary not only during the process of applying the composition, but also when the mixture has already dried. For example, there may be times when you need to remove some parts or wipe off a stain. The best solvents for superglue are generally ethyl acetate, xylene, butyl acetate and acetone. Sometimes thinners for acrylic and polyurethane varnishes and paints are also suitable. Let's talk about them in more detail. Ethyl acetate - used for nitrocellulose and polyacrylate paints and varnishes. Like acetone, it can dissolve almost all polymers.

Xylene solvent - consists of a mixture of isomers, which is obtained from coal or oil. Therefore, it is divided into stone and oil. It is used for phenolic, alkyd, chlorinated rubber, bitumen, epoxyphenol paints and varnishes. Butyl acetate - made by heating acetic acid and butyl alcohol with the addition of catalysts. Used for diluting oil esters, chlorinated rubber, fats, cellulose. And if you add a small amount of butyl alcohol to it, it can prevent the formation of a paint film.

Varnish thinner

In order to dilute the varnish, you can use the following solvents: benzene, R-4, R-4A, 646. If we talk about the first one - benzene, then it is obtained by pyrolysis of raw rock benzene and oil. It is an excellent thinner for rubbers, fats, oils, waxes, cellulose, esters, silicone and cresol-formaldehyde resins. If you need to dissolve polyurethane varnish, then compositions R-4 and R-4A are also suitable.

The main ingredients of these mixtures are: esters, ketones, hydrocarbons. It also contains some components that can significantly increase the efficiency of dissolving paintwork materials. They are used for many paints and varnishes - varnishes, putties, primers, enamels. 646 solvent is suitable for treating the surface before applying paintwork materials (degreases it), and also effectively dissolves nitro-enamel and nitro-varnishes.