Acrylic paints are the market leader in metal surface treatment. In terms of cost, they surpass analogues, due to their high level of adhesion to the surfaces of products made of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Dyes of this series are distinguished by a significantly longer service life in comparison with analogues from other groups of paintwork materials.
Advantages of acrylic-based dyes
Acrylic paints are water-based paints. They are composed of coloring pigments, polyacrylates and water. In such a water-based dyeing system, the molecules of the polymer substance are collected in rounded particles that form a dispersion mixture with water.
If, until recently, acrylic paints were used to decorate concrete, brick or wood surfaces, then recently they are more and more actively used for metalwork. An essential role in this choice was played by the fact that after drying, acrylic water-based paints form a coating that does not crack at temperature changes of a seasonal and daily nature, and their decorative qualities persist for several years.
Manufacturers of construction and finishing materials of this group, taking into account the ability of the surface of metal products to corrode, have included special substances in the composition of acrylic dyes that interact with rust products in order to prevent the decorative layer from peeling off.
A significant advantage of acrylic dyes is the ability to easily wash with water immediately after the end of the work, all those tools that were involved in the process of their application.
The main negative property of most metal surfaces, unless, of course, we are talking about aluminum or silver, is their ability to enter into chemical interaction with atmospheric moisture, as a result of which the top layer of the metal product is covered with a crust of oxides, that is, it corrodes.
The anticorrosive substance present in the composition of water-dispersion acrylic paints enters into a chemical reaction with oxidation elements, neutralizes their effect and forms a compound with inert properties on the painted surface.
In addition to excellent adhesion to the treated surface, called adhesion, and the presence of anti-corrosion components in such products, the film that forms after coating metal surfaces with paint and evaporation of water is highly elastic. It is able to withstand temperature extremes and deformation changes in a metal product, expressed in its stretching and compression. This is quite significant because all metals have a high coefficient of linear expansion, which is the result of temperature changes.
Another very significant advantage of acrylic water-based dyes is the absence of toxic substances and flammable compounds in them. The water base makes them odorless dyes, so they can be safely used for interior work. For the same reason, they can cover metal surfaces without the need to use personal protective equipment, which are necessary, say, when working with nitro paints.
Acrylic dyes can be used without worrying about safety, and for exterior work on the decoration of oil and gas storage facilities, gas stations, containers with fuels and lubricants.
To dilute these products, it is not necessary to use a solvent for acrylic paints; ordinary water is quite suitable. Therefore, even the action of direct sunlight does not lead to burnout of such dyes, since there are no components contributing to this in their composition.
Application technology on a metal surface
Before applying acrylic paint, the surface to be treated should be thoroughly cleaned of traces of corrosion (if any) using a wire brush, a rust converter or a drill attachment.
It is not necessary to prime such a surface, but it is necessary to clean it from dirt and grease and dry it, since the service life of the coating depends on the quality of its preparation.
Stir the paint, and do not drain the upper liquid layer from its surface, formed from long storage.
The paint is applied at a temperature of +5 +40 degrees Celsius.… In this case, the consumption of the dye should vary, depending on the features of the structure and surface profile of the product being dyed.
The dye is applied to the metal in two to three layers. This must be done on an absolutely dry surface, taking into account the air humidity recommended by the manufacturer.
Layer-by-layer staining is carried out taking into account the recommended time that should be allotted for interlayer drying.
A wide choice of color solutions (including shades of the "metallic" group) and the possibility of correcting the tonality of the paint on site by under-tinting, allow you to obtain an aesthetic decorative layer with high protective qualities.
For information on how to paint the car yourself with acrylic paint, see the next video.