Concrete is endowed with many good qualities: strength, durability, high wear resistance and frost resistance, resistance to aggressive environments and temperature extremes. Nowadays, this material is used for many construction purposes - for the construction of ceilings, walls, foundations, etc. But, despite its excellent protective qualities, concrete itself requires protection, and for this purpose special varnishes are used on various bases.
Concrete varnish: application
The varnish mixture is able to protect concrete surfaces from almost any impact, and is most often used:
- as a coating for concrete floor;
- on fences and fences using natural stone and concrete;
- on concrete garden paths, sidewalks and other objects that are constantly exposed to atmospheric influences.
Benefits of using
As practice shows, varnish for concrete and stone not only protects against moisture, corrosion, but also increases the strength of the material. When coating them with a concrete base, the following results are achieved:
- material service life increases;
- concrete becomes more stable and durable;
- abrasion resistance is significantly increased;
- frost resistance increases;
- the appearance improves, the surface becomes glossy (if used as a topcoat);
- the term of operation of the processed object increases.
Prices for varnish for concrete depend on the basis on which they are created, and range from 100 to 2000 rubles. for one liter.
Classification
Concrete varnish is classified according to the following parameters:
- base composition;
- colors, fire resistance, amount of anti-corrosion additives;
- light reflection.
As a basis, one of four substances is used: polyurethane, polymer, silicone or acrylic. In this regard, varnish for concrete happens:
- Polyurethane . It has improved moisture retention, so it is most often used on surfaces that are most susceptible to moisture.
- Polymer . The protective agent does not allow moisture to pass through, dries quickly. It is easy for them to cover large areas.
- Acrylic . Due to its high cost, it is mainly used as a decorative coating on small surfaces.
- Silicone . It combines high moisture resistance and good decorative qualities in its characteristics.
Each of these types has its own distinctive features and scope.
In addition to the protective properties, it should be noted the possibility of creating different reflective effects. Varnish happens:
- glossy;
- semi-glossy;
- semi-matte;
- matte.
Polyurethane Concrete Varnish
Polyurethane-based products are the most popular and common. They have good penetrating and protective properties. To achieve a greater effect, a polyurethane-based impregnation is preliminarily applied.
Polyurethane varnish belongs to the middle price category. Its cost is 150-300 rubles. for one kilogram.
Among the many proposals, experts recommend choosing Tistrom brand products. This protective agent is great for coating in workshops, garages, garages and other similar buildings. It is endowed with the following advantages:
- resistance to oil products, oils, gasoline;
- ease of use;
- good decorative qualities;
- Does not lose its properties and is not damaged by wet cleaning.
This tool not only provides a durable and wear-resistant coating for the concrete floor, but also gives additional tensile and compression strength. Often this varnish is used as a base in industrial premises, utility rooms, cowsheds, poultry farms, etc.
Polymer based varnish
Such protective agents have good wear resistance, strength, water resistance and resistance to aggressive environments. They belong to the category of quick-drying, which reduces the time of work on opening floor coverings, especially a large area.
As a rule, the basis of these varnishes is styrene, which gives the product and the treated surface additional qualities: chemical resistance and high strength. The cost of polymer varnishes is the most favorable - 15-25 rubles. for one kilogram.
The most common polymer-based product is Texol.
Silicone-acrylic based varnishes
These are the most expensive means. Their price per kilogram reaches 700 rubles. The high cost is justified by the relatively low cost and the ability to perform work in the current production. After application, the varnish gives the surface a matte color. The most popular products are the brands Element, Wet Stone, Orion.
Water based varnishes
This category is most often used for coating wooden surfaces and decorative colorless concrete painting. An example of a water based product for concrete is PaliStone FP, a two-component varnish. It is used to cover concrete, artificial and natural stone, paving slabs and other surfaces.
Application Recommendations
Any varnish for concrete will last much longer if you follow the basic rules for its application:
- clean the surface, get rid of dust;
- check humidity (not more than 4%);
- primer the surface;
- prepare a protective agent: one-component can be applied immediately, a two-component varnish is used after mixing its components.
Application is carried out using a brush or roller. Drying time is approximately 2 hours. If necessary, a second coat can be applied.
After coating, you can walk on the surface in 5-6 hours.