When choosing paint for metal, you need to take into account many criteria, starting from the place of painting and ending with the required shade. Fortunately, there are many options on the market, and there are plenty to choose from.
Features of the
Metal is one of the most common materials, which is why paints must meet several specific requirements. The first is a high degree of adhesion. The paint should adhere well to the surface, not fall off over time. It is also important when choosing to pay attention to the heat resistance of paint for metal. According to this indicator, the scope of application of the compositions is limited.
For example, some paints and varnishes cannot be used indoors, and some crack and collapse when exposed to high temperatures.
Scope of application
The metal is used in all areas. We are talking not only about houses, but also about cars, ships and more. For every environmental condition, one or another paint is needed. In everyday life, paints and varnishes for metal are most often used for painting roofs made of various materials (for example, metal tiles), stoves, doors, fences or other metal structures, as well as for interior finishing work. Depending on where the metal surface is, paints are also selected.
Outside
Outdoor work: painting hedges, roofs, various metal elements of pipes or other structures. When choosing suitable formulations, it is necessary to pay attention to their resistance to environmental influences: burnout under UV radiation, the ability to withstand high humidity or temperature extremes. The toxicity factor is not so important, except in a number of cases: for example, you cannot paint drinking water supply pipes.
Inside
More stringent requirements are imposed on paints for metal for interior work. Here, first of all, their safety is important. Toxic compounds cannot be used, otherwise the health of people and animals in the room will be at risk. The decorative component also plays a role. If for outdoor work paints of discreet universal tones are more often used, then brighter solutions are chosen for interior decoration.
The heat resistance of paints and varnishes comes to the fore. In some cases, not only high resistance to high temperatures is important (for example, when painting stoves or heating radiators), but also incombustibility.
Views
There are many varieties of paints for metal, each of which has a specific set of characteristics. Some are quick-drying, others are suitable for painting galvanized metal. Metal paint can be wear-resistant, anti-vandal, waterproof, chemical-resistant, acid-resistant. Such options are resistant to the effects of a particular substance or to mechanical damage, as the names suggest. There are materials with the addition of additional substances (for example, zinc-containing compounds). Let's take a closer look at each of the types.
Inhibitory
Contains inhibitory additives. The mortar can be applied directly to rust. It neutralizes the oxidative process by stopping it. As a result, the coating turns out to be smooth and durable. The material consumption will be quite high due to the fact that thick layers are required.
Inhibitory primer enamels are used mainly for outdoor use.
Stabilizing
The compositions do not convert rust, but only prevent further corrosion.
Epoxy-bituminous
Compositions are similar to rubber. They are used for outdoor work. Suitable for painting zinc coated metal. Paints extend the service life of metallized surfaces and increase their durability. However, paints in this category are quite expensive, so they are rarely purchased for household use. The most common use of such compounds is found in the automotive industry: they are used to paint body parts in order to make them matte.
Based on silicone resins
Materials from this category are distinguished by the highest rate of heat resistance. They can withstand up to 600 degrees, as a result of which they can be painted, for example, stoves, chimneys and other elements that are constantly exposed to high temperatures. Some varieties are designed to protect surfaces from additional moisture. The range of applications is extremely wide: you can paint both barrier elements of bridges, water towers, and any medical devices.
Nitro paints
Another and more familiar name is aerosol. Great for painting small metal areas. Due to the specific method of application, the composition does not flow, stains do not remain, the surface is uniformly colored. It is not worth using such paint on large areas: its consumption will be extremely high.
The negative point is that nitromaterials corrode all painted coatings.below them. Also, not all devices are suitable for work: for example, you can successfully use a spray gun or brushes, but you cannot use rollers with foam coats, since nitro paint will corrode them.
Pentaphthalic
This type of paint cannot be called weather-resistant: pentaphthalic compounds can only be used indoors. The solution protects the metal well from corrosion, it is moisture resistant and durable. After drying, the color of the paint does not change and does not fade, and over time it is not lost. The variant has high elasticity, but at the same time dries quickly.
It is characterized by good adhesion to metal surfaces.
Rubber
Rubber paint is universal. It can be used both for interior decoration and for exterior work. The option refers to frost-resistant: even in winter, it does not crack and does not lose its qualities. Often rubber or rubber compounds are used for painting roofs: it additionally protects the roof from leaks, since it has increased wear and moisture resistance characteristics. The same quality is important when painting metal elements in swimming pools, bathrooms, showers. The paint cannot be used only in the sauna, as it will not withstand such high temperatures.
Oil
Oil paints are the least durable of all. They do not withstand temperature fluctuations and, at minus indicators, quickly lose all their properties. Over time, paints crack, wear out quickly. Therefore, they are used only when carrying out internal repair and finishing work, and then in places that are not subject to additional loads. For example, radiators or pipes cannot be painted with such paint, although it belongs to the waterproof.
Removing the cover is incredibly difficult. As a rule, its removal is carried out only with the help of various chemicals intended for this.
Acrylic
Acrylic paint can be two-component and multicomponent, if you add water or other plasticizers to the composition. The paints are resistant to moisture, UV radiation, and climatic factors. Acrylic options are used both outdoors and indoors. The guaranteed service life of the coatings is 8 years. It is during this time that the metal under the acrylic material will not rust. After this period, the coating can be renewed, and the protective properties will remain.
Alkyd
Such options are most often chosen for outdoor work. The coating turns out to be even, with a beautiful shine. One of the most popular solutions is silver paint, which protects the metal well from external influences, while retaining its raw appearance due to the metallized coating. The only downside is that the paint is extremely toxic.
To carry out all work properly, you will need to carefully protect both the surface of the skin and the respiratory tract.
Anti-corrosion
This includes compounds that not only well protect metal structures from aggressive environmental influences, but are also able to stop or prevent the processes of rust formation and development. There are both single-phase and multi-phase formulations (for example, soil, converter and paint in one). If it is necessary to qualitatively fight corrosion, then it is anti-corrosion coatings that are chosen.
Primers
Primer paint for metal is used to improve adhesion and prepare the material for decorative painting. It not only masks and evens out the surface, but also hides traces of rust, small cracks. As a rule, primer solutions are white. As a base, synthetic resins are used, which improve the adhesive properties. Additionally, the primer paint increases moisture resistance, protecting the metal from further destruction.
Primer-enamels
Means combine two types of coating: primer and decorative. If you choose the right primer-enamel, then in the future, when painting, you can do with minimal preparatory work. You don't even have to peel off the old paint from the metal. As a rule, primer enamels are classified as quick-drying anti-corrosion coatings. They dry in a couple of hours without losing their color brightness. The resulting coating has a high hiding power. If necessary, the composition can be slightly diluted by adding xylene or solvent. Primer enamels are universal options.
Powder
One of the advantages of using powder mixtures is the almost waste-free application, while liquid paints remain in the can or spray gun, albeit in small quantities. Powder paints can have interesting effects. For example, they can be used to create a patina on a metal part. Thus, the use of powder paints opens up a wide field for design experiments.
Depending on which film-forming resins form the basis of the mixture, two categories of powder paints are distinguished:
Thermoplastic. One of the main positives is how coatings are repaired. If the paint is chipped or warped a little (which is almost impossible), it is enough to just slightly melt the damaged area. Among other things, paints are resistant to almost everything: salts, moisture, sand, therefore, thermoplastic compounds are often coated with sea vessels and boats
In addition, this species is one of the few that can come into contact with drinking water without poisoning it.
There are the following types of thermoplastic mixtures:
- polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
- polyamide;
- polyolefin, which, in turn, are polyethylene and polypropylene.
Thermosetting. Most often, car bodies are coated with thermosetting powder mixtures. This is due to the fact that the material is not flammable, does not melt, is resistant to the effects of solvents, and also protects the metal well from corrosion. Depending on what substance acts as a base, the coating can have certain decorative characteristics
There are five types of thermoset powder mixtures:
- Epoxy enamels are still common in everyday life. Due to their extreme toxicity, they cannot be used indoors, and even when working outdoors, increased safety measures have to be applied. However, "epoxy" forms a transparent coating on the surface of the metal, as if varnishing it. The material does not differ in a high degree of adhesion, as a result of which it is replaced by all kinds of modern analogues.
- Epoxy-polyester coatings do not yellow over time and are therefore used on surfaces exposed to UV radiation.
- Polyester powder paints have the best protective properties. They protect the metal from corrosion, mechanical stress, weather conditions, moisture. The finish is shiny, smooth and glossy.
- Polyurethane powder mixtures make the metal surface shiny, iridescent, as if silky. The effect is a warm and soft material. Polyurethane options are often chosen precisely because of their decorative properties.
- Acrylate compounds have good temperature resistance. In addition, these paints are resistant to alkalis. They do not lose color for a long time, do not lose their glossy shine. However, such options cannot be used indoors. They are only suitable for external work.
Design and colors
Metal paints are available in a wide range of different colors. The leading place is occupied by coatings that imitate the color and texture of precious or other metals. Examples are copper paints, "gold", "bronze". Coating "chrome" occupies a leading position, because it fits well into various modern styles: modern, hi-tech, loft.
Mirror paint does not lag behind, giving an interesting and unusual effect.
Among other things, it has an additional advantage: if you use it indoors, you can visually enlarge the space. Due to the fact that the mirror surface of the metal elements will reflect the surrounding environment, the room will appear larger.
There are interesting solutions made in basic colors: gray, black, white, navy blue, bottle green, bronze or copper. Such details or objects will look good both outdoors and indoors. Bright options are quite another matter. If red can be considered a universal color, then pink, blue or light green will only look appropriate inside the room.
In some cases, it becomes necessary to stylize the metal for some other coating, for example, for ceramic tiles. Paint will help here too. Only the way it is applied differs: you need to be able to reliably simulate stains. The same applies to the stylization of natural stone and antique design. When artificially aging the surface, they often resort to patination, using a powder-patina in addition to the base paint of the color of a metal (usually copper or bronze).
Metal paints are divided into glossy, semi-matt and hammer paints. Due to the substances contained in such formulations (most often resins), the coating cannot be completely matte.
Glossy
Smooth, glossy finishes are very popular thanks in large part to the fact that they fit into any interior and exterior. If you make a glossy metal part in a bright color, then the eye will fall on it, and it will become an accent. Typically, high gloss paints come in bold, vibrant colors.
Some of the most popular colors are:
- magnolia;
- dark blue;
- yellow;
- green leaf;
- silver;
- white;
- blue;
- grey;
- brown;
- light gray;
- golden;
- green;
- brick red;
- the black;
- light brown;
- red;
- cherry.
Among other things, the advantages of glossy coatings include durability. Gloss paints are more abrasion resistant, so they are more suitable for outdoor use than matte paints. It is also better to choose a glossy finish for those places that you plan to wash regularly: for example, metal sinks, heating radiators in the kitchen.
Such good performance is due to the fact that after the moisture evaporates from the paint, the coating turns into a film that protects the surface.
Another plus of using glossy paint is the ease of maintenance of such a coating. All that is needed is to wipe with a rag to remove any marks. Depending on the degree of resistance of the paint to water and friction of the glossy surface, treatment with a specific solution may be necessary, however, dust and dirt do not adhere to gloss as much as to matte coatings, and they are not so noticeable on gloss.
Semi-matte
Such paints are often called satin because of their delicate, unobtrusive shine. In appearance, semi-matt paint does not differ too much. It has a subtle shine, not as pronounced as with glossy coatings. Such options are more often used indoors. They are used to paint heating radiators, pipes and other elements of the infrastructure of the house.
In the event that chips appear on the coating, it will not be noticeable as if the glossy paint had chipped. In addition, the semi-matte coating is easy to renew: here the joints will not be so noticeable when the surface is painted with fragments. It is also relatively easy to clean the paint, since in terms of technical characteristics it does not differ much from glossy, only it shines less.
Such paints are more often than others chosen for the design of various public institutions: schools, institutes or other educational institutions, hospitals, office and shopping centers, kindergartens, since they are non-staining, and metal surfaces covered with satin paints can be washed without fear that the paint will react badly to moisture, fade, turn yellow, or its external the view will deteriorate in some other way.
If you want the metal surface to remain elegant, but are not ready to accentuate it, the best choice is to use a semi-matte version with an unobtrusive shine.
Hammerheads
The paint owes its name to the specific surface that forms after painting. It is similar to the surface of a hammer: the same uneven and slightly rough. To achieve this effect, different substances are added to the composition: aluminum powder, fine-fraction glass and others.
The list of colors of the hammer variety is quite large:
- brown;
- light green;
- blue;
- golden;
- copper;
- red;
- dark blue;
- gray;
- black;
- dark green;
- silvery gray.
Due to the fact that hammer paint has increased resistance to all kinds of influences, such as humidity, temperature drops and vibration, it is used in production.
For outdoor work, it has also proven itself well, protecting metal surfaces from all kinds of negative influences.
Another advantage is that the hammer variety can be applied directly to the surface damaged by corrosion, while it is not necessary to pre-prepare the base: the paint will already lie flat and firmly. As a result, an airtight film is formed, which will prevent further development of corrosive processes. With the help of hammer paints, entrance metal doors are most often decorated, since, among other things, such compositions are also anti-vandal: it is difficult to damage them by mechanical influences.
What to consider when choosing?
So, when moving on to choosing the right paint for metal, be sure to evaluate some significant criteria.
- Surface type. Of great importance is what kind of surface will be painted, and where it will be located. For example, not all types of paints are suitable for painting a fence made of galvanized metal, otherwise there is a great risk that the paint will not adhere to the surface and will soon peel off.
- Consumption. This parameter is directly correlated with planning the costs of renovation and finishing works. So, when working with rusty metal substrates, you will have to spend a lot more paint. In addition, some of the paints and varnishes must be laid in two layers, which also significantly affects the amount of composition consumed.
- Frost resistance. If an element that will be located outdoors or in an unheated room is being painted, then it is necessary to make sure that in the winter, when the temperature drops below zero, the paint will not crack, and in the spring the metal structure will not have to be repainted.
- Cost. This factor is also directly related to planning the cost of repairs. It should be borne in mind that the cheapest are ordinary paints without any additional protective properties, and the most expensive paints for rust or anti-corrosion coatings.
- Manufacturer. It is important to pay attention to the availability of certificates, as well as whether the paint is manufactured in accordance with GOST standards. As practice shows, the manufacturers who make the best paint are well-known, do not risk buying products from a brand that no one has heard of.
For information on how to paint metal, see the next video.