Due to its stability, concrete is widely used in the construction and decoration of various objects. It is typical for both walls and floors and ceilings, and can be used for indoor and outdoor use. The paint used in such cases differs significantly - the facade paint is much more resistant to an aggressive environment, and the floor paint is much more resistant to abrasion and other mechanical influences.
Features of the
Considering the fact that concrete is used in almost any conditions, the effects exerted on it, and, accordingly, the requirements for the protective properties of the paint, are the most extensive. In order to effectively cope with the tasks set, the dye must have certain qualities.
Strong adhesion must be inherent in it. A strong bond to the surface is the basis for a long service life of the coating.
To increase this indicator before painting, it is advisable to use a primer, because it will not only strengthen the adhesion of the dye to the surface, but also reduce its consumption.
Moisture resistance is one of the important qualities. The property of concrete to be saturated with moisture is often inappropriate, as it contributes to the dampness of the room. To counteract this phenomenon, waterproofing additives are added to the paint to prevent the passage of water through the surface layer of the coating.
Abrasion resistance must be present. The need for this quality arises when concrete flooring or walls of institutions associated with vigorous human activity, for example, gyms, children's playrooms and other crowded places, are stained.
There must certainly be resistance to sunlight … This property ensures the preservation of the original paint color when painting facades and other objects under direct exposure to the sun, and also helps to resist the destruction of the surface coating from the specific effect of ultraviolet radiation on the paint structure. This phenomenon is expressed in flaking and cracking of the surface layer.
Water vapor permeability is also an important indicator. The ability of the painted surface to pass the air mixture, and with it the evaporated moisture, is very important for concrete, which loves to be saturated with water. Despite the fact that the paint protects the finished surface from the ingress of moisture, it can penetrate into it from the other side. In this case, the accumulated water will lead to dampness of the room and the appearance of mold.
In addition, during cooling and heating, water contracts and expands, which leads to mechanical destruction of the concrete itself and the paint covering it.
Also worth noting is the smoothness of the material. For the flooring, as well as for the walls of buildings facing the roadway, it is important to paint with a substance that forms a smooth coating. In this case, dirt and dust do not linger on the surface, clogging up in various folds and crevices. In addition, such a coating is much easier to wash. In general terms, this quality affects the appearance and is of secondary importance.
The speed of setting and full hardening is another distinctive feature of the coloring composition. This property is important for outdoor paints where a long drying time increases the chance of a freshly painted surface being damaged by rain. This quality also affects the overall duration of finishing work.
Dye consumption should be minimal. Due to the fact that concrete coatings are usually used for finishing large areas, even a small difference in the percentage consumption of 10% results in a rather large amount.
You should choose the best value for money. The properties of the paint are determined by its constituent components.
Therefore, when choosing a paint, it is better to look at the composition of the brand, and not at its eminent name. If the components of the composition are equal, then there is no point in paying more.
Also manufacturability must be present. In order for the finishing work to be carried out in the optimal mode, the dye must have the property of being applied by any painting means: brushes, rollers, spray guns.
Color saturation should be maximized. The ability of the paint to overlap the color of the basecoat affects the appearance of the painted surface, which significantly affects paint consumption. In this regard, concrete is a complex material and is stained at least twice.
Types and characteristics
Concrete lends itself to painting with almost any type of paint, however, it is not recommended to use oil paint due to its vapor-proof surface layer. Also, each type of paint has its own strengths and weaknesses, so their use is appropriate under different conditions and needs. For example, silicate paints have a small selection of colors, but their resistance to atmospheric phenomena is well suited for painting unassuming outdoor objects.
The following types of paints are presented on the market of paints and varnishes:
- epoxy;
- acrylic;
- polyurethane;
- silicate.
Epoxy
Epoxy is a paint based on two main components: a dye and a hardener (epoxy resin), mixed before application. The characteristic features include the following qualities:
-
it is used for covering floors and ceilings, it is widely used for painting:
- garages, parking lots;
- warehouses and workshops;
- retail premises, showrooms;
- refrigeration rooms;
- in the agro-industrial sphere;
- easily adheres to concrete, forms a durable coating;
- high resistance to mechanical stress, abrasion;
- resistance to aggressive chemical compounds;
- good appearance;
- high waterproofing performance;
- any detergent can be used for cleaning;
- durability;
- narrow range of colors;
- toxic and has an unpleasant odor;
- staining should be carried out in special protection and with good ventilation of the room.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a polymer-based paintwork diluted with water. The main qualities of such dyes include the following positions:
- strong adhesion, firmly adheres to concrete at the molecular level;
- short setting period and complete drying;
- resistance to mechanical stress and vibration;
- elasticity ensures the absence of shrinkage and cracks on the finished coating;
- can be used for interior and facade work;
- resistance to sunlight and destructive weather: snow, rain, strong wind and other phenomena;
- resistance to temperature extremes;
- high vapor permeability;
- good moisture resistance;
- resistance to alkaline compounds, easy to clean with detergents and water;
- do not exude an unpleasant odor;
- non-toxic, paint microparticles do not cause poisoning and allergic reactions;
- the composition of the paint is an unsuitable medium for the growth of mold fungi and other microorganisms;
- a wide range of colors, the shade can be changed by adding tinting pigments;
- Excellent value for money and quality;
-
textured happens:
- glossy;
- matte;
- semi-matt.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a group of paints with four main subtypes.
Organic solvent
Its properties:
- durable wear-resistant coating, well resists all types of mechanical stress;
- powerful waterproofing properties;
- anti-corrosion effect;
- resistance to aggressive chemical compounds;
- toxicity;
- application is complicated by the speed of hardening from contact of paint with air.
Water-dispersive
Properties:
- does not exude a smell;
- can be diluted with water;
- high moisture resistance and vapor permeability;
- fit well on polyurethane;
- relatively low cost;
- weakly adheres to smooth surfaces;
- less wear-resistant and durable relative to other polyurethane paints;
- cannot be stored at negative temperatures.
Alkyd-urethane
Properties:
- white spirit is used as a solvent;
- good strength and elasticity;
- short drying period;
- affordable price;
- must be applied in a thin layer and at ambient temperature.
Two-component
Properties:
- high-strength and very wear-resistant, used for floor coverings in garages, parking lots, sales areas and warehouses;
- durable;
- fireproof;
- must be consumed within 6 hours after connecting the components;
- the temperature of the room during painting should be in the range from +5 to +30 C;
- relatively expensive.
Silicate
Silicate are dyes that use liquid glass as the main component. Their main qualities include:
- weak resistance to mechanical stress, not used for painting flooring;
- very strong adhesion to the painted surface, paint removal is problematic;
- high resistance to atmospheric agents;
- good vapor permeability;
- excellent waterproofing;
- resistance to temperature extremes;
- fire resistance;
- durability;
- biological inertness - the paint material does not contribute to the reproduction of microorganisms, in particular, mold;
- instability to fading, fades over time;
- inelasticity;
- when applying the composition, protective equipment should be used: gloves, respirator, raincoat, glasses;
- small selection of colors;
- small consumption;
- affordable price.
Among the types, the following paint is also distinguished:
- waterproofing;
- water-repellent;
- plastic;
- acidic;
- pigmented;
- dry;
- reflective.
Manufacturers: review and reviews
The market of paints and varnishes is represented by a variety of paints for concrete from various brands. Here is some of them:
Quality Technology Professionalism - epoxy paint from a Russian manufacturer. Among the positive qualities are good wear resistance and various colors of the dye. The approximate cost is 400 rubles per 1 kg
Dulux Is an English brand with a wide range of different types of paint. On average, the cost is about 400 rubles per 1 kg
Tikkurila Is a famous Finnish paint, which is distinguished by its ease of use, high surface quality and pleasant appearance. The price is about 700 rubles per 1 kg
Among the manufacturers, one can also highlight "Texil", "Betoxil", "Aquapol", "Elakor". Their non-flammable colorants are suitable for painting foundations, balconies, windowsills and other surfaces.
It is advisable to first use the soil from the same manufacturers.
Testimonials
Most of the reviews for this composition are positive. Here's what users say about it:
- impeccable quality;
- in an ensemble with a primer, you can save on the consumption of the coloring composition;
- a durable, reliable coating is obtained;
- resistance to chemical reagents;
- some formulations are endowed with an anti-dust effect.
On the negative side, users point out the high price of paint.
Selection Tips
Depending on the place of work, the type of paint for the purpose varies. For example, the same manufacturer produces two similar acrylic paints, but the one that is intended for facade work will have a significantly high resistance to all kinds of influences.
In addition, for outdoor painting, the environmental friendliness of the composition is not so important, unless, of course, an object that is not related to children is painted, for example, a playground.
Thus, when choosing a paint, first of all, you need to look at the area of its application.
For outdoor decoration
For colorants used outdoors, priority is given to requirements related to the protection of the coating in outdoor conditions:
- resistance to aggressive weather events: rain, snow, wind;
- resistance to sun exposure;
- resistance to temperature extremes;
- if it is a floor covering, then it is necessary to acquire a composition with high wear resistance and resistance to mechanical stress and vibration.
For interior work
When choosing a paint for indoor work, you should immediately determine whether the room is residential, adjacent to a residential one, or if it belongs to a technical structure. For a place associated with a person's residence, it is important to choose a paint that is non-toxic and without a pungent odor.
If this is a damp room, for example, a bathroom, then moisture resistance and vapor permeability are required.
If it is a non-residential facility, for example, a sales area or a warehouse, then, first of all, strength is important here, as well as resistance to mechanical stress and vibration. Abrasion resistance must also be present.
Today, the most popular are white and yellow paints - they are considered universal. Resistant paint will help paint almost any surface.
You will learn useful tips on choosing and applying paint by watching the following video.