Repair is expensive, but, unfortunately, not very long-term. But I really want the fresh coating to last as long as possible. Most modern materials can not boast of such properties. Then old, time-tested funds come to the rescue. For example, silver powder. Such a coating is widely known for its wear-resistant properties, resistance to environmental influences.
In this article we will talk about the amazing properties of this material and learn how to make a "silver" of powder at home.
What is a "silverfish"
This miraculous remedy would rather be called "aluminum". Indeed, despite the beautiful name, there is not a drop of silver in its composition. The powder consists entirely of finely divided aluminum and waste material. Simply put, silver powder is dust-milled aluminum. That is why it has such a beautiful silver tint.
To obtain a coloring composition, “silverfish” (powder) is bred to the desired consistency by special means, which we will talk about below. The mixture obtained in this way is widely used for painting various surfaces.
If you don’t feel like messing around, you can buy ready-made paint in a store or on the market and use it for its intended purpose. However, in this case, you run the risk of falling for the tricks of frugal producers. Such pitiful businessmen do not disdain to add various additives to the paint, reducing its cost, but adversely affecting the quality of the material.
Types of silverfish
Since silver powder is entirely composed of aluminum powder, there is only one difference - the fraction. There are two types of silverfish on the market:
- PAP-1 - aluminum powder of a larger fraction;
- PAP-2 is smaller particles of this metal.
The difference lies solely in the size of the fraction, all other properties are identical.
The finished silverfish (paint) also has differences. The powder is diluted with varnish or varnish. Depending on what kind of product is used, the finished paint may have different properties. For example, when diluted with heat-resistant varnish, the mixture can withstand temperatures up to 400 ° C. Such paint is allowed to be applied to radiators, car engines, the internal surface of fireplaces and other surfaces that are subject to high temperatures.
If such properties are not necessary, then BT-577 bitumen varnish is quite suitable for preparing paint.
Where to use "liquid silver"
Silver powder is a fairly popular material and is widely used both in everyday life and at production facilities. Silver paint is used for coloring:
- bridges;
- parts of production halls;
- radiator systems and central heating batteries;
- parts of ships, floating stations and docks, port and underwater structures;
- a variety of pipes and metal elements;
- parts of systems that need to be protected from overheating;
- sculptures, monuments, grave fences, souvenirs and other items.
Benefits
The widespread use of this paint product is due to its positive properties.
Here are just some of the advantages of this paint:
- it covers the surface, like a second skin, lies evenly and rather thinly;
- "Silver" can cover almost all types of surfaces: wood, metal, ceramics, concrete, plastic and others;
- the coating is absolutely not susceptible to rust, does not exfoliate and does not peel, tightly sticking to the surface;
- can be resistant to high temperatures;
- in itself non-toxic and dries very quickly;
- Compared to other coloring materials, Serebryanka has a long service life: 3 years under water, 6–7 years outdoors, more than 10 years indoors;
- silver-painted materials look quite original and attract attention.
disadvantages
Before breeding "silver" (powder) for painting metal and other surfaces, let's talk not only about the advantages, but also about the disadvantages of this material. There are few of them:
- Dry powder is quite explosive, so it is worth keeping it away from fire, in a tightly closed container. It is also worth keeping silver powder out of the reach of children.
- Silver paint can not be applied to surfaces previously painted with oil, NBH or alkyd paints, as well as nitro enamel. When applying "silver" on such surfaces, bubbles can be observed. The paint does not fit well or completely leaves.
- Contrary to advertising, the acrylic “silverfish” not only does not possess all the wonderful properties of the usual paint, but also misses traces of rust already at the time of painting.
- A solution of silver aluminum powder cannot be used for painting galvanized parts. From the contact of these two compounds, the zinc coating is rapidly destroyed. If the need for painting of galvanizing is too great, cover it with a couple of layers of a special primer.
Cooking Silver
So, how to dilute silver powder for painting? Before you begin, you need to stock up on everything you need. You will need:
- rubber gloves and glasses;
- brushes or spray gun;
- a dilution tank (keep in mind that you won’t be able to wash it);
- paint thinner: White Spirit or the like;
- drying oil or varnish.
If it is necessary to prepare ordinary, non-heat-resistant paint, varnish and aluminum powder are mixed in a ratio of 1: 3. That is, one part of the powder has three parts of varnish or varnish. If the resulting mixture was too thick, the desired consistency can be achieved by adding a little turpentine, "Solvent" or "White Spirit". In cases where the resulting mixture will be applied using a paint brush or roller, a little solvent should be added. In order to use the spray gun, the mixture must be diluted in a ratio of 1: 1.
If you want to get a heat-resistant paint, you will need a varnish with such properties. It is necessary to breed mix so: two parts of aluminum powder and five parts of heat-resistant varnish. Drying oil in this case is not suitable.
Now it’s worth a little more to dwell on the mixing process itself:
- varnish should be poured into powder in small portions (not vice versa);
- to get the mixture without lumps, it must be continuously stirred for at least 15–20 minutes;
- it is best to use a construction mixer.
- if the finished solution is too thick, you can achieve the desired consistency with toluene.
Attention! Since any varnish is quite toxic and has a pungent odor, the mixing process should be carried out in a well-ventilated area, protecting the respiratory system with a respirator.
How to apply paint correctly
In order for the painting process to be as good as possible, the surfaces must be prepared: cleaned of rust, scale, dust and dirt. Wooden parts must be carefully sanded and wiped with a damp cloth to remove fine chips. If it is not possible to remove the old paint, the surface needs to be sanded and primed.
Depending on the desired result, it is best to apply the paint in several layers, usually two or three is enough. You need to work quite quickly, since a thin layer of paint dries quickly in the open air. If you hesitate, the silverfish will dry directly on the brush and you will have to throw it away.
How to clean everything around
Now you know what interesting properties a silverfish (powder) has. How to breed this material, you also already understood. But that is not all. Quite often, when working, droplets of silver paint fall on those surfaces where they should not be. What to do in this case? How to remove the silverfish after it dries?
If you diluted the powder at home, then to remove unwanted drops and drips, you need to use the same solvent that was used to prepare the mixture.
In the case when the finished (store-bought) paint was used and the solvent is unknown, you can try to use widely known folk methods:
- Apply acetone-free nail polish remover to the stain. Wash off the dissolved paint with plain water after a while.
- Coat the silver stain with any vegetable oil. Wait 10-15 minutes and rub the paint hard with a dry, hard cloth. Repeat the process several times until the desired effect is achieved.