Alkyd paint for wood: pros and cons, scope of application

What is alkyd paint

Alkyd paint is one of the universal paint and varnish coatings based on a solvent of organic origin.
Alkyd paint is one of the universal paint and varnish coatings based on a solvent of organic origin.
Most often, purified kerosene is used as a solvent. In addition, the alkyd paint coating necessarily contains alkyd varnish, various fillers, coloring pigments and other components.

Composition of alkyd paints

The composition of the product will depend on the specific purposes for which it will be used. If the paint is intended for wood, then it contains antiseptics. In the case of using material for a metal base, anti-corrosion components are added to the paint.

Film formers

The basis of alkyd paint are film formers. The final characteristics of the material will depend on them. Most often, glypthal or pentaphthalic film formers are used for such paint and varnish coatings. The main difference between these components is which polyhydric alcohol will be used. For glyphthalic resins, glycerin is used, and for pentaphthalic resins, pentaerythritol is used.

Solvents and thinners

Depending on the specific fat content of the film former, one or another solvent will be used. For alkyds with a high fat content, it is customary to use aliphatic solvents. For less fatty ones, aromatic solvents are suitable. For components with medium fat content, solvent mixtures are used. Alcohols, ketones or esters can also be added.

Thinners are not so expensive and are used in situations where it is necessary to slightly change the properties of the finished material and adjust them to certain operating conditions.

Most often, kerosene or solvent is used as a diluent. Each manufacturer indicates which thinner is best to add in containers with alkyd enamel.

Pigments

To ensure that the paint coating is not transparent and has a specific color, special pigments are used during production.
These are colored powders that color the base a certain color. Inorganic or organic pigments, artificial or natural origin, can be used. Pigments affect not only the decorative properties of the material, but also the performance characteristics. They can affect the protective function of the paintwork and other important properties of the material.

Fillers

Fillers are usually used to improve the technological characteristics of alkyd enamel.
Due to this, it is possible to increase the viscosity, opacity, corrosion, as well as atmospheric resistance and other parameters of the material. In some situations, fillers may have either weak coloring or matting properties. In most cases, limestone or marble chips are used as fillers. Various silicates are used less frequently. In order to increase wear resistance, granite or quartz is added to the paint. To obtain electrical insulating properties or heat-resistant characteristics, mica is suitable. Recently, many manufacturers give preference to fillers of natural origin.

Supplements

A variety of additives can be added to alkyd paint. In order to accelerate oxidative processes, driers, which are soluble organometallic compounds, are used. To make alkyd enamel more elastic and tolerate temperature changes well, the composition contains plasticizers. Such additives are subject to certain requirements - neutrality, absence of odor and color, compatibility, etc.

Stabilizing and special anticoagulation additives also play a huge role. With their help, the paint can be evenly distributed over the surface being treated.

Some manufacturers may additionally use special enhancers of the anti-corrosion characteristics of the material. Most often it is tannic acid. If alkyd paint is used for exterior work, then a substance is added to it that absorbs ultraviolet radiation.

What properties does PF-115 have?

Pentaphthalic varnishes obtained during the production process from modified resins provide the maximum quality of the technical characteristics of PF-115, the main ones among which are:

• Atmospheric resistance.
  The enamel is resistant to UV rays and precipitation, and the operating temperature range is from -50°C to +50°C.
• The adhesion of the coating
  is about 1-2 points. The ratio of non-volatile film-forming substances to the total volume of material is 50-70%.
• Resistance to aggressive substances.
  The paint's resistance to detergents at temperatures up to +20°C lasts for 15 hours, and that of transformer oil for up to one day.
• Decorative outer covering.
  The film formed after hardening has a uniform glossy structure without cracks or wrinkles.
• The color palette of enamel
  , although limited to full colors, allows you to obtain the desired shades by mixing paints.

Classification of alkyd enamels

There is a fairly large selection of alkyd paint and varnish coatings on sale. We will consider the most popular and in demand options today.

Enamel GF 230

This product is made on a glyphthalic base.
Most often, this enamel is used for interior work. You cannot use paint for the floor, because it cannot protect the base from mechanical stress. Before use, the material must be diluted with a solvent recommended by the manufacturer. Paint is available in different colors and shades, so choosing the right option will not be difficult. The material can be applied using a brush, spray gun or roller. Drying time for the coating will depend on the conditions present during the repair. On average, it takes a day to dry. The disadvantage of GF 230 enamel is that it has a very pungent and unpleasant odor.

Paint PF 133

The product has a pentaphthalic base. Used for processing metal structures that are pre-coated with a layer of primer. The paint must be applied in several layers. Between each layer there is a break of several hours to allow the surface to dry. The material is available in several colors. Many people like the fact that the paint is very bright. In temperate climates it can be used for no more than 6 years.

Enamel PF 115

The products are used for processing metal, wood and other surfaces. The material must be applied in 2 layers. There are 24 enamel colors on sale. Paint can be applied either manually or using special construction equipment. It will take at least 8 hours to dry. The coating has a beautiful glossy shine and rich color.

PF 223

This alkyd enamel is used for treating wooden and metal surfaces. Manufacturers offer 17 colors. The material tolerates high temperatures very well. It is necessary to dilute only with the means specified by the manufacturer on the container. On average, it takes 30 hours for the coating to dry completely. During work, be sure to use a respirator, because alkyd paint has too strong a smell.

Enamel PF 253

The material is most often used to treat wooden floors. Enamel can be applied to the surface only after it has been covered with a layer of primer. To obtain maximum processing quality, it is necessary to apply two layers. To thin the paint, you can use gasoline or turpentine. A huge advantage of the product is that it takes a minimal amount of time to dry. After the coating is completely dry, it acquires an attractive glossy shine.

Varieties

Conventionally, most products can be divided into 2 groups: acrylic and alkyd. But there are also compositions that contain nitrocellulose or polyurethane.

Acrylic

This option is intended for painting work indoors or for painting wooden furniture. However, manufacturers produce models that are suitable for metal surfaces. Main advantages:

• Low level of toxicity;
• No volatile substances are released;
• Quick drying;
• Fire safety.

Such advantages allow you to use the product not only for home purposes, but also when painting walls in public places.

Alkyd

Such products are intended for painting wood and metal, but it is not recommended to use them for interior finishing work. Alkyd enamels take a long time to dry and have a pungent odor. Therefore, after painting, you should open the window and ventilate the room for several days so that all harmful components disappear.

Nitro enamels

A universal product that can be used for finishing interior and exterior elements. However, it is most often used for painting wood surfaces. This substance contains nitrocellulose or similar components. The main advantage is the short drying time, unlike previous models.

Complete hardening of the layers occurs after an hour. After opening the nitro enamel, the user will feel a sharp smell of acetone; this is quite normal for such models. The only thing that is important to know is that it is not recommended to apply it to a surface that has been painted with oil paint, as there will not be good adhesion. In addition, it should not be used near fire as it will easily catch fire.

Polyurethane

This type has a high price. However, it has good strength characteristics and is suitable for almost any surface, which makes it a universal product. Some professionals prefer to use only this option.

Advantages and disadvantages

Alkyd paint is considered a special type of finishing materials. Has a huge number of advantages. The main ones include the following:

• High resistance, elasticity and durability.
• Over time, the coating does not crack or begin to peel off.
• Can be used for both interior and exterior work.
• Tolerates sudden changes in temperature very well.
• Additionally protects treated surfaces from the effects of negative factors.
• Can be used on a wide variety of substrates.
• Has a high adhesion rate.
• Dries very quickly.
• Alkyd enamel is very easy to apply.
• Some types of paint have excellent antiseptic as well as anti-corrosion functions.
• Has minimal consumption.
• Has an affordable price.

At the same time, there are some disadvantages that are worth remembering when choosing a material for processing a particular surface. The main disadvantages include the following:

• Too strong odor and high toxicity.
• Low vapor permeability.
• May ignite easily.
• Does not tolerate exposure to alkalis very well.

If you use the material correctly, these shortcomings will not cause any inconvenience.

The best polyurethane enamels

The penultimate section of our review is devoted to polyurethane enamels. This category presents one position, which is considered the best in its product group in all main parameters - from cost to protective properties, and from consumption to color fastness.

Symphony Winner A

Rating: 4.9

Symphony Winner A is a polyurethane enamel with high performance qualities. Thanks to its special formula, when dry, the paint forms a surface protective layer that is highly resistant to temperature changes, exposure to sunlight and mechanical damage.

A distinctive feature of this paint is its complete versatility and increased adhesion to all surfaces, which allows it to be used for painting any materials - from solid wood and metal, to drywall and concrete. Symphony Winner A is often used for painting boats and boats. According to tests, the coating does not change its properties after contact with water for 72 hours.

Versatility, ease of application, multi-purpose use and reasonable price have allowed polyurethane enamel Symphony Winner A to take one of the leading positions not only in our rating, but also in its product group.

Advantages

1. Increased mechanical strength and weather resistance.
2. Heat resistance up to +120 degrees.
3. Increased resistance to water.

Flaws

1. Iron or wooden surfaces must be pre-treated with an anti-corrosion/anti-fungal compound.
2. Resistance to washing appears no earlier than a month after application.

Where is it used?

Due to their excellent characteristics and high-quality composition, alkyd paints can be used to cover a wide variety of substrates. Most often, paint and varnish coating is used to treat roofs, pipelines, benches, metal structures, and various products made of galvanized metal.

Most paints contain special corrosion inhibitors.

Also on sale are options that are suitable for processing wooden bases. Antiseptics are added to such enamels to further protect the wood from negative factors. Universal enamels are suitable for processing concrete, brick or cement.

Consumption

To calculate the approximate consumption of alkyd enamel, you need to pay attention to the degree of viscosity of the material. The thicker the paint, the more it will have to be used, so you will need to dilute it with a solvent first. Also, the consumption will be influenced by the number of layers that are applied to the surface and the characteristics of the base itself. More alkyd paint will be required for metal structures. Each layer must dry well. This will take at least a day.

Manufacturers

Today, many manufacturers are engaged in the production of paint and varnish coatings and offer truly high-quality products. When purchasing, you should pay attention not only to the composition, but also to the company that produced the alkyd enamel. Preference should be given to more popular manufacturers who have long established themselves in the construction market. Let's look at the most popular companies today.

• "Lakra." The company has been producing alkyd enamels for more than 20 years. Products are supplied not only to domestic but also to foreign markets. The company offers enamels for different types of work.
• "Tex." The company has been operating for more than 15 years and produces high-quality paint and varnish coatings, which is confirmed by the presence of international certificates. The manufacturer offers universal alkyd paints that have a long service life and additionally protect the base from damage.
• "Tikkurila". The company has been operating for 150 years and during this time has developed a huge number of products aimed at protecting foundations. The manufacturer offers a wide selection of alkyd enamels for different purposes and substrates.
• Dulux. Alkyd paints from this manufacturer can be used for a variety of purposes. The company has earned popularity and recognition in 26 countries around the world.
• "Kraffa" Production of products is very strictly controlled. Alkyd enamels are produced using modern equipment and only from the best raw materials. A huge advantage of the product is that it is completely safe for human health.

Rating of alkyd paints 2019

Alkyd enamels were thoroughly tested and, based on the results obtained, it was possible to compile a list of the best manufacturers.

Alkyd enamel has excellent characteristics and is liked by many builders.

With its help, you can make repairs of higher quality and it will last for more than one year. The main thing is to choose the right type of paint and prepare the base for further painting.

Rating of the best enamels