Recommendations for using epoxy varnish and a review of popular brands

To reliably and quickly protect any surface, paints are often used. However, if it is necessary to preserve the natural pattern and texture of a wooden surface, colorless epoxy varnish is used. This composition effectively protects the material from the harmful effects of the environment and mechanical stress, and also emphasizes the natural beauty of the tree. Varnishes based on epoxy resin are used not only for wood, but also for concrete and other materials.

Peculiarities

Protective epoxy varnish solutions consist of epoxy resin diluted in the required proportion with an organic solvent. Most often, this type of varnish is a two-component composition, which is mixed with a special hardener before application.

Epoxy varnish is suitable for application to parquet, wooden floors, wood panels, wooden windows, doors, and other surfaces. In addition, a special epoxy varnish for concrete is produced. Almost every type of epoxy varnish mixture cannot be applied over other paints and varnishes; they must first be removed from the surface.

Water-based varnishes

Products in this category are least often used for protective coating of concrete surfaces. Most often they are used to coat wooden surfaces, as well as colorless decorative painting of concrete. One of the few examples of water-based varnish for concrete is PaliStone FP. This is a decorative two-component polyurethane mixture. It is used to cover concrete, natural and artificial stone, paving slabs and other surfaces. PaliStone FP is an excellent product that protects against negative effects due to its water base.

Main advantages

Varnish products based on epoxy resin have excellent technical characteristics and performance. In addition to the fact that this material has an affordable price, it also has the following advantages:

• high resistance to moisture and water;
• excellent strength and resistance to mechanical stress;
• attractive shine;
• harmlessness to human health;
• resistance to chemicals;
• abrasion resistance;
• can be applied to parquet, concrete, wood, furniture sets, ceramics.

Concrete varnish based on polyurethane

Among all varieties, the most popular is polyurethane varnish. Its properties include impeccable penetration into microcracks in concrete and its protection. To achieve an even greater effect, polyurethane-based impregnation is sometimes used first.

The use of this particular protection best prevents moisture from entering the surface layers of concrete. In addition, polyurethane varnish has excellent wear resistance. Another advantage is the relatively low prices - 150-200 rubles per kilogram.

The best polyurethane varnish for this model is the Tistrom brand product. This product is most suitable for coating in car repair shops, workshops, garages and other similar buildings. Its advantages are almost completely identical to the above. However, there are differences. Tistrom polyurethane varnish has the following characteristics:

• resistance to oil products;
• ease of use;
• creating a good decorative effect;
• does not wash off, is not damaged and does not lose its protective qualities during wet cleaning.

The average cost for Tistrom polyurethane varnish is 310 rubles per 1 kilogram.

Flaws

Despite many advantages, transparent epoxy varnish also has some disadvantages that are associated with the composition of the material and its structure:

• the need to follow a certain technology for preparing the solution before application. Since the epoxy solution is two-component, the base and hardener are first mixed, and the resulting mixture must be applied within a couple of hours;
• Although the protective layer is very durable, it has insufficient elasticity.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Technical description information, as well as recommendations for the use and disposal of materials are given on the basis of laboratory tests and practical experience in their use, subject to proper storage and normal application conditions in accordance with the recommendations. Due to the fact that we do not have the ability to control the process of storage, laying of materials and/or operating conditions of the completed coatings, we are responsible only for the quality of the material when delivering it to the consumer and guarantee its compliance with our standards. The company is not responsible for defects resulting from incorrect use of this product. No guarantees regarding expected profits or other legal liability can be relied upon on this information.

The data provided is considered as a general guide only - for more detailed advice and/or training, please contact our company's technical support service.

Since the production of materials is periodically optimized and improved, the company reserves the right to change the technical description of the material without notifying customers. With the introduction of a new description, the old technical description loses its relevance. Before using the material, make sure you have the currently valid technical specification.

Scope of application

Since epoxy varnish products contain one of the modifications of epoxy resin, for example, ED-16 or ED-20, the protective layer is very strong and durable. Due to this quality, epoxy varnish is very often used for concrete, parquet, windows, doors, furniture, wooden floors, stone, metals, and much more. This varnish material is very often used in places where it is necessary to create a surface with a large margin of strength, and in places where the base experiences serious physical and mechanical stress.

Clear epoxy varnishes are used not only for floor coverings such as parquet, concrete or wood, but also in the production of souvenirs and even putties. Many types of metals can be treated with epoxy varnishes as a finishing material.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

You should carefully study the text and warning symbols on the manufacturer's labels. More detailed information about hazardous components and safety precautions can be found in the Safety Data Sheet, which is available upon request from the QTP Technical Department.

For professional use only.

Work on laying the polymer coating should be carried out in a well-ventilated area. During work, you must not use open fire or carry out welding work.

The material may cause skin irritation. Do not allow material to come into contact with exposed skin, eyes or mouth. In case of contact with the mucous membrane or eyes, rinse them immediately with plenty of water and consult a doctor.

It is necessary to comply with the basic requirements of industrial hygiene: use protective clothing, safety glasses and gloves.

After finishing work and before eating, you should change clothes and wash your hands with soap. Use protective creams to protect your skin.

Popular products

The most commonly used and popular varnishing material is an epoxy-polyurethane composition. This variety creates a layer that is resistant to corrosion, damage, and other negative effects. This epoxy varnish for concrete, metal and wood contains polyurethane additives. The protective coating can withstand a wide temperature range, from -200 to +120 degrees. The special components included in this solution isolate the base from moisture penetration and repel dirt and various liquids. The protective layer has high strength, it is able to withstand high mechanical loads and electrical stress, as well as vibration.

One of the very durable and wear-resistant transparent epoxy varnishes for various floor materials is Elakor-ED. This composition is easily and quickly applied to concrete floors, parquet and wooden floors. After about a day, the surface becomes very durable, sealed and resistant to wear. Fully dried Elakor-ED is resistant to various petroleum products, alkalis and acids, so it can be applied to floors not only at home, but also in factories, factories and production workshops. This varnish composition is used for the following purposes:

• creating 3D floors;
• decorating the floor with chips and glitters;
• creating a coating that is resistant to various chemicals;
• as a finishing finishing material with a glossy shine.

Varnishes for concrete Elakor - main characteristics

• The appearance of the surface after impregnation with Elakor varnish is polished varnished concrete.
• The gloss can be adjusted from glossy to matte.
• One-component polyurethane varnish for concrete has a yellowish tint, which is practically invisible on concrete.
• Polyurethane varnish for concrete can additionally be tinted in various colors. Colored varnishes
• Additionally, the surface can be given anti-slip properties using quartz sand (anti-slip impregnation for concrete floors).

If you need advice, you can always call us at:

from Moscow;

from Russia 8-800-100-50-10 (free call).

Nowadays, concrete is used for many construction purposes, namely, for the construction of walls, ceilings, and foundations. Few people do without this material. However, the reliability of the structure depends not only on the quality of the concrete solution, but also on its further protection from external damage, such as sunlight or precipitation. One way to prevent the destruction of concrete is to protect the internal and external surfaces of the structure with varnishes.

Surface preparation before applying varnish

Before you start varnishing, you must prepare the base. The preparation includes the following procedures:

• any contaminants are removed, such as debris, dirt, dust, grease stains, old paint and varnish material, flaking particles of the old coating;
• if the varnish is applied to a metal surface, rust is removed from it by hand grinding or processing with a power tool;
• if epoxy varnish is used for wood, then the wooden surface must be sanded and primed;
• before processing the concrete structure, it is necessary to seal the cracks and level the base;
• Plastic products must be matted with regular sandpaper, after which they are degreased with alcohol or solvent.

If the mixture is two-component, it must be properly prepared before application. A hardener is added to the base, after which the mixture must be thoroughly mixed for 5-10 minutes. You then need to wait a few more minutes for the chemical reaction to complete, during which time some types of clear varnish will turn slightly white.

When all the air bubbles come out, you can start applying the solution. It is worth remembering that epoxy-polyurethane varnishes have a certain pot life, usually about 1-2 hours. During this time, you need to have time to apply all the diluted and prepared mixture. If you have to varnish a large surface area, then the solution must be prepared in portions. The prepared composition must be stirred every 15-20 minutes.

Technology of coating internal and external concrete surfaces with varnish

If you decide to carry out the paint and varnish process yourself, then you need to remember two rules:

1. To cover a large area, it is necessary to divide it into maps. This process is performed by cutting reinforced concrete to a specific depth with diamond wheels, which creates expansion joints.
2. The created seams are filled with a special material that well tolerates deformations in the structure caused by temperature changes or natural movements.

Varnishing rules

The process of applying transparent varnish to concrete or parquet can be done using a spray bottle, or manually - with a roller or brush. The varnish must be applied at temperatures from 5 to 30 degrees, air humidity should be less than 80%. There should be no condensation or dew on the surface to be treated; the surface temperature should not be allowed to be below +5 degrees. The varnish usually dries in 8 to 12 hours, and completely polymerizes in about two days if the air temperature is 20-25 degrees.

The best application method is to spray with a spray bottle, but if you don't have a spray gun, you can use a wide roller. The wider the roller, the better, because the varnishing process will be faster and easier. When applying varnish to parquet or concrete, you do not need to go over the same place twice, thanks to this the coating will be uniform and the same in thickness.

If varnishing is done with a roller, then it is advisable to make cross-shaped movements. Thanks to transverse movements, the varnish is applied to the floors, and longitudinal movements level the applied solution. Near walls, columns, and other obstacles, it is necessary to reduce the application speed. Before starting varnishing, it is advisable to roll out the roller.

How to choose wood varnish

Any varnish used to coat wood is designed to protect the surface being treated from mechanical damage, exposure to moisture and sunlight, and processes of rotting and destruction. The choice of a particular material largely depends on its technical characteristics, composition and scope of use, so you should clearly understand which product is suitable in a particular case. When purchasing, it is recommended to pay attention to the following parameters:

• Wear resistance. Floor coverings place the highest demands on wear resistance. Polyurethane wood varnishes, which offer optimal protection against abrasion, are considered the most suitable for them. This category also includes acrylic-urethane and alkyd-urethane coatings.
• Gloss level. This parameter plays a significant role in interior design. Every living space contains objects with the same level of shine, so when purchasing, you should consider the similarity of the varnish with the overall design.
• Application area. If you are going to finish the interior, you need to buy wood varnish for interior work. If on the street - for outdoors.
• Drying speed. Each product has its own drying time, which varies from 20 minutes to several weeks. Water-based compounds dry the fastest, polyurethane ones take the longest.
• Fire safety. If interior work is carried out in wooden houses, it is advisable to choose paintwork materials with good resistance to high temperatures. In stores you can find a wide selection of flame retardant materials. They are more expensive than regular wood varnishes, but the cost of fire safety still does not compare with the costs that may be required to restore after a fire.

Recommendations from experts

When treating parquet, wood or concrete floors with varnish, you must adhere to the following simple recommendations:

• It is advisable to varnish in several layers; experts advise applying at least 3 layers. The number of coatings depends on how intensively the room is used, what loads the varnish will withstand, and what are the characteristics of the surface being treated;
• before applying the final varnish layer, it is advisable to lightly sand the surface;
• it is necessary to maintain the same consumption over the entire surface, about 120 grams per square meter. If the consumption is less, the varnished layer will not be strong enough, and if the consumption is much higher, the varnish will begin to wrinkle;
• It is important to carry out the varnishing process in a respirator that has a special insert that absorbs organic vapors. During the drying process, epoxy varnish emits vapors that are harmful and toxic to humans, from which it is necessary to protect the respiratory system.

By following these tips, the varnish coating will be strong and durable. Externally, it will look very attractive and shiny, and will reliably protect the treated base for many years.

What you need to know when painting

The following application rules exist:

1. Apply the product in several layers (at least 3) depending on the purpose of the room and the characteristics of the surface. Before applying the last layer, the surface can be lightly sanded.
2. Try to adhere to the following proportion - 120 g/m2, since an insufficient amount will not allow you to achieve the desired result, and too much can cause wrinkling. Failure to comply with the proportions can permanently damage the floor covering.
3. Painting must be done in a respirator with a special insert that absorbs organic vapors, since epoxy-based substances are toxic.

Painting with epoxy varnish provides reliable protection of the surface from various damages and loads. This coating makes the product more beautiful, pleasant to look and feel and increases its service life. With this substance you can turn ordinary floors into something luxurious and unusual.

Nitrocellulose varnishes

The paintwork materials of this group include:

• Artificial resin;
• Plasticizer;
• Organic solvent;
• Cellulose nitrate.

Varnish is popular for finishing interior surfaces due to:

• Quick drying;
• Possibility of further polishing;
• High decorative properties;
• Deep penetration into the layers of wood.

Among the disadvantages, the following stand out:

• The need for protective equipment;
• Strong smell.

Polyurethane varnishes

These varnishes have maximum durability and are therefore considered a universal finish.

The advantages of this group were:

• Excellent performance properties;
• Easy penetration into layers of wood;
• High drying speed.

The varnish is great for decorating exterior surfaces and interior decoration.

The disadvantages of these varnishes are the price and the need to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Oil varnishes

These preparations are based on natural oils and resins. Despite such a pleasant neighborhood, this species is not very popular due to its high cost. Although now natural ingredients are increasingly being replaced by artificial compounds, which leads to lower prices.

Oil-based varnishes have proven themselves to be excellent when decorating floors, but you will have to wait 1-3 days for the surface to dry.

Alkyd-urea varnishes

The two-component material hardens using special hardeners. But this composition will be good for only a few hours, so it’s quite difficult to guess the size of each portion.

The varnish perfectly protects objects from water and is able to withstand high loads.

It is usually used to design:

• Sexes;
• Wall panels;
• Furniture;
• Decorative elements located indoors.

Wood varnish for interior work

Buy wood varnish

8 (495) 995 40 39

The main criterion when purchasing wood varnish for interior work is its toxicity level. High requirements for environmental cleanliness dictate their conditions, therefore, when treating surfaces inside the house, you should choose a material that will be as safe as possible for health. In this regard, preference is given to oil and acrylic compositions, which can be applied to furniture, window frames and other products, even in a children's room.

When wood varnish is selected to cover a floor or steps on a wooden staircase, its resistance to wear is taken into account. If rooms have a high level of traffic (for example, a kitchen or living room), the best option would be polyurethane or alkyd-urethane varnishes. For the bedroom or nursery, acrylic and oil products are used.

The drying time of the coating is essential. It is better to leave the house during the renovation period, but if this is not possible, then surface treatment is carried out in the warm season, when you can open the windows for a long time and ventilate the rooms. The exception is water-dispersion-based wood varnish, which is used without any restrictions.

Polyester varnishes

The varnish will be an excellent coating for finishing floors, furniture and even musical instruments.

But working with this material is quite difficult: It requires special equipment and professional skills.

Alkyd varnishes

To create these paints and varnishes, synthetic resins, solvents, and substances that increase the drying speed are used.

The advantages of this segment of coatings are:

• Resistance to all unpleasant living conditions (some of these varnishes can withstand even sunlight and are not afraid of fire);
• High wear resistance;
• Long shelf life;
• Loyal cost.

Similar paints and varnishes are used to decorate floors, including heated floors, and to decorate furniture sets and individual items.

You will have to wait for final drying for 2-3 days, and the varnish will emit a very unpleasant odor.