How to dilute silver powder with drying oil, water, and metal varnish

Description of material

Aluminum powder or waste from the aluminum production process, crushed to aluminum powder, acts as the only component of silverware in dry form. A silver-colored metal powder is produced. Thanks to him, the name appeared: “silver fish”. The coloring material that is applied to the surface is already silver powder mixed with bitumen-based varnish. Synthetic drying oil is also used for diluting dry composition.

If pigment is added to the composition, the dye acquires the color of bronze or gold. Based on the powder, a CM with a metallic shine of different shades is created.

The purpose of the dye is to protect the product from atmospheric conditions.

Properties of aluminum paints

After the applied silver composition dries, a film is formed on the painted surface, which provides good protection from weathering and moisture;
The ability of this coating to reflect sunlight protects surfaces from overheating in hot weather;
Under favorable operating conditions, a surface painted with silver will not lose its properties and original appearance for up to seven years;
Painted metal surfaces acquire anti-corrosion properties.

Aluminum dye classification

The question of how silver paint is prepared arises after each type has been studied. Moreover, each of them is designed for application to a specific surface, taking into account operating conditions.

Two types of metal powder are produced:

PAP-1. Used to prepare a dye that coats a surface heated to 400°C;
PAP-2. This is the basis for making ordinary silverware.

They differ from each other in the grain of aluminum powder: PAP-1 consists of large grains of metal, PAP-2 consists of small particles. The creation of powder is regulated by GOST 5631-79. The degree of grinding does not affect the quality of the coating in any way. BT-577 varnish is added to the powdered silver of the first group. The powder:varnish ratio is maintained at 1:5. Silver powder of the second group is diluted with synthetic drying oil or non-thermal varnish.

The proportionality of powder: non-thermal varnish like 1:3 or powder: synthetic drying oil like 1:4 is important.

Paint that can withstand surface overheating

Before diluting silver to paint metal, purchase a varnish based on bitumen BT-577. The proportionality of powder and varnish is maintained: 1 share of powder and 5 shares of varnish. A heat-resistant dye is produced for metal surfaces that can be heated up to 400°C.

Scope of application of heat-resistant composition:

painting of cast iron batteries, radiators in industrial premises and residential buildings;
metal pipes are coated;
silver metal paint is applied to steel bridge structures;
applied as protection against overheating on units in boiler rooms, for painting fireplaces and stoves;
Widely used in industry for painting metal surfaces;
KM has a high resistance to water. This quality allows it to be used in the construction of ships and in ports;
metal, wood, concrete household items are painted.

To the question: how to dilute the first group of silver powder and whether there is an alternative to BT-577, the answer is simple - a heat-resistant varnish with similar technical characteristics is used.

The protective aluminum layer will last 3 years in an aquatic environment, and a maximum of 7 years in the open air. At the same time, the decorative properties are not lost. The deadlines are declared by the manufacturer, but in fact they are longer. Indoor decor lasts about 15 years.

Silver alkyd paint SAYVER 1l for 285 rubles.

Serebryanka for various types of surface

Special paints GAMMA Serebryanka aluminum paint, price 16 rubles, dye consumption per 1 layer - 80 g/m2.

Ordinary silverware covers surfaces made of various materials (wood, concrete). She does not tolerate high temperatures. Synthetic drying oil or non-thermal varnish is used as a thinner.

There is a ready-made coloring material BT-177 on sale.

Serebryanka paint BT-177 “KRAFOR” 1.0 l/0.7 kg, price 207 rubles.

The finished composition is applied to wood, concrete-cement surface, brick, and ceramic elements. Each manufacturer has its own recipe ratio of powder and varnish. On average, this is 20% - aluminum powder or zinc powder; 80% – varnish. The proportional ratio is indicated on the factory packaging. It can change if pigment is introduced into the composition of the CM.

Advantages and disadvantages

Easy to apply. The silver paint is applied in a perfectly even layer, and no smudges form even when painting vertical surfaces;
Versatility of use. As a rule, metal structures are painted with silver to protect against corrosion, but it can be used to paint almost any surface, for example, wood or concrete;
Strength. A thin film forms on the treated surface, which does not peel off over time;
Harmlessness. Aluminum powder does not emit toxic substances, so painting with silver is absolutely safe. Silverfish can only acquire properties harmful to human health if it is diluted with toxic enamel. If non-toxic paints and varnishes are used to prepare the composition, then it is quite possible to paint the internal walls of residential buildings;
Aesthetic aspect. After the paint dries, the surface on which it is applied acquires a pleasant silver color, but if necessary, you can add color of any desired shade. This is easy to do, since a wide range of different colors are sold on the finishing materials market;
Long service life. Painted surfaces do not require renewal for a period of 6-7 years, however, if the paint is applied to an object that is in constant contact with water, the service life will be up to three years, without loss of the original appearance or the appearance of cracks.

It is worth noting that, like any paint and varnish material, in addition to the advantages listed above, aluminum paint also has a number of disadvantages.

First of all, this paint and varnish material should not be applied over other types of paintwork materials. Before painting with silver paint, it is imperative to clean the surface from any remnants of old paint. If you neglect this recommendation, the applied layer may crack, swell and not last even half of the period stated by the manufacturer.
The second significant drawback is the increased risk of fire and even explosion of silverware in undiluted form. This factor must be taken into account when storing and preparing aluminum powder, therefore it is necessary to observe all precautions and safety measures when working with the material.

Recipes for making silverfish at home

Taking into account what kind of surface will be processed (heated metal or with normal temperature conditions during operation), different recipes for making silverware are used at home.

Recipe for heat-resistant CM

Before starting work, personal protective equipment is put on. A container is used for mixing, which will not be needed later. The paint eats into its walls and will be difficult to use on the farm.

PAP-1 powder (1 share) is poured into the container, BT-577 varnish (5 shares) is added in small portions or replacement with another heat-resistant varnish is allowed (for example, it can be KO-185 varnish), the components are mixed. Sometimes a construction mixer is used for this to make the mass more homogeneous. The result is an oily composition.

The thickness of the composition depends on the chosen tool for painting (brush, roller or spray gun). So that when working with a roller or brush, there are no smudges on the surface, and the paint applies evenly, the composition is prepared thick.

Test strokes determine the correctness of the chosen consistency. If the composition should be thinner, then a solvent is added. Liquid paint will be needed to work with the spray gun. Solvents are introduced in equal parts: white spirit, solvent, turpentine. Ready silver in 1 share is combined with 1 share of solvent. For the roller, the solvent is introduced in the ratio: mixture:solvent as 1:0.5.

If special solvents are not available, then the method of dissolving bitumen with gasoline is used as a replacement. Silverfish is added and all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

If necessary, solvent No. 646 is added to the purchased ready-made paint BT-177. Its share cannot exceed 20% of the total mass of paint. Otherwise, the dye will lose all its qualities.

Recipes for regular silverfish

PAP-2 powder can be diluted with any non-thermal varnish (powder:varnish ratio is 1:3 or 4). The components are combined and mixed thoroughly. The consistency is also regulated by one solvent or a mixture of them. A well-mixed composition is the key to high-quality coverage. You will need to stir manually for at least 10 minutes. In addition, the independently prepared coloring material will be identical in its technological indicators to the factory material.

Before diluting silver with drying oil, the proportions are practically the same as for varnish. If the powder does not have a shelf life, then the prepared paint for a non-thermal surface can be stored in this state for six months. The room temperature should be above zero. Synthetic drying oil is added to PAP-2 powder. If mixed with PAP-1, the coating cannot withstand overheating of the surface. In this case, the proportionality changes slightly: 2:5, powder: drying oil.

Watch the video to better reinforce the material:

Important: the option of mixing with synthetic drying oil is inexpensive, but many are put off by the long drying time of the paint on drying oil. The covering layer is ready for use after 3-4 days.

Areas of use

Despite its versatility, silver is most often used to create protection against corrosion. It is often used for painting:

various metal structures for industrial purposes (power lines, pipelines);
automotive industry products: both for tuning a car and for giving its individual parts additional strength;
galvanized or metal roofs;
hangars and other utility rooms made of metal (not only the roof, but also the walls are painted to protect against overheating during the hot season);
structures in constant contact with fresh or sea water.

In addition, much less often, silver dye is used to protect and decorate buildings made of concrete, stone or wood; it is possible to use silver dye based on acrylic enamel for painting plastic products.

Metallic paint technology

Painting is carried out in a room with good ventilation. It is not recommended to begin applying aluminum paint without preparing the surface.

Using sandpaper or a metal brush, rust and peeling old paint are removed from the metal. The wooden surface is also sanded. The coating of lime and chalk is removed from concrete and brick.
The surface is primed to enhance the tenacity of silver, although it is already at a high level. It is enough to apply the primer once. This stage is a recommendation for concrete and brick. A primer is required if the old layer of paint cannot be removed from the surface. In addition, the number of paint layers is reduced.
Poorly removed old paint can cause the silver to peel off.
Apply a thin layer of paint 2-3 times to pre-dried walls. It is better to work with a roller or spray gun. If you work with a brush, then the actions must be quick. The paint hardens very quickly and the coating layer may not be even. Each subsequent layer is applied to the dried previous one. The time interval between application of layers is short.

Serebryanka dries completely in 4 hours, the setting speed is even faster. If there are defects in the work, then you need to have time to correct them before drying.

Watch the video to better reinforce the material:

Advice: to increase the service life of the protective and decorative layer of silver, it is recommended to cover it on top with the varnish that was used in the process of making the dye.

Random drops of silver are removed with a solvent. Damp drops can be easily removed by applying vegetable oil to them and wiping them off shortly. Nail polish remover is used for the same purposes.

Composition of silverfish

This type of paint belongs to the category of aluminum.

It mainly contains:

aluminum or zinc powder,
varnish

By mixing these components, a substance with a structure resembling a suspension is formed. Each silversmith manufacturer has its own secret for producing this dye. Serebryanka paint has a completely simple composition. It is necessary to mix only two main components and add additional substances if necessary.

Attention: When producing silver, different ratios of components are used. The composition of any coloring substance must be indicated on the packaging.

Basically, manufacturers use ten to twenty percent aluminum or zinc powder and ninety or eighty percent varnish to make ordinary silverware for wood or metals. In some cases, these proportions change depending on what effect the coloring substance is required to create.

Reasons for the demand for silver paint

Despite the large assortment of paints and varnishes on the building materials market, aluminum dye has firmly taken its place and remains in demand. Many factors confirm its advantage over other compounds:

affordability for the average buyer;
the material is recognized as universal, interacts with a base made of any material;
the layer lays down evenly, creating a thin coating that resists corrosion well;
high adhesion on any substrate;
tolerance to temperature fluctuations;
resistance to UV rays from the sun;
ease of preparation of the composition;
contains a small proportion of toxic components;
attractiveness of the painted surface;
a protective and decorative layer with a long service life, which allows you to save money on repairs, because the next work will not be done soon.

Watch the video to better reinforce the material:

The choice of silver is explained by the combination of low price and high technological indicators of the dye against the background of an attractive appearance of the surface. Available in powder form and as a ready-made mixture in a bucket, canister or aerosol can. Spray paint does not require a painting tool.

Pros and cons of silver

The material has a lot of advantages. It is perfect for interior work, because after drying it becomes non-toxic and 100% harmless. Although there is a smell during operation, so safety precautions must be observed. Other advantages of paint:

adheres securely to the base, has good adhesion, and lasts a long time;
can dry quickly and will not require long-term absence of residents from the premises;
gives the metal anti-corrosion properties and resistance to UV radiation;
The paint is easy to apply, it does not leave streaks or drips;
You can paint any material with silver, not just metal;
the finished paint is stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months, dry powder does not deteriorate much longer;
The paint can be diluted in different proportions with the solvent, due to which the finished shades will differ;
The decorative properties of the material are high; it improves the appearance of metal and old wood.

Now some types of silver contain additional additives (for example, liquid glass), which provide enhanced fire-fighting properties. The paint itself is heat-resistant, it can even be applied to stoves, potbelly stoves, radiators, radiators, and pipes. In industry, it is used for painting boiler rooms, bridges, underwater parts of ships, various tanks, and parts. You can paint with silver those products that are used outdoors under the influence of temperature changes, in aggressive conditions.

The disadvantages include the inability to paint with silver when the windows are closed. You will definitely have to buy a respirator and gloves. The powder itself is explosive before application. After drying, the surface will be vulnerable to contamination; it is difficult to wash due to its non-smooth structure. Also, the material will not adhere to oil, alkyd paints, or nitro enamels; they will have to be completely removed.