Parquet chemicals are a group of products used to protect and decorate wooden floor, wall and ceiling coverings. This includes varnishes and paints, primers and putties, stains and tinting, adhesives, antiseptics, solvents and thinners. Most store-bought wood varnishes are usually liquid, ready-to-apply mixtures. The question arises: is it possible, and how, to dilute the varnish if it is too viscous?
When diluting varnish, it is important to maintain the correct proportions
To answer this question, you need to consider several factors. First, we pay attention to the basic composition of the mixture. Secondly, we select the desired solvent. Thirdly, when mixing, we maintain proportions so as not to reduce the quality of the material. Let's take a closer look at how you can dilute thickened varnish and how to do it correctly? And also, what should I use to remove the old protective coating from wood and how should I care for the tool?
How to properly dilute wood varnish?
At first glance, there is no difference.
Using a special tool, we bring the varnish substance into “working condition”. A solvent is a liquid that dissolves dried varnish, bringing it from a solid to a liquid state. We use a thinner if we need to change (reduce) the viscosity of paints. Some types of organic eluents perform both roles, but some may be effective in one task and completely useless in another. For example, white spirit can be used to dilute compositions of polyurethane, alkyd and oil groups. But if the varnish has dried, it will not be possible to dissolve it with white spirit.
White spirit can be used to thin some varnishes.
But shellacs, on the contrary, are equally dissolved and diluted with denatured alcohols. But let's not go into such subtle details.
If you need advice on what to thin varnish or what to use for thinning paints, it is better to consult with specialists in this field.
We propose to consider in detail which solvents need to be used in specific cases.
Consumption
Many people are interested in how much alkyd varnish costs. This indicator depends on the type of mixture and your talent. Experts advise applying 2-3 layers of varnish. Each level should be applied only after the previous one has dried. Thus, it will take you at least 3 days to treat the surface.
The consumption of alkyd products is 50-75 grams per square meter. If you use more varnish than required, the polymerization time will increase. You also risk getting a less durable surface.
Before use, some brands should be diluted to a working consistency with xylene or solvent. You can mix one of these drugs with white spirit in a 1:1 ratio.
Dilution, dilution or dilution?
It may seem that these concepts are identical to each other. But this is a misconception. How to dilute the varnish if it has thickened, and what else can be done in this case, because this situation happens quite often? Use special tools belonging to one of two categories:
- A solvent is a liquid that is named for the effect it has on the substrate. This substance simply transfers the thickened varnish from a solid state to a liquid state.
Thinner - this product is used when it is necessary to change the viscosity of paints. There are varieties of substances that can act in several roles at once, including being used for breeding.
Some products are effective at performing only one function. For example, white spirit is suitable for diluting the following compositions:
- oil;
- alkyd;
- belonging to the polyurethane group.
When the varnish has completely hardened, white spirit cannot be a solution to the question of what can be used to dilute the varnish. Therefore, we have to look for other options. So-called denatured alcohols equally help to dissolve the varnish and simply obtain a diluted composition.
On video: differences between thinners and solvents for varnishes.
Wood varnishing:
We are talking about the situation when you have already completely processed your wooden product (sanded, treated with insect repellent, or covered with stain), and all you have to do is coat it with varnish. Varnishing wood is a very simple procedure if you know a few features. For example, you need to consider the grain of the type of wood your piece is made from. For each type of wood there is probably a suitable type of varnish. This is very important to take into account because wood coated with varnish can acquire a new shade (darker or lighter) and even new properties (fire resistance). And the most annoying thing is if, after a painstaking and long selection of colors (for example, when carving wood), you varnish and the colors fade. Try to coat the wood product with an adequate type of wood varnish.
Manufacturers
Several brands are in wide demand among buyers:
- White house
- Parade
- Tikkurila
Alkyd-urethane mixtures from Parade were able to win a large audience, since this manufacturer sells varnishes with increased elasticity. Buyers leave reviews in which they report that the film that forms after applying the product does not crack or deteriorate for a long time. Alkyd products can emphasize the naturalness of wood material and make the floor more impressive. Parade offers its customers mixtures for exterior and interior use.
White house has won over customers with its affordable prices and low scent. The manufacturer produces high-quality varnishes that are characterized by high wear protection, rapid polymerization and a decorative component. Varnish is able to preserve the natural shade of wood. Just like Parade, the manufacturer produces products for working with outdoor and home surfaces.
Tikkurila is considered a trusted manufacturer of many materials for construction work. The brand has won the respect of customers and is known as a manufacturer of reliable and high-quality products. Tikkurila yacht varnish, which is characterized by fast polymerization and excellent spreadability, receives good reviews. The low price helps this brand become a leader among alkyd varnish manufacturers.
How to dilute varnish on wood
Varnishing surfaces, products and materials is an excellent way to decorate and protect from moisture, temperature and damage. Varnishes are used for household and industrial purposes. The compositions can be used to coat wooden, metal, plaster, brick, and concrete surfaces - a specific varnish is suitable for each material. To ensure that the composition acquires the viscosity required for work, varnish thinner is used. The product differs from the solvent in its characteristics and purpose.
Groups of thinners and solvents
When using chemicals and paints and varnishes, it becomes necessary to prepare a working composition of the required consistency. A varnish thinner is a product that reduces the viscosity and density of a composition. The solvent is used to soften the structure of the dried substance, that is, in cases where it is necessary to remove the coating or clean work equipment.
All solvents and thinners are classified into five main groups:
- Petroleum and aromatic hydrocarbons. Popular distillates are white spirit, kerosene, paraffin, xylene, toluene, and petroleum jelly. Used to dilute oil and polyurethane products.
- Glycol ethers. Can be used as a binding component for water-based stains and paints. Glycol ethers are used to dilute and dissolve nitro varnishes.
- Ketones. Widely used as industrial solvents and paint thinners. A common diluent in the ketone group is acetone, used to dilute polyurethane substances and nitro varnishes.
- Alcohols. Diluents are included as independent components or in combination with esters or ketones. Suitable for alcohol-based compositions, shellac, nitro varnish.
- Ethers. Ethers are used to dilute film formers based on glyphthalic resins. Esters are used to dissolve any compositions with nitrocellulose.
The terms solvent and diluent are often used interchangeably. The difference between them is that some can be diluted with solid, while others can be diluted with liquid film formers. But some products are universal - they both dilute and dissolve compounds.
On video: what is the difference between solvents and thinners.
Types of varnishes for wood processing
The most widely used compositions are for varnishing wooden surfaces. Wood varnish prevents the material from rotting when exposed to moisture, protects against mold and mildew and preserves the beautiful wood texture; it can highlight and change the color of the wooden surface. In order for wood varnish to adhere well to the workpiece (panel, furniture, souvenir, floor covering), the working fluid must be given the required viscosity.
The thinner is selected depending on the composition of the film former. There are several types of funds:
- Alkyd. Components: pentaphthalic, glyphthalic, alkyd, melamine-formaldehyde resin in combination with organic solvents and driers. Alkyd varnishes are characterized by good adhesion, moisture resistance, and neutrality to ultraviolet radiation.
- Polyurethane. The main component is a polyurethane polymer combined with special chemicals. They are highly resistant to abrasion, protect wood well from moisture, and form a durable elastic film.
- Bitumen. The composition includes bitumen in combination with resins and oils. Once dissolved and applied to a wooden surface, it leaves a layer of black film. They are used to decorate products using patination technology with the effect of artificial aging.
- Yachting. Yacht paintwork materials show high resistance to contact with moisture and are characterized by a long service life and durability. Yacht varnish is resistant to temperature and aggressive environments. Yacht varnish is used for interior and exterior work.
- Oily. They contain solutions of natural or synthetic resins, modified with vegetable oils with the addition of solvents and driers. After application, they form a durable yellowish film.
- Nitrocellulose. Nitrocellulose substances are based on cellulose nitrate dissolved in organic solvents. Nitrovarnishes dry quickly, protect treated wood well from moisture, and form a uniform varnish film on the surface.
- Petroleum polymers. Resistant to chemicals and detergents. It is obtained by combining petroleum polymer resins with solvents and modifying additives. Wood compositions show high abrasion resistance.
Selecting a thinner
To choose the right varnish thinner, you need to know the component composition of the substance or the group to which the paint and varnish material belongs. A specific thinner is suitable for each varnish. It is necessary to choose a means to dilute rather than dissolve the substance.
Wood and wood products are widely used in construction, the manufacture of furniture, wall panels, flooring and other interior items, and are also used for the manufacture of windows, doors, and stairs. The quality of wood coating determines its service life. Varnishing is the most effective way to decorate and protect wood material. To apply the coating, the working composition must be moderately liquid.
How to dilute varnish from various components:
- To reduce the viscosity of alkyd varnish, white spirit is used. Yacht varnish is also diluted with white spirit.
- To dilute polyurethane substances, toluene, xylene, acetone, and solvents R-4 and R-5 are used.
- Nitrovarnish can be dissolved to the desired consistency using a combined mixture of toluene and xylene.
- Oil and polyurethane varnishes are diluted with turpentine, white spirit and solvent.
- Alcohol-based thinners are suitable for diluting nitro varnishes and shellacs.
- Glycol ether dilutes water-based compositions and nitrocellulose varnishes.
- A hardener is first added to epoxy compositions and then diluted with a mixture of xylene, acetone and ethylcellulose.
- Water-based products are diluted with water in an amount of no more than 10 percent of the varnish volume.
- Acetone can be used to dilute mixtures based on epoxy and natural resins, and for yacht paints and varnishes, white spirit is used in an amount of 5%!
The introduction of a diluent reduces the viscosity of the liquid. To remove any remaining dried product, solvents are applied to the treated surface. They are used to clean tools and equipment used in varnishing.
After softening, the varnish film is removed with a thin spatula. If the layer is very durable, it can be removed from the wooden surface by scraping and processing with coarse and fine-grained abrasives and sandpaper.
Main types of solvents
All compositions that are used for diluting and diluting varnishes differ in properties. When working with them, you must adhere to basic precautions - use personal protective equipment, beware of getting the solvent in your eyes, nose and mouth, and ventilate the room. Almost all compositions are fire hazardous and require proper storage and careful use.
The most common thinners:
- White spirit - has an average evaporation rate, is practically odorless, dilutes yacht and other varnishes.
- Solvent - evaporates quickly, highly flammable, flammable.
- Ethyl alcohol is a colorless solvent liquid with a specific odor that spontaneously ignites at 402 degrees.
- Petroleum benzene is insoluble in aqueous solution and interacts with gasoline, kerosene and turpentine.
- Turpentine - dries slowly, smells unpleasant, can spontaneously ignite, suitable for diluting oil varnishes.
- Solvents for nitro varnishes – improve the quality of the film-forming agent and ensure good adhesion of the coating.
- Methanol is a dangerous, toxic solvent; it dilutes shellac and alcohol-based compositions well.
- Butyl alcohol - dilutes nitrocellulose paints and varnishes, gives the varnish shine and mechanical strength.
- Ethylene glycol is a viscous, odorless substance that is used to dilute the composition.
- Methyl acetate - evaporates and dries quickly, the substance is highly toxic.
- Butyl acetate is a yellowish substance that takes a long time to evaporate from the surface, increasing the drying time of the varnish.
- Ethyl acetate is a pleasant-smelling substance with a high evaporation rate.
- Acetone - dissolves and dilutes most varnishes, has an unpleasant, pronounced odor.
Popular brands of solvents are 646 and 647. Solvent 646 is a mixture of several components that, when combined, dilute epoxy and acrylic varnishes well. The 647th solvent consists of toluene, butanol, ethyl acetate and butyl acetate. Used to dilute nitro varnishes.
Solvent P-4 contains a compound of esters, ketones and aromatic carbons. Suitable for thinning varnishes based on vinyl acetate and its copolymers.
Using a varnish thinner allows you to obtain the working composition of the required consistency and give the coating additional strength. The applied layer becomes uniform, the composition is easy to work with using rollers or paint brushes.
Yacht varnish can be matte or glossy. The matte finish does not add shine to wooden products and hides dust and dirt well. A floor covered with a matte composition is more practical , as it does not require careful maintenance.
The glossy coating gives the floor a special shine and looks very elegant, but requires constant specialized care.
The composition of yacht varnishes can be:
- alkyd;
- alkyd-urethane;
- urethane-alkyd;
- acrylate.
Alkyd compositions are the most popular . This is explained by the adequate price-quality ratio of the coating, high wear resistance and the ability to penetrate deeply into the pores of wood. Among the disadvantages of alkyd varnishes: the release of toxic fumes while the coating dries. The evaporation continues even after the substance has completely dried, although it is no longer as strong. They can cause allergies in the residents of the house .
The alkyd-urethane composition has a fast drying time (no more than 6 hours). When working with these solutions, you must use gloves and a respirator.
Urethane-alkyd compositions are less toxic than previous ones. This is explained by the presence of urethane plasticizers in the composition, which prevent harmful substances from evaporating and increase the resistance of the varnish film to temperature fluctuations. Urethane-alkyd varnishes can be used in any room, including heated floors.
The basis of acrylate compositions is water, due to which the toxicity of these varnishes is minimized. This coating is not highly durable or waterproof, but it can even be used in a child’s room.
Groups of thinners and solvents
When using chemicals and paints and varnishes, it becomes necessary to prepare a working composition of the required consistency. A varnish thinner is a product that reduces the viscosity and density of a composition. The solvent is used to soften the structure of the dried substance, that is, in cases where it is necessary to remove the coating or clean work equipment.
All solvents and thinners are classified into five main groups:
- Petroleum and aromatic hydrocarbons. Popular distillates are white spirit, kerosene, paraffin, xylene, toluene, and petroleum jelly. Used to dilute oil and polyurethane products.
- Glycol ethers. Can be used as a binding component for water-based stains and paints. Glycol ethers are used to dilute and dissolve nitro varnishes.
- Ketones. Widely used as industrial solvents and paint thinners. A common diluent in the ketone group is acetone, used to dilute polyurethane substances and nitro varnishes.
- Alcohols. Diluents are included as independent components or in combination with esters or ketones. Suitable for alcohol-based compositions, shellac, nitro varnish.
- Ethers. Ethers are used to dilute film formers based on glyphthalic resins. Esters are used to dissolve any compositions with nitrocellulose.
The terms solvent and diluent are often used interchangeably. The difference between them is that some can be diluted with solid, while others can be diluted with liquid film formers. But some products are universal - they both dilute and dissolve compounds.
On video: what is the difference between solvents and thinners.
Bitumen mixtures
Bituminous varnish is a mixture of a special grade of bitumen, various resins and oils. After drying, a durable black film is formed on the surface, moisture-resistant and impervious to chemical attack. It is considered a fairly new material in household use. Belongs to the inexpensive category. It is often used as an anti-corrosion protective layer.
For wooden surfaces it is used when there is no need to emphasize the natural texture of the base (instead of paints). Bituminous material has found application as a decorative coating for the effect of aging surfaces (patina). Another unique feature of bitumen mixtures is cold gluing. The bitumen solution is diluted with white spirit.
To prevent it from thickening during storage, the container must be airtight. The storage location should be dark (without direct sunlight), with moderate temperature and humidity.
Bituminous varnish protects the surface very well from moisture and chemical influences, diluted with white spirit
How long does it take to dry?
Immediately after application, alkyd varnish looks like glue. After about 10 hours, some varnishes that have special hardeners in their composition will already harden. Typically it takes 24 hours for one coat to dry.
It is worth noting that the thickness of the varnish film after drying may become smaller, in this case it all depends on how much of the solvent has evaporated. Its content in alkyd mixtures may vary, and based on this indicator, the toxicity level of the composition increases or decreases.
Rules and recommendations for varnishing
Experts recommend adhering to the following rules when applying acrylic-based varnish mixtures:
- before you start varnishing, you need to stir the solution well, especially if it contains any pigment;
- Before starting work, you must wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and a respirator. These products are needed even if an odorless water-dispersed material will be applied;
- the varnished surface must be dry, clean, free of greasy stains and crumbling old material;
- the air temperature should not exceed 25 degrees, and the humidity should not be more than 50%;
- to apply the mixture, you can use a spray bottle, roller or brush;
- water-dispersion mixtures are diluted with clean water, and white spirit, xylene or toluene is added to varnish solutions with organic solvents as a diluent, in a volume of no more than 10% of the volume of the varnish;
- the paint and varnish material must have the same base as the primer, tinting, or other chemicals applied to the surface.
By following these simple recommendations, the protective layer will be strong, reliable, durable and attractive.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of alkyds include the following properties:
- solutions are resistant to temperature changes and humidity changes. There are no competitors for alkyd varnishes in this area;
- increased level of vibration resistance;
- the composition does not have adhesive qualities. Therefore, floors treated with this varnish will not creak;
- high decorative qualities. The product is able to penetrate deeply into the wood, thereby highlighting the natural beauty of the product;
- easy application due to thick consistency;
- after polymerization, the varnish forms a matte or glossy film;
- optimal resistance to mechanical loads;
- alkyd varnishes are resistant to contact with chemicals;
- mold or mildew does not form on the surface.
Among the disadvantages, users note the following qualities:
- The varnish takes a long time to dry. Polymerization takes more than a day. However, as described earlier, some manufacturers add special hardeners that shorten the hardening time;
- Until the surface dries, the varnish emits an unpleasant odor, which can be dangerous if inhaled. In order not to harm your body, you must leave the windows open until the product hardens;
- Alkyd products can wrinkle if you apply too much varnish to the surface. Therefore, the instructions for use should be followed;
- The service life of the surface is about 3 years.
Modifications of acrylic paints and varnishes
Acrylic refers to polymer compounds based on secondary elements of acrylic compounds, elementary samples of carboxylic acid compounds.
This liquid substance has a strong odor and is transparent in color. Acrylic can be diluted in a solution of chloroform, pure water, or diethyl ether.
The purified composition has remarkable properties:
- does not tend to degrade quality due to exposure to temperature;
- is resistant to solar radiation;
- when combined with other substances it becomes quite durable;
- has some positive mechanical properties.
To produce paint and varnish dyes necessary for decorative finishing, acrylic is mixed with a special organic diluent or water.
The compound mixed with an organic thinning compound can be used to varnish wood, metal, glass and stone products.
Acrylic paintwork material consisting of aqueous dispersion
This type of composition is the most environmentally friendly, suitable for interior decoration.
Accentuates the natural texture of wood (on parquet, furniture, caissons, panels, etc.).
It is easy to apply, the paint dries very quickly and has a high level of adhesion. The finishing layer is strong, long-lasting, resistant to abrasion and exposure to physical or chemical environments.
It has excellent decorative properties.
When the water-dispersed acrylic resin thickens, or it initially had a high viscosity, a solvent can be poured into it.
A product with a water structure of up to five to ten percent of the total volume is suitable - without losing the qualities of the product.
This type of varnish should not be combined with other chemical compounds for parquet.
It is prohibited to use them together with drying oil, gasoline, white spirit solution, acetone and other organic diluting liquids.
Acrylic coatings based on organic solvent
In this case, the agents that help dilute are compounds of complex ketones, esters, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Occasionally, the structure of the substance consists of plasticizers. The created protective layer is quite strong and does not turn yellow over time.
Technical properties include strong adhesion to the base coat, moisture resistance, and even coloring.
The composition can be used to finish surfaces both outside and indoors.
In contrast to water-based varnishes, this type has a specific odor, which can be classified as a disadvantage. However, once the varnish hardens, it ceases to emit an odor.
To clean painting equipment after finishing or thinning acrylic varnish that has become thick, you will need a powerful solvent.
Most often, turpentine or another universal eluent is used.
It is recommended to paint the surface two to three times.
Keep in mind that to cover the first layer of acrylic varnish based on organic thinning elements, it must be diluted by thirty percent.
This measure will help increase the wear resistance of the protective layer.
Acrylic-based paints and varnishes are grouped according to structure and decorative qualities. The product is produced in one-component form (the base is one acrylic), and two-component (the base consists of acrylic and a polyurethane element).
According to decorative functions, it is grouped into matte, semi-matte and glossy.
What it is?
Alkyd varnish is a mixture that contains various synthetic alkyd resins with organic solvents. The product has good adhesion and a high level of moisture resistance.
Alkyd varnishes are actively used for working with various types of surfaces.
- End parquet. Alkyds do not allow the ends to stick to each other, so surface stress is eliminated;
- Parquet floors with “warm floor” system;
- "Floating" floors;
- Parquet made from delicate types of wood that are highly sensitive to the environment.
When this varnish hardens, it forms a transparent and fairly hard layer. Many people say that alkyd products take a long time to harden. However, manufacturers have developed products with special additives, with the help of which they shortened the polymerization time. This means that the surface can be used after a short period of time.
After polymerization, a glossy or matte film is formed on the alkyd varnish, depending on the chosen product. The material that you will process with such a mixture will be provided with reliable protection against irritants of any type. Applying the alkyd mixture is quite simple, since the product has a thick consistency, due to which the product spreads well over the floor and other treated surfaces, creating a dense layer of film.
What about alkyd options?
These products are distinguished by such properties as strength, ability to resist exposure to ultraviolet rays and moisture in large quantities. The high level of adhesion (adhesion to the surface) is also pleasing.
The main component of alkyd compounds is an organic solvent. Dryers and other substances are added to it to provide additional performance characteristics. But different compounds can be used as the main component:
- mixtures of resins on alkyd and melamine-formaldehyde bases;
- glyphthalic resins to which cottonseed oil is added;
- pentaphthalic resins, reviving them is quite simple.
How to dilute alkyd-based varnish? Try white spirit - it is a fairly traditional and effective material.
Which varnish is better, acrylic or alkyd?
So from the information described above, we can take the following away - acrylic varnishes
have much greater advantages in characteristics with regard to the application and operation of coatings, but
the acrylic
resin itself is weaker in characteristics than alkyd.
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How to dilute the thickened product?
Another mistake often made when working with yacht varnish is trying to dilute a product that has thickened with denatured alcohol to make it suitable for further use. At first glance, the procedure allows you to achieve what you want. If the mixture is diluted with technical alcohol, it actually acquires the consistency necessary for painting wooden structures. However, it is impossible to predict how smoothly the varnish “improved” in the described way will lie on the surface being treated, how long it will take to dry after application, and whether it will retain its protective qualities.
Dried varnish can be diluted, but so that it does not lose its properties, this must be done correctly. To dilute the mixture, regardless of its composition, you can only use white spirit (and in an amount of no more than 5% of the volume of the product).
Yacht varnishes
Yacht (or yacht) varnish is one of the most effective means of protecting natural wood surfaces. Already from the name the features of the area where it is used are clear. At the same time, the yacht composition is excellent for woodworking inside and outside of any objects (not just boats, boats, yachts). It is impervious to moisture, temperatures, and aggressive environments.
Yacht varnish. Basic properties:
- high degree of protection of wooden structures;
- physical and mechanical immunity to the influence of external environments;
- durability, extending the life of wood.
To achieve such results, toxic chemical elements (toluene, xylene) are used in the production of the material. There are several production technologies:
- alkyd yacht (based on the organic solvent white spirit);
- urethane-alkyd yacht (the eluent is the same, but in smaller quantities);
- alkyd-urethane yacht (solvent additives are highly volatile);
- acrylates (water-based compounds).
Dilutes yacht varnish with white spirit, no more than 5% of the total volume. The solvent acts on the substance only in its fresh form. After drying, the varnished parquet coating will become impervious.
Varnish for yachts, boats, boats has high wear resistance and can also be diluted with white spirit
How to protect acrylic paints from drying out
In order not to find yourself in a situation where the paint has begun to thicken too much or has completely dried out, it is necessary to provide it with proper storage conditions. It is important to remember that one of the components of acrylic paint is water. It tends to evaporate. And the higher the temperature, the faster this will happen. As a result, hardening will begin. Along with polymerization, the positive properties of the product are lost. You can avoid this effect by adhering to the following recommendations:
- Do not dilute or add coloring pigments in a common container. It is difficult to find out exactly in advance whether the entire jar will be used up at once. Therefore, it is better to pour a certain amount of the composition into a separate container and dilute it in it.
- The lid on the jar must be closed as securely as possible. This will prevent the water from quickly evaporating from the acrylic. The drying process will still occur, but much slower.
- When the next part of the work is completed, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the edges of the can from traces of paint. Then it is closed with a lid. This will prevent the main container and the lid from sticking together.
- Do not store paintwork materials in a place with high air temperatures. Heat only increases the rate of evaporation of liquid from the composition. As a result, the properties will be lost and the consistency will become too thick or completely dry.
Acrylic paints are quite often used for covering various surfaces. They are actively used in renovations, embodying this or that interior. But in order for the coating to be of high quality, smooth and rich, it is important to follow the rules for using and storing acrylic paints. If you find that the consistency is too thick, use plain water or special compounds. But first, carefully study the information to do everything correctly. It’s more difficult with dried paintwork materials; they often cannot be restored.
Application technique
To achieve maximum protective effect, any type of alkyd varnish is applied in 2–3 layers. It is not recommended to apply the varnish in a thick layer: the average consumption should be 50–75 g/m². When carrying out painting work, the air temperature must not be lower than +5 °C.
Important! Applying a new layer of varnish is possible only after the previous one has completely dried (24–48 hours depending on the type). If you neglect this rule and apply a second layer to a still sticky surface, the coating may wrinkle and will need to be completely removed with a sander. Wrinkles can also form if you apply too thick a layer of varnish in one pass.
Before applying varnish, the surface to be treated must be cleaned of dirt and dust, and any old peeling paint or varnish coating must also be removed. Wooden surfaces are sanded with fine sandpaper until matte. Wood exposed to weather conditions must be dried before sanding. Metal surfaces are cleaned of rust, scale, and degreased.
Advice! Wooden surfaces made from fresh wood, as well as those exposed to precipitation, are recommended to be treated with colorless antiseptic impregnations before applying the main varnish coating.
The one-component varnish is thoroughly stirred before use, and if necessary, to increase its fluidity, a solvent is added to it. The two-component composition is mixed in a separate container in the proportion recommended by the manufacturer.
The varnish is applied with a spray gun or brush along the fibers. In this case, it is best to use a paint sprayer for glossy varnish, and apply matte varnish with a brush or roller. To obtain the smoothest possible surface, before applying the second or third layer of varnish, it is recommended to lightly sand the previous layer with fine sandpaper.