Types and purpose of iron and lead lead

What are they needed for? First of all, it is an excellent material for protecting metal structures from corrosion, and concrete and reinforced concrete products from moisture. Miniatures belong to the category of coloring compositions that are created on the basis of metal oxides: iron or lead, in powder form.

For use as primers, putties, paints, the dry composition is mixed with drying oil or pentaphthalic varnish.

Paints are highly resistant to high temperatures and moisture, but when working with them you must follow safe handling rules. Moreover, red lead is only suitable for external work due to its increased toxicity.

Advantages and areas of application

Surik is characterized by many positive qualities:

• temperature resistance (ranging from 50 degrees below zero to 60 degrees above zero);
• hard and stable coating;
• protection of the surface from moisture and chemicals due to the film formed on the base material;
• protection against corrosive processes;
• long service life of the surface;
• economical expense.

Technical features of the material:

• drying time no more than a day;
• conditional viscosity, measured using a VZ-4 viscometer, is no more than 80 - 160 (at temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius);
• hiding power - up to 35 grams per square meter;
• mass fraction of volatile substance – up to 14.5%;
• resistance of the coating to static water for at least 3 hours at 20 degrees Celsius;
• the hardness of the coating when measured using a pendulum device is not less than 0.12 conventional units;
• degree of grinding – up to 80 micrometers;
• mass fraction of film-forming substance - from 27%.

Areas of application of red lead:

• production of varnishes, paints and primers;
• glass industry;
• automotive industry;
• production of plastics (for corrosion protection);
• production of fire-resistant impregnating compounds and paints;
• polishing glass and metal products (used as a fine abrasive).

Interesting fact about iron oxide

Everywhere, the idea of ​​​​protecting iron and steel from corrosion came in the 18th century, and in the 19th century it was recommended to use a primer with red lead for treating metal surfaces. A striking example of the durability of the coating and the high anti-corrosion properties of red lead is the Eiffel Tower. After the presentation of the design project in Paris, the question arose about protecting steel elements from corrosion under the influence of precipitation.

Each of the tower's fifteen thousand steel parts and two and a half million rivets was treated with red lead as a primer. Later, iron oxide – red lead, ocher and iron mica – were used to restore the anti-corrosion coating. The surface of the Eiffel Tower structure has received reliable protection.

Oil paint, which is based on red lead and drying oil, forms a thin layer on the painted surface that preserves metal and wood from the negative effects of precipitation and chemical agents. This treatment is an effective method of anti-corrosion, heat-resistant and moisture-proof coating for the protection of domestic and industrial structures.

Application and properties

Iron minium

single pack material. Red lead paint is used for painting metal surfaces. Iron lead is a suspension of iron lead in pentaphthalic varnish PF-060 with the addition of a drier and thixotroping additives that prevent the formation of sediment. Red lead paint (enamel) is made on the basis of an inorganic pigment (iron oxide), which gives the paint a brick-red color. Minium is used in construction and repair for painting metal surfaces (roofs, pipelines, garages, etc.), as it has anti-corrosion resistance. The film is resistant to temperatures from -50°C to +60°C.

Characteristics

• Film color - control color samples;
• Conditional viscosity according to the VZ-246 viscometer at a temperature of 20°C no more than 80-160 s;
• Drying time to degree 3 - no more than 24 hours;
• Mass fraction of volatile substances - no more than 14.5%;
• Resistance of the coating to static water at +20°C is at least 3 hours;
• Film hardness according to a pendulum device is not less than 0.12 arb. units;
• The degree of grinding is no more than 80 microns;
• Mass fraction of film-forming substance - no less than 27%;
• The theoretical consumption of red lead for a single-layer coating is 55-240 g/m²;
• The covering power of the enamel is no more than 35 g/m².

Application

Clean the surface from dirt and dust. Metal surfaces are cleaned of rust and scale, degreased with a solvent (white spirit). Wooden surfaces are scraped and sanded. Before application, iron minium should be thoroughly mixed and, if necessary, diluted with solvent, white spirit, or turpentine. Apply by brush or spray. Each layer dries within 24 hours at room temperature.

Varieties of red lead

In addition to red lead, there is also lead. Both are necessary for the occurrence of an oxidation reaction, during which a special water-insoluble film is formed that does not allow oxygen to pass through. Finished paints and varnishes are created by dissolving an iron or lead base in a liquid medium.

Both types of red lead have their own characteristics and are widely used in industry. The final choice of material depends on the tasks.

Lead minium

The lead-based material is an orange-red or light brown powder. The production technology consists of spraying hot metal lead into the air or oxidizing molten lead in oxygen. The assigned oxide is ground in mills and packaged in barrels or bags.

Red lead is used as an orange pigment in the production of paint, tinting plastics and rubber. The material is a strong oxidizer and is widely used as an anti-corrosion coating for metal surfaces that are used in particularly difficult conditions.

At the same time, red lead is practically not used for individual construction purposes due to its high toxicity. Most countries restrict the production of paints based on it.

Other uses of red lead:

• glass making: optics, crystal, radiation-resistant and protective glass;
• production of explosives;
• as a protective layer against gamma radiation;
• desiccant and catalyst in the chemical industry;
• component of “lead putties”.

The common name for this material is ship or sea red lead. Due to its particularly high thermal and anti-corrosion properties, red lead is used to protect pipelines and in the shipbuilding industry. The high resistance of the paint to the aggressive marine environment makes it possible to use red lead for painting ships and other metal structures that come into contact with sea water. The toxicity of the material in this case is beneficial - the underwater part of the vessel is less overgrown with algae and shells.

When working with the material, it is necessary to adhere to increased safety measures: wear a respirator and protective clothing, and also ventilate the room well.

Iron based material

Red lead has an optimal set of performance characteristics while being more environmentally friendly than lead. The coating is based on a red-brown substance.

This material is produced by calcining iron ore in an oxygen environment. During the production process, oxide is obtained from hot limonite ore. Next, the raw material is crushed to a powder state in a special device called a “screen”. The finished powder is packaged in bags or metal containers for shipment to customers.

Specifications:

1. The color of the film is yellow-orange.
2. The final drying of the surface occurs in about a day, provided that the temperature is 18-20 degrees above zero.
3. The viscosity index is no more than 80 - 160 according to the viscometer readings.
4. The hardness of the coating is determined using a pendulum device and must be at least 0.12 conventional units.
5. Coating consumption is in the range of 55-240 grams per square meter.

The coating is widely used to protect the undersides of cars and on pipelines. The substance is used to protect metal roofs, manholes, heating equipment (including radiators), and steel garages. Also, red lead is used to protect wood, regardless of whether it is the facade or the inside of the building.

Note! Red lead is not used to protect wood floors.

An example of paint with red lead content is MA-15 enamel. The composition also includes an organic solvent, drying oil and several additives to give the paint special properties.

Note! Mixing silver with red lead leads to an explosive mixture.

Comparative characteristics of compositions based on iron and lead

Thus, studying the two species separately makes it possible to draw up a comparative analysis of them. In terms of their protective qualities, both substances, obtained from different ores, have equally high performance; they are resistant to various types of influences and have a long service life.

In terms of decorative properties, their similarity should also be noted. They give rich and stable color to products. At the same time, they retain their brightness for a long time. They have slightly different shades, but this depends on the amount of pigment, and some adjustment can be made to the resulting shade. The consumption of both types is small, but when calculating it is necessary to take into account the thickness of the layer, as well as the type of surface on which the paint will be applied.

The lead type is somewhat ahead of the iron type in terms of its technical characteristics, but at the same time it is highly toxic. And its domestic use is limited. The iron type is more versatile and can be used in more areas.

The lead type is somewhat ahead of the iron type in terms of its technical characteristics, but at the same time it is highly toxic.

Artificial and natural pigments

Dry red lead (pigment) is a finely dispersed powder of various colors, insoluble in a chemical environment. The powder acquires its color by adding inorganic powder to it. The presence of pigment powder in the paint and varnish material significantly increases the metal's resistance to rust, and also improves its resistance to mechanical stress.

In practice, two types of pigments are used: natural and artificial. Synthetics have a rich palette of colors. Natural dyes are produced on the basis of natural components extracted from the depths of the Earth. Natural components are more environmentally friendly and better resist negative environmental factors. Red lead is a natural substance.

In addition to red lead, natural pigments include the following substances:

• ocher;
• chalk;
• umber;
• cinnabar;
• pyrolusite;
• bauxite;
• graphite.

Features of acrylic

Acrylic paints are a type of water-based solutions. They are produced in the form of a thick consistency of various colors. In order for the solution to be applied evenly to the surface of the material, it should be diluted beforehand. Acrylic paint consists of several components:

• Dye. The pigments are various types of powder, which are crushed into very small particles. This element is made from natural or synthetic substances.

• Acrylic resin. It is used to connect all components together. It is the resin that, after drying, forms a durable film that holds the pigment on the surface of the material.

• Solvent. Many manufacturers use ordinary water for this. But some types of acrylic paints are made based on organic solvents.

• Fillers. Various substances are used here that can change the physical and decorative properties of paints. With their help, acrylic is given strength, durability or resistance to moisture.

How to breed red lead

Before use, dry minium must be diluted with an organic solvent. Drying oil is best suited for this purpose. Proportions: 20% drying oil to 80% red lead.

It is difficult to qualitatively mix a large amount of pigment in a solvent - lumps form. According to the instructions, the dry powder should be ground in a paint grinder with drying oil to obtain a thick grated oil paint. Before the final application, the thickly rubbed paint is diluted with drying oil or white spirit.

There is a simpler method of breeding, which was used by shipbuilders at shipyards:

1. Fill the red lead with water for a day.
2. After 24 hours, the water must be drained.
3. While mixing the red lead, little by little add natural 100% drying oil.
4. After some time, the drying oil will displace the remaining water, which must be carefully drained.

To simplify the mixing process, you can use a screwdriver or a mixer at low speed.

Causes of drying out

Thick acrylic paint is quite common, as manufacturers produce it in this form. But its service life is limited by time. The only reason for this composition to dry out is the evaporation of the solvent. A decrease in its concentration leads to hardening of the acrylic resin, which at the same time begins to bind the pigment.

To eliminate this phenomenon, it is advisable to buy only the volume of the mixture that you completely use. If the solution remains, try to close the lid tightly. This will minimize the evaporation of water or solvent and it will remain inside the paint.

If the paints are completely dry, you can try to revive them. This process is quite simple and involves several sequential operations:

1. Initially, you need to thoroughly grind the dry solution.
2. After this, boiling water is added to it. An alternative could be a water bath. But technically these are the same algorithm.

Please note that after restoration, acrylic paint will lose its original properties. Therefore, it can only be used in limited places.

Application of red lead paint

1. Before painting, the surface must be prepared. The base must be dry and clean. If metal is to be painted, remove traces of corrosion and also degrease the surface using an organic solvent. If we are talking about wood, we sand and scrape the material.
2. Apply paint to the surface using a brush or roller. You can also use a spray bottle, especially in cases where large areas need to be treated. We apply the paint in not too thick layers to avoid drips.
3. If painting is done with red lead, you need to stir the composition in the jar as often as possible - heavy lead settles to the bottom faster.
4. After painting is completed, clean the used tool with a solvent. We wipe the brushes with a dry cloth, and then saturate the bristles with vegetable oil.

Precautionary measures

The instructions from the manufacturer contain mandatory safety measures that must be followed when applying red lead paint. These recommendations must be taken seriously.

You will need a respirator, rubber apron and gloves, as well as safety glasses. Upon completion of work, long-term (at least 2 days) ventilation of the premises is necessary.

Story

There is a legend that in the 4th century BC. e. The Athenian artist Nicias waited for a long time for the arrival of a ship from the island of Rhodes with a cargo of white lead, which was manufactured on this island. The ship arrived at the Athenian port of Piraeus, but a fire broke out there and the fire spread to the ships carrying a cargo of whitewash. After the fire was extinguished, the artist climbed onto the deck of one of the damaged ships, hoping that the cargo had not been completely lost and that he would be able to find a whole barrel of paint that he desperately needed. In the hold of the ship he found barrels of whitewash, which, although heavily charred, did not burn. When they were opened, it turned out that they had not white paint, but bright red. So the fire suggested a method for making a new paint - red lead.

Alternative solutions

If lead paint is not the best solution for some reason, you can think about an alternative. Finding a replacement for red lead is not so easy, especially one that is price competitive. However, the following options can be recommended:

1. Electrically conductive paint "Zinga". This paint and varnish material contains zinc. Paint is widely used to protect cast iron and steel from rusting. The substance can be applied to metal over a very wide temperature range.
2. Another replacement option is fire-retardant paint “Polistil”. This paint and varnish composition corresponds to the fourth fire safety group. Coatings treated with Polistil last for at least ten years.

In conclusion, it is necessary that “Polistil” will not become a full-fledged replacement for red lead. Therefore, if environmental considerations are not decisive, it is still better to give preference to red lead-based paint.

Security measures

The manufacturer's instructions will indicate important precautions that are important to follow when working with such paint. It is important to take this very seriously.

You need to purchase personal protective equipment (gloves, apron, mask, goggles).

At the end of the procedure, it is important to ensure air circulation in the room (48 hours and no less).

Features of dilution with water

Acrylic paints are a water-dispersion mixture that adheres well to almost any substance. The material differs in consistency and color. Water is used very often as a diluent, as it is an affordable product.

The technology for diluting with water is quite simple and involves performing several sequential steps:

1. Initially, you need to choose the optimal proportion for dilution. It is advisable to dilute in the ratio recommended by the manufacturer. The required volume of paint and water is collected in separate containers.
2. When everything is ready, add thinner to the mixture in small portions and mix thoroughly. If the volumes are large, you can use a construction mixer, which will allow you to obtain a uniform consistency. When mixed, foam may form on the surface of the solution. You can use the paint only after it has settled and the solution has become homogeneous.

Dissolve the paint in water in small portions in order to accurately control the selected proportion and achieve the desired result. It is worth highlighting several popular ratios that are found when mixing acrylic and water:

• 1: 1 (water: paint). This option is the most optimal and popular. After mixing, the paint turns out thick, which allows you to get a uniform thick coating.

This consistency is used when you need to form a base layer. A special feature of the solution is the absence of clots. Sometimes paint is applied to the surface in several layers. Before re-painting, it is advisable to let the base surface dry a little.

• 2: 1. Adding a large amount of water allows you to get a liquid composition. It can only be applied using a roller. If you don't need this consistency, then you should leave it for a while to let the paint harden. With this concentration you can get a thin layer. This approach is very often used when decorating residential premises.
• 5:1 and 15:1. Such proportions are quite rare. They are mainly used by professional designers. With this dilution, the paint becomes very liquid and almost transparent. With these solutions it is easy to achieve a translucent or half-tone effect.

What else can you use?

Acrylic paint has unique properties, so it is not advisable to use universal solvents with it. Many online recommend replacing water with acetone or primer. But this approach does not always give a positive result, since the substances can lead to curdling of the paint. If you still want to use this product, then it is advisable to first mix a small amount of paint and apply it to a test surface. When the mixture dries, you should check the strength of the film. Sometimes this ratio can lead to the top layer being washable, and there is no point in using it outdoors or in the bathroom.

Alternative mixtures for diluting all water-based paints can only be alcohol and ether. But they can also affect the consistency of the paint differently.

If the product has thickened, you can try to dissolve it with vodka. It is important to do this gradually, since a large amount of alcohol will change all the parameters of the solution.

There are also universal and artistic thinners. The latter type of product is used by artists to design stained glass windows, decorative walls, and so on. But it should be understood that they all contain chemicals that are also present in specialized solutions for acrylic paints.

To learn how to make a solvent for acrylic paints with your own hands, see below.

Is iron minium suitable as a primer... for painting metal on the street, has anyone tried it?

Is iron minium suitable as a primer...
for painting metal on the street, has anyone tried it?

• It is believed that this is the best option among cheap primers. Actually, all red-brown primers (by color) are red lead.

But the finished primer will also contain anti-corrosion additives. So for critical work it is better to use a branded primer. Yaroslavl paints are the best. Marking GF 021. For further painting with oil paint (or other).

Alkyd paints are even better. They make their own primer underneath. Specifically for alkyd paints.

• red lead is a primer for exterior use
• At the dacha I painted the roof with red lead and then with oil paint for six years now
• I tried the wrong word... when I was still a sailor, they used a roller to remove the rust, primed it with red lead, then painted it... I removed a lot of red lead...
• We used a ready-made primer from the store. Red lead is poisonous.

Individuality of pigmented composition

The basis of the substance is the formula Fe2O3, the main component is iron oxide, which contains 65-95% of the total mass. When answering the question: what color is red lead? They come from ore that is used in production. The creation of steel lead is more popular; it has a reddish color; lead made with lead is the least bright, its color is brown.

To bring materials to the desired state, dry processing methods are used, they are brought to a dusty appearance. Then the powder is calcined under high temperatures in an oxygen or air environment. Temperature characteristics reach up to 400-600 degrees. The separation process is carried out. Then there is a selection of powder having a given dispersion.

The finished paint is produced by mixing powder with a watery substance. Thus, there are two types of red lead - lead and metal. They differ in their properties and scope of use, so we will review them separately in more detail.