Alkyd varnish: types of alkyd mixtures and application features

What is alkyd varnish

Recently, compositions based on alkyd resins have become popular.
Paintwork materials are a combination of resins of synthetic origin and solvents. This composition gives alkyd varnish high protective properties. At the same time, the compositions have excellent adhesive properties with various substrates, so they are used to paint not only wood, floors, but also brick and metal structures.

Composition and characteristics

For the manufacture of alkyd compositions, alkyd-urethane resin is used, which is a combination of vegetable oils and polyhydric alcohols. Features of the components affect the technical characteristics of paintwork materials. Alkyd varnishes are characterized by:

• moisture resistance and resistance to temperature changes;
• resistance to vibration loads;
• decorative qualities - the composition penetrates deep into the wood fibers and emphasizes the natural pattern;
• forms a matte or glossy layer;
• the ease of application is due to the thickness of the composition - after covering the surface, the stripes from the brush smooth out independently;
• chemical and mechanical stability;
• antiseptic properties.

In addition, there are also negative characteristics of alkyd-based coatings:

1. While water-based acrylic varnish does not emit an unpleasant odor, alkyd mixtures smell bad until they dry.
2. Acrylic varnish is more transparent, so it does not change the wood shade; compositions based on alkyd resins have an amber color, so they give the surface a yellowish color. As a result, the color changes during use and to repair a separate area, you will need to repaint the entire surface.
3. Alkyd varnish takes a long time to dry. Setting occurs within 24 hours, but to obtain full mechanical stability you will need to wait 3-4 days. For comparison: polymerization of acrylic compositions takes up to 7 days. However, how long the coating dries depends on external conditions.
4. The shelf life of varnishes differs depending on the type. Some formulations have a short shelf life - up to 1 year, for others the shelf life is up to 5 years.

Despite the disadvantages, their performance characteristics make alkyd varnishes popular in all areas.

Application

In most cases, an alkyd composition is used for woodwork. It is often used on parquet and heated floors, even if the floors are made of rare, capricious types of wood. In addition, paintwork materials are also suitable for processing metal parts, providing them with reliable protection against corrosion. Due to its high levels of heat resistance and moisture resistance, it is used for outdoor work, for example, for facade finishing.

The best manufacturers of water-based paints and varnishes

In the modern market of paints and varnishes, several foreign manufacturers stand out, whose products are in strong demand in many countries around the world, namely:

1. Finnish.
2. Swedish.
3. German and "Lobadar".
4. Italian.

produces water-based parquet varnishes using modern computerized equipment and using innovative technologies developed by its own specialists. The company's products are in stable demand in the markets of many countries, due to their excellent quality and performance properties. Among the entire line of paint and varnish coatings, water-based polyurethane parquet varnish under the name “Parketti Assa” stands out, which has increased resistance to abrasion and can withstand the ingress of various chemical liquids, with the exception of nitro solvents.

Swedish has been producing odorless, water-based parquet varnishes for several decades. Advanced computerized production and its own research center allowed the company to develop and market parquet varnish made from water-based polyurethane particles under the name “Traffic”. Its unique composition gave this coating excellent resistance to wear and traces of mechanical damage, which made it possible to use it in public spaces with a large flow of people. This water-based polyurethane varnish is readily used by museums, covering the parquet floors in their halls.

German and Lobadar began to gain popularity in the last decade, producing various types of high-quality water-based parquet varnishes, using the advanced developments of their own specialists. Of particular demand from the entire line of paint and varnish products of these companies are matte, glossy and semi-matte two-component polyurethane varnishes under the names Lobadur WS 2K Duo and Berger Aqua-Seal 2K-PU, which have a good degree of protection from mechanical influences and are quite resistant to abrasion. In addition, varnishes from German companies are not afraid of the ingress of various chemical liquids, with the exception of nitro solvents, which can damage their structure.

The Italian company does not lag behind modern manufacturers of paints and varnishes, specializing in the production of two-component matte, semi-matte and semi-gloss water-based polyurethane varnishes called Vermeister Aqua Play 2K, characterized by a quick drying time of layers of no more than 4 hours. This type of parquet varnish has become particularly popular in the domestic market primarily due to the price category in which the company focuses on the economical segment, as well as its good performance properties and resistance to early abrasion.

The use of products from these companies guarantees a long service life for the parquet, as well as its noble and stylish appearance.

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Types of alkyd varnishes

Today, the construction market offers several options for alkyd varnishes, differing in scope of use and quality parameters. When choosing a coating material, it is necessary to take into account its operational and decorative characteristics.

Two-pack

These compositions are sold not ready for use. They consist of two components, the mixing of which is carried out immediately before application, since the shelf life of the mixed paintwork material is up to 8 hours.

The drying agent included in the composition accelerates the hardening of the coating. A special production technology made it possible to give the varnish increased stability and strength. However, it has a sharp, unpleasant odor, is toxic and is not resistant to ultraviolet radiation. To achieve the stated parameters, apply 2-3 layers of varnish.

Alkyd-urethane

The combination of alkyd resins with polyurethanes made it possible to give the varnish increased resistance to moisture, mechanical stress, and abrasion. This made it possible to extend the service life of the coating. The modified drying mechanism has reduced the hardening time of the coating. This varnish will dry faster than pure alkyd. The cost of the compositions is also higher, but the price is justified by the high performance qualities. The change in composition also affected the fire hazard of coatings. When using, you must follow safety precautions and use protective equipment, since varnishes are toxic.

Matte and glossy

During polymerization, the coating acquires a matte or glossy effect. It depends on the composition of the product. Semi-matte and semi-gloss options are also available on the market. The matte finish is easier to clean, so it is recommended for places that get dirty quickly. The reflective properties of gloss allow it to be used in dark rooms, which such varnish makes lighter.

Yacht

Yacht varnish is used for exterior use. This limitation is due to increased toxicity due to the inclusion of toluene and xylene in the composition. These components made it possible to achieve increased moisture resistance, so it is used when painting yachts and other coatings that are subject to significant influence of moisture. It is recommended to treat surfaces with yacht varnish in 3 layers. Each coating dries within 5 hours.

For metal

Metal varnish is made on the basis of polymers and alkyds. Coating metal structures with this composition makes it possible to give it increased strength, resistance to moisture, high temperatures and chemicals. Suitable for interior and exterior work. It has high decorative qualities, giving the surface a pleasant glossy shine.

Details

Review of materials

PF-231

Alkyd varnish PF is considered a high quality product based on alkyds. It will create a gloss on the surface that is resistant to wear. The solution is transparent and has moisture-resistant as well as decorative qualities. This material is purchased for working on wood and metal surfaces, as well as for processing parquet inside a room.

MCH-0163

This product refers to a type of two-component varnish products, the composition of which is made of alkyd resins, urea-formaldehyde resins and acidic types of hardeners. If we compare MCh-0163 with the first option, then this type of varnish has improved characteristics:

• High level of water resistance.
• Strength.
• Resistance to abrasive substances.

Among the disadvantages, users highlight the darkening of the varnish when in contact with the rays of the sun, the terrible aesthetics of the surface and the presence of a strong aroma and the appearance of bubbles during processing.

EP-2146

This brand is recognized as one-component alkyd-epoxy compositions that have improved characteristics. The improved element is epoxy resin. The product will be characterized by increased hardness and resistance to water and abrasives. The varnish is used to treat wooden surfaces, parquet, textured and decorative paper. It should be noted that there are no analogues to a similar product abroad.

PF-283

It is used to treat metal and wooden surfaces, and when applied, the solution will form a high-gloss layer that has excellent decorative qualities. PF-283 is a mixture that contains alkyd resins, modified vegetable oils, fatty acids of vegetable oils, tall oils in organic solvents. The components also include a drier. The varnish composition should be applied with a brush or aerosol paints should be used for such purposes.

You can learn more about the types of alkyd-based varnishes by watching the following video.

Recommendations for selection

When choosing an alkyd varnish, it is important to decide on certain criteria:

• Decide what kind of work requires a varnish composition - interior or exterior.
• There are varnishes for wooden surfaces, as well as for metal processing. Certain varieties may be suitable for paint material.
• It is worth deciding what load will be placed on the treated floor surface. If there are only a couple of people living in the house, you can choose a water-based product. A product with dyes is suitable for treating the corridor. This material qualitatively protects the processing surface from the appearance of dust and dirt.
• For the kitchen, you can buy a waterless polyurethane mixture, and the flooring will absorb the product perfectly, and therefore no additional care is needed.
• If you want to apply a varnish composition to a surface where there is intense traffic, it is worth purchasing compositions that contain water-repellent components.

Most buyers choose tinted varnishes to achieve the maximum decorative effect on the surface. To make the floor look spectacular, a colorless compound is used as the first layer, which helps to level the surface and smoothes out all the imperfections of the wood. To showcase the beauty of the wood, apply stained grout first.

Composition consumption

Most people are interested in the consumption of alkyd-type varnish. This indicator depends on the type of mixture and your talent. Experts recommend applying only a couple of layers. Each layer should be applied only after the previous one has dried. So, it will take at least 3 days to treat the surface. The consumption of alkyd-based products is from 50 to 75 grams per square meter. If you apply more varnish than necessary, the drying time will increase. This way you risk getting a less durable surface. Before use, certain types of products should be diluted to a working consistency with solvent or xylene. You can mix one of the drugs with white spirit in a 1 to 1 ratio.

Manufacturing companies

The following brands are extremely popular:

• Parade.
• White house.
• Tikkurila.

Alkyd-urethane products from Parade were able to win a huge audience because such a manufacturer sells varnishes with a high degree of elasticity. Buyers leave reviews saying that the film that appears after applying the product will not crack or deteriorate for a long time. Alkyd products can emphasize the beauty and naturalness of the material and make the floor much more effective. Parade offers mixtures for interior and exterior use.

White house was able to win over customers with its price and weak aroma. Manufacturers produce high-quality compositions that are distinguished by high wear protection, hardening speed and decorative components. Varnish can preserve the natural shade of wood. Just like Parade, the manufacturer produces products for working with home and outdoor surfaces.

Tikkurila is a proven manufacturer of a large number of materials. The brand has won the respect of consumers and is popular as a manufacturer of high-quality and reliable products. The Tikkulira yacht varnish, which is distinguished by its polymerization speed and excellent spreadability, receives excellent reviews. Low cost helps this brand become a leader among manufacturers of alkyd-based varnishes.

Treating wood with alkyd varnish

In order for the coating to acquire the characteristics declared by the manufacturer, it is necessary to select a high-quality composition and strictly follow the technology of painting with alkyd varnish.

Surface preparation

You must first remove the old paintwork from the surface. Preparatory activities include sanding the base. In addition, a primer should be used. It will reduce the consumption of alkyd paints and varnishes, and will also give the wood additional protection from negative external influences. The use of antiseptic compounds will prevent the development of fungus and mold. If the wood is new, 2-3 layers of stain should be applied.

Application of the composition

The varnish is applied in 2-3 layers with breaks for the coating to dry. Brushes, rollers or sprayers are suitable for the job. In this case, it is important to monitor the thickness of the applied layer, since with a thick coating, peeling or bubbles may appear. After applying the first layer, it is recommended to sand the surface with sandpaper. This will ensure better adhesion to the next layer.

The surface should be beautiful: how to choose wood varnish and not make a mistake

Reading time: 8 minutes No time?

To protect the wooden base for a long time and give it a presentable appearance, you should use wood varnish. If you know how to choose the appropriate composition, you can significantly improve the performance characteristics of the product. We invite you to get acquainted with the main types, their distinctive features, and application methods.

Varnish will protect the wood PHOTO: dekoriko.ru

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How to dilute and drying time

Since alkyd varnish contains organic substances, it is recommended to dilute it with white spirit in a 1:1 ratio.
Exceeding the amount of solvent will lead to loss of quality characteristics of the paintwork material. The manufacturer prescribes recommendations for diluting varnish products. Important! It is not recommended to dilute yacht varnish due to its special composition, if the proportions are violated, performance qualities are lost.

The drying time depends on the type of product used. For most alkyd mixtures, this period is 1-2 days.

Compound

The product necessarily contains alkyd resin as a base. It is most often extracted from natural materials - flax oil or wood. The second most important component is organic solvents. Various fatty acids can also be found in the composition.

When alkyd wood varnish is absorbed into the porous structure, penetration is increased thanks to these solvents. The product is absorbed quite deeply and can successfully highlight the beauty of the wood.

Thanks to these features, alkyd compounds are widely used in finishing work inside and outside. Parquet varnishes allow you to change the appearance of floors almost beyond recognition. With the help of such mixtures it is possible to obtain deeper colors of all shades, thereby emphasizing the special texture of the parquet.

Manufacturers and reviews

In terms of demand and consumer reviews, the following manufacturers of alkyd varnishes are leaders in the market:

1. Parade offers highly flexible alkyd resin formulations that can be used both indoors and outdoors. The coating looks attractive. Consumers note the ease of application, as well as the long service life of the coating.
2. White house has improved its production technology and provided consumers with an alkyd varnish with a low odor and a shortened drying period. Compositions are used for external and internal painting. The cost of production with high characteristics is low.
3. Tikkurila is a world-famous Finnish brand that offers high-quality paints and varnishes at reasonable prices. The compositions adhere perfectly to the surface and are characterized by rapid polymerization.

There are also products from other manufacturers on the market. Before purchasing, you should carefully study the characteristics of the compositions.

Alkyd varnishes are superior to competitors in certain parameters. With their help, it will be possible to provide reliable protection and attractiveness of surfaces. At the same time, it is important to observe safety precautions when working and strictly follow the application algorithm so that the coating meets the declared qualities.

Useful tips

1. Before using paints and varnishes, shake and mix well.
2. You cannot add a solvent to the finished composition - only water.
3. Acrylic varnishes can be matte or glossy.
4. Before starting varnishing, it is advisable to check the compatibility of a particular paintwork material with the coating. This can be done somewhere inconspicuously, for example, under furniture.
5. High-quality drying is impossible in drafts or direct sunlight.
6. At the late stage of drying, when the varnish seems to have already dried, it is better to walk on the floor in soft shoes or socks.
7. To prevent damage to the surface, felt pads should be placed on furniture legs.
8. To prevent the formation of bubbles or defects, the penultimate layer should be lightly sanded or scraped. Next you need to apply one or two layers of varnish on top.
9. The technology involves applying each subsequent layer no earlier than after 12 hours. If the room temperature is too low or the humidity is high, the drying time must be increased.
10. If the goal is to achieve decorative effect, the most proven method is to apply two layers of varnish to a primed surface.
11. When working with paintwork materials, you need to use safety glasses and gloves.
12. Acrylic varnish should be stored in closed original packaging. Optimal temperature: from 5 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Wood oil - penetrating protection

Separately, products such as wood processing oils should be highlighted. They can be tinted or transparent. At the same time, in their action, oils differ from drying oils in that they do not create a film on the surface of the wood, but impregnate the top layer of the material, then dry (polymerize) inside the fibers. Oil impregnation is necessary if you want to preserve the noble wood texture, while protecting the surface from exposure to water and temperature changes. Some oils also have an additional antiseptic effect.

Oil emphasizes the texture of wood

Distributing the oil over the surface using a cotton rag

A good result can be achieved by spreading the oil using a cotton cloth. 10 minutes after treatment, the excess layer is removed using a cloth. After two days, the coating must be checked for roughness; if paint flaws are found, they are removed with a sanding sponge, then the finishing coat can be applied. After this, the excess layers of oil are washed off again.