Composition of water-based paint. Water-based paint: characteristics, composition, history Features of paint application

It is difficult to imagine modern renovation or construction work without the use of water-based paints, which are currently one of the most popular types of paints and varnishes. But even before the middle of the 20th century, little was known about these paints and it was necessary to use oil and enamel paints that were harmful and inconvenient to use and store. Now they have been replaced by water-based paints, which are intended for both interior painting and exterior painting of buildings and structures. These paints fit perfectly on almost any surface, including brick, concrete, wood, and plaster. At the same time, the painted surface acquires an attractive and neat appearance, and the unpleasant odor characteristic of other paints and varnishes is absent.

Anyone who has already tried or is just planning to use water-based paints will find it useful to learn a few interesting facts about the composition of these paints, the types and characteristics of the polymers used, their performance characteristics and recommendations for use. Information about the history of the creation of water-based paints will also be no less interesting and useful.

History of the creation of water-dispersion paints

The first scientific research in the field of creating high-pressure paints dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when the famous German chemist Fritz Klatte discovered polyvinyl acetate, better known as PVA glue. It was PVA, or rather its dispersion, that became the basis for water-dispersed paints, which appeared already in the 20s. Later, a second type of dispersion was developed in Germany - butadiene-styrene.

However, the development of this industry was significantly slowed down by a series of world wars. When the passions of war subsided, and the need arose to rebuild and restore destroyed cities, work on the creation of water-dispersion paints resumed. And by the end of the 40s, acrylic paints were developed, which were originally intended for artists and were produced in small tubes. These paints, unlike modern acrylic ones, were dissolved not with water, but with white spirit or turpentine. But already in 1960, the American artist Leonard Boku created the first water-soluble acrylic paint, thanks to which its scope of application expanded significantly.

In the USSR, water-dispersion paints based on butadiene styrene and acrylic did not appear on store shelves until the 90s, when they first began to be imported from abroad. Soviet industry was limited only to the production of polyvinyl acetate paints, which were used for industrial needs. Therefore, with the advent of acrylic water-emulsion paints on the market of paints and varnishes, manufacturers and consumers faced a difficult task - to learn how to properly produce and use these products.

Composition and characteristics of the main components of water-based paint

In the general case, the composition of water-based paint includes tiny particles of polymers that are suspended in an aqueous environment. Manufacturers add a variety of substances to this base, which determine the specific brand and properties of the paint. For example, thickeners, antiseptics, dispersants and plasticizers, as well as antifreeze, defoamers and other additives can be added to paints.

The final ratio of the various components will depend mainly on the purpose of the water-based paint. The film-forming agent in the paint may be polyvinyl acetate, butadiene styrene, styrene acrylate, acrylate or versatate. Since the paint is initially white, a white pigment is specially introduced - zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. For inexpensive paints, chalk can be used, which additionally serves as a filler. Barite, calcite, talc, and mica are used for the same purpose, but more often the filler is made complex by adding several minerals at once. To give the paint the desired consistency, a special thickener is added. Most often, CMC glue - carboxymethylcellulose - is used for this purpose. This entire complex system of various paint components is contained in a solvent, the role of which is played by demineralized water.

Depending on the brand of paint, the proportions of individual components also change. However, in general, the composition of water-based paint has the following percentages by weight: film former - 50% (aqueous dispersion 50-60%), pigments and fillers - 37%, plasticizers - 7%, other additives - 6%.

Characteristics of water-based paint depending on the type of film former

Five types of film formers can be used as a binding polymer in water-based paints, which largely determine the advantages and disadvantages of a particular type of paint.

Water-based paints based on polyvinyl acetate are considered to be of the lowest quality. Such paints are labeled “VD-VA” and have a very narrow scope of application. These paints are not used for domestic purposes during repairs or construction, since over time they turn yellow, and the painted surface is covered with a dense and opaque film. In addition, VD-VA paints are non-waterproof.

Unlike PVA-based paints, water-based styrene-butadiene paints are resistant to moisture, but also form a dense film and do not withstand exposure to sunlight. To mark these paints, the abbreviation “VD-KCH” is used.

Paints based on styrene acrylate are labeled “VD-AK”. These paints are significantly superior in quality to PVA and styrene-butadiene paints, which allows them to be applied to external and internal surfaces. Due to the small size of polymer particles, VD-AK paints have excellent adhesion to almost all types of surfaces, and the penetration of particles into the pores of the surface being painted increases strength. Such paints form a porous coating that is resistant to moisture and solar radiation.

Water-based paints "VD-AK" can also be made on the basis of acrylate. The cost of such paints is slightly higher than styrene-acrylate paints, but the acrylate coating is more resistant to weathering and provides better rigidity to the painted surface.
The latest development is “VD-AK” paints based on versatate. This polymer is not inferior in its quality characteristics to acrylic paints, but at the same time its cost is lower than acrylic polymer.

Water-based paints: production stages

The production technology of water-based paint includes 4 main stages:
. Combining an aqueous polymer dispersion with a pigment and filler;
. Dispersing pigment paste;
. Input of additional components;
. Filtration of the finished mixture and packaging.

During the dispersion process, liquid or solid bodies are finely ground. This method is used to produce aerosols, suspensions, powders and emulsions. This procedure is carried out in special dispersants - ball and bead mills. When the device operates in a vertical and horizontal working chamber, the components are crushed. This is achieved using a shaft with disks that accelerate metal beads (up to 4 mm in diameter) or steel balls (more than 30 mm in diameter). The greater the specific gravity and hardness of the balls, the more intense the dispersion occurs.

After dispersion, the resulting pigment mass is placed in a dissolver with a frame stirrer installed in it. Rotation of the mixer prevents sticky and thick components from settling on the bottom and walls of the dissolver. During this process, the paint composition is finally brought to standard quality characteristics. As a rule, each operation takes approximately 20-30 minutes, but this time may vary depending on the technical characteristics of the dispersant, dissolver, as well as the volume and characteristics of the mixture components.

The final stage is filtration and packaging of the finished paint. In this case, the entire production process must be carried out at a temperature not lower than +5°C so that the paint does not lose its properties.

Water-based paints: main advantages and disadvantages

The characteristics, and, consequently, the positive and negative qualities of water-based paints are determined by the type and amount of the polymer binder. However, regardless of the type of film former, all water-based paints compare favorably with other paints and varnishes in that they are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. In addition, there is practically no smell when working with them. Water-based paints are easy to dilute with water, they are not flammable, and accidental drops can be easily removed with a damp cloth. The coating of water-based paints is strong, elastic and durable - without significant shedding or wear, the paint can last up to 15 years, and thanks to the ease of adding dyes, it can be tinted to the desired color yourself. Additional advantages of acrylic paints include resistance to moisture and ultraviolet radiation, as well as resistance to yellowing, which allows the coating to retain its original color and shine for a long time.
However, water-based paints also have their disadvantages. So, unlike oil and alkyd paints, storing and painting with water-based paints is possible only if the air temperature is above +5°C. At lower temperatures, the paint spreads unevenly and takes a long time to dry. The cost of water-based paints is higher than the price of alternative paints and varnishes, but here it is necessary to take into account that working with water-dispersion paints and cleaning stains is much easier and more enjoyable than with organic-based paints.

Choosing high-quality water-based paint

When choosing paint, you should pay special attention to the following points:

Scope of application - the type of water-dispersion paint will depend on the type of work for which the paint is purchased and under what conditions the painting will be carried out. There are paints for external and internal use, for wet and dry rooms.

Appearance - Water-based paints can provide a glossy, matte or silky-matte finish. Matte and silky-matte paints are better suited for ceilings and wallpaper, but they are not as wear-resistant as glossy surfaces.

Color - most often, water-dispersion paints are white. In this case, the color quality of the paint can be assessed by the degree of whiteness. If high-quality and expensive pigments were used in production, the paint will ultimately have an exclusively white color, without shades or streaks. The desired color can be given to the paint using special tints.

Covering power - the paint consumption, as well as the number of layers applied, will depend on this indicator. You can roughly estimate the hiding power by calculating the density of the paint. To do this, divide the mass by the volume of paint. On average, the density of high-quality paint should be 1.5 kg/l.

Marking - depending on the binder polymer, the paints are marked “VD-VA”, “VD-KCH” and “VD-AK”. After the letter designation there is a number that indicates the area of application of the paint - “1” for external work and “2” for internal work.

Manufacturer and price - stores offer a wide range of water-dispersed paints from domestic and foreign manufacturers. It is better to trust your choice to those companies that have at least 3 years of experience in producing paints and have already earned the trust of consumers. The price of water-based paint depends, first of all, on the current price of the components. At the same time, you should not look for cheap options, since in this case there is a high probability of purchasing low-quality paint. You should focus on a price of at least 1 USD. per liter of paint.

As when working with other paints and varnishes, before you start painting with water-based paint, you must carefully prepare the surface to be painted - clean it from dirt, dust and remnants of the previous paint. It is also advisable to smooth out surface unevenness with putty and then sand it.
When carrying out painting work in cold weather, the can of paint is first kept indoors for at least 24 hours, and then the can is opened and any films and inclusions are removed from the paint surface. It is better to immediately paint 10% more paint by volume than was previously calculated, since the actual consumption always exceeds that specified by the manufacturer, and it will not be possible to accurately tint the additional volume of paint.

If you first apply a layer of primer to the surface, then when painting you can significantly reduce the consumption of water-dispersed paint.

People have been using water-based paint for walls for a long time when decorating interiors and for exterior work. Water emulsion began to rapidly gain popularity. This paint consists of water, small polymer particles, fillers, additives and pigments.

Coating features

Water-based acrylic paint can be called universal: it can be used to decorate any surface. It is applied to the following materials:

brick;
tree;
drywall;
concrete;
wallpaper for painting.

Each type of paint has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Types of material

Water-based solutions are divided into several categories.

Acrylic composition

The most popular type of coating, which is used very often. This water-based paint for walls and ceilings is resistant to various influences due to the presence of acrylic resins in the composition. When dirty, the surface is easy to clean, so this composition will be an ideal option for offices and residential premises.

Coverage features:

The material is based on silicone resins and is suitable for application to any mineral coating. TO

The main advantage is the elasticity of the composition. Cracks up to 2 mm are painted over. The silicone composition is distinguished by its vapor permeability.

Such paints can be used in rooms where there is high humidity: in the kitchen, bathroom, shower, basement. Due to the filling of unevenness and roughness, the material is resistant to mechanical and temperature influences, humidity. It can even be applied to plaster without first priming the walls.

Silicate type

This water-based interior paint consists of an aqueous solution, colored pigments and liquid glass. There is no film on the surface, instead there are strong chemical-physical bonds. They are resistant to atmospheric and mechanical influences.

Manufacturers guarantee a long service life - up to 20 years. Suitable for finishing open terraces.

Attractive price/quality ratio. It is made on the basis of PVA, it is chosen for interior decoration.

There are many advantages:

fits well on plaster, cardboard, wood and other porous materials;
can be used in a room that requires an increased level of fire safety;
does not contain harmful components;
drying speed.

It does not have a very rich color palette, but this can be easily compensated for with the help of special colors that will give the composition any shade. The use of additives will help obtain a glossy or matte surface..

Mineral and latex based

The mineral coloring composition contains slaked lime and cement, suitable for

painting brick and concrete surfaces. The service life is not very long, so it has not been in great demand recently.

If you need to create a surface that is not exposed to moisture, then you should choose cleaning options that contain latex. The coating will withstand a large number of wet cleanings and is suitable for painting walls and ceilings in the kitchen and bathroom. Prices are average.

Latex compounds repel moisture well and cover large cracks well; they do not require particularly thorough surface preparation before applying them.

Gloss level

Water-based paint is also divided according to another indicator - the degree of gloss. Manufacturers offer:

glossy;
matte;
deeply matte;
semi-matte (silky-matte);
semi-gloss;
high gloss.

Semi-gloss and glossy compositions are more resistant to abrasion when compared with matte options. They can be washed much more often, because the surface of such material is even and absolutely smooth. Cleaning with a damp cloth does not change the texture, but the matte surface can be rubbed, and because of this, shiny, unsightly spots will appear that need to be painted over.

Before purchasing a material, you need to study its main characteristics - consumption, composition, drying time, storage conditions, specific gravity, shelf life. Each point needs to be given special attention.

Viscosity. This figure should be quite high. It is this that determines the degree of dilution of the composition with water (when applied with a brush it ranges from +40...+45 °C, and when using a spray gun +20...+25 °C.
Consumption. Usually there are 150 g of product per 1 m², 250 g if the coating is two-layer. Manufacturers may unintentionally mislead buyers by indicating on their product that it has a consumption of 110-140 g. But these indicators usually correspond to ideal conditions: the walls must be plastered and completely smooth. But it directly depends on the surface roughness, material, painting method and absorbency. For example, applying with a roller is more economical than with a brush.
Shelf life - from the date of manufacture 2 years. It is necessary to observe storage conditions: the place should be cool and dark, the composition should not be exposed to freezing.
Drying. Depends on air temperature and humidity. The optimal temperature is +20°, air humidity - 65%. Drying time ranges from 2 to 24 hours.

Quality and manufacturers

A high price is a clear sign of the quality of a water-based composition. It is worth understanding that 90% of the materials and components for the material are imported from Europe, so the price for 1 liter cannot be lower than 70 rubles. A significant decrease in cost may indicate low quality products.

The weight of the paint is also an indicator of quality. Its average density ranges from 1.35-1.5 kg per 1 liter, therefore, a 10 liter bucket cannot weigh less than 15 kg. It is better not to buy the composition in winter on the open construction market: when it freezes, the paint loses its properties.

You need to choose a trusted manufacturer. Dulux can be called the leader, but Tikkurila also has good technical characteristics along with the highest quality. The compositions of the German Dufa have also proven themselves to be the best. And Johnstone’s from the UK has a high price due to its excellent quality. Among domestic products, Eurolux and Admiral are most often chosen. The price for such compositions is quite affordable, and the quality is at the proper level.

Surface painting technology

Usually, there are no significant problems with painting walls, but finishing the ceiling can be considered a more complex process in technical terms. Before work, you need to prepare the surface: remove all the old coating, sand, level. Then the consumption of the coloring composition will be significantly reduced..

The water-based composition itself is often used as a primer, which is diluted 40% with water, although experts advise using a primer for a specific type of surface.

Colored material must first be tested to determine what the color will actually be. To do this, just apply it in a thin layer on the wall and wait until it dries. Usually the color turns out 1-2 shades lighter than in the bucket. The difference is usually insignificant.

Painting of the ceiling and walls begins from the farthest corner of the room from the window, then the remaining corners and joints are painted. A strip 5 cm wide is applied along the perimeter of the ceiling, then you need to switch to a spray gun or roller. To get an even color, you need to apply 2-3 thin layers - this is better than applying 1 thick layer.

Layers of paint are applied perpendicular to each other. The next layer is applied after the previous one has completely dried. The last layer is applied parallel to the light rays: due to this trick, small irregularities and errors are almost invisible. You can use textured glass wallpaper to eliminate possible problems. The woven textured surface will mask errors during dyeing.

There is nothing difficult about painting walls and ceilings with water-based paint. The work does not take much time; even a novice master can handle it if he approaches the matter with all responsibility. Using a water-based coating, you can update your home interior in a short time.

Among the variety of repair materials, water-based paints are becoming increasingly popular. Fire safety, variety of shades and ease of application make water-based emulsion increasingly popular. This type of paint does not have strong unpleasant odors, dries quickly after application and creates an even finish layer.

Types of water-based (water-dispersion) paint

Water-based coating is a water suspension of pigments, polymers and fillers. After its application, the water evaporates, and thanks to the polymers included in the composition, a thin coating is created. The properties and price of paint depend on the type of its main component.

When performing repair work, paint is almost always used. Be it painting walls or floors, ceilings or facades, or maybe decorating individual elements.

All types of water-based paint have a common base - an aqueous suspension. Depending on what polymer is included in the composition, the water emulsion can be:

Silicone
Acrylic
Silicate
Polyvinyl acetate (PVA)

Polyvinyl acetate (PVA)

PVA paint is a universal paint for interior work, which is produced on the basis of PVA glue. It is suitable for painting ceilings, floors, walls. This type of paint is one of the most budget options on store shelves.

Advantages of polyvinyl acetate water-based emulsion:

paints porous surfaces well, such as wood, plastered walls and concrete ceilings, cardboard products, etc., this paint is suitable for painting furniture;
safe to use because it does not contain flammable or explosive components and does not require special storage conditions;
you can add gloss or create a matte surface using additives, allowing you to create interesting interior solutions;
its low cost makes it in demand in the construction market, so it is easy to find on store shelves;
suitable for premises with high fire safety requirements, this point is especially important in enterprises where flammable things are stored (archives with documentation, warehouse with things, chemicals, etc.);
short drying time allows you to carry out repairs comfortably without additional ventilation of the room;
paints plasterboard walls well.

Disadvantages of polyvinyl acetate water-based paint:

not resistant to moisture, used only for painting in dry rooms;
does not withstand temperature changes well, not suitable for facades;
poor hiding power;
Does not stick to metal surfaces.

ATTENTION The paint consumption depends on the saturation of the shade. Darker shades require less consumption, as they paint the surface immediately. For an even application of bright and dark tones, 2 layers are sufficient. Approximately 150 g/sq.m is required. Light bed colors are applied in more layers to ensure color uniformity, which increases the consumption to 250 g/sq.m.

Latex

The latex base makes water-based paints washable and able to withstand high humidity. This variety is suitable for painting walls in the bathroom and kitchen. It can be wiped with a damp cloth. Withstands up to 5000 brush cleaning cycles. Water-based paint with a latex additive will last a long time on the walls of the bathroom and kitchen.

The cost of latex paint is more expensive than other types of water-dispersion coatings.

In addition to water-repellent properties, latex “water emulsion” has good vapor permeability.

ATTENTION When using latex paint, you do not need to first fill cracks up to 1 mm; the paint has the ability to cover them, lying evenly on the surface.

Latex-based water-based paint dries as quickly as its subtypes, in just a few hours, making repairs comfortable and quick.

Acrylic (VDAK)

Acrylic paint is the highest quality, most popular and most expensive. The acrylic “water emulsion” is based on acrylic resins, which give it strength and elasticity. To reduce the cost of this type of coating, manufacturers produce styrene acrylic, vinyl acrylic and acrylic silicone, but the quality of the cheaper version is also significantly lower than the original.

Advantages:

used for all types of external and internal work;
fits well on the plaster after it has completely dried;
protects reinforced concrete from corrosion;
popular and always available in hardware stores.

Flaws:

Not suitable for application on damp walls with poor waterproofing
Expensive

Silicone

Silicone paint is similar to latex “water-based paint”. The composition includes silicone resins, thanks to which small cracks on the surface turn into a smooth surface. Has water-repellent properties (lotus effect). The surface becomes self-cleaning. Dust settling on the façade is washed away by rain. Moss does not form on the surface, since the paint contains antiseptic additives. The cost of this type of paint is as high as the quality. It is used in places of high humidity, for example, the basement of a building.

ATTENTION The components of silicone paint are not only resistant to moisture, but also successfully fight the appearance of fungus and mold in these places.

If traces of mold were found on the walls, floors or ceilings before painting, the area must be cleaned and treated with hydrogen peroxide, then paint should be applied.

Silicate

The most durable paint is a silicate water-based paint. It consists of liquid glass, a water base and other additives that make it resistant to various weather conditions and temperature changes.

This type of paint is used for building facades that are washed away by groundwater and melt water, and for painting rooms with high humidity. High vapor and air permeability makes the walls breathable, preventing the creation of a preservation effect.

Read also: Tool for decorative wall painting

Suitable for painting old buildings where waterproofing suffers and other paint quickly loses its appearance.

How to dilute

Since the main component of paint is water, it must be diluted with water. You can add no more than 10% of the total volume of paint.

The paint can be applied with a roller, brush or spray. For spraying, it is better to dilute the water-based emulsion with special thinners for acrylic paints. Using a thinner, you can adjust the light reflection of the paint, that is, give it gloss or matte.

Severely dried paints that have been left unused for a long time can also be revived. The quality of highly diluted paint deteriorates, but is suitable for touch-up.

You can avoid the paint drying quickly by adding a little water to it after use and tightly closing the lid. Store in a dark and cool place.

How to paint

The paint is applied to the prepared surface. Brushes, sponges, rollers and sprayers are used to apply paint. Using special rollers or sponges with embossing, various patterns and textures are created on the surface. It is more convenient to paint a larger surface with a roller, the paint applies more evenly, and painting work is completed faster. It is more convenient to apply narrow areas, corners, wall joints, and transitions with a brush, and you can use brushes of different widths. To create texture, sponges are often used, dipping them into a thick paint solution and blotting them on the surface. Creating a texture and applying patterns is not an easy task; it is better to first experiment on a small area, then in the future you will not have to repaint the entire surface if your attempt fails.

Stages of painting with water-based paint:

Pour a small amount of paint into the roller tray. The tray is a square shape with a small recess for paint and a place for squeezing the roller. The cost of trays in stores is cheap, but it is more convenient to work with and uses less paint.
Dip a wide brush into the paint and walk along the perimeter of the wall or other surface, so the joints will be painted better and the transitions will be smoother.
Saturate the roller well with paint, rolling it inside the tray several times to remove excess paint. The better the roller is impregnated, the larger the paint area will be enough.
Apply paint evenly with a roller onto the surface to be painted.

IMPORTANT It is better to start applying paint from the top, then drops and smudges will not flow onto the already painted surface, but will be rolled out with a roller as you gradually move down.

Apply each subsequent layer of paint after the previous layer has dried, so that there is no dripping.

Consumption

An important factor is paint consumption per square meter. Knowing this data, you can calculate the paint requirements for the job. If the paint is tinted, then the consumption must be taken into account with a reserve; if there is not enough material, it may be difficult to achieve the same shade. Each manufacturer indicates information about paint consumption on its packaging (from 160 grams/m2), but these figures are average. Many factors influence consumption: type of tool, brush or roller material, number of layers, ability to absorb the surface being painted. In addition, each type of water-based paint has a different texture and density; therefore, painting with different types of water-based paint will require different amounts of paint.

At all times, paint has been used as a universal means for finishing rooms. However, when working with oil-based compounds, the coating takes a long time to dry, and the mixture itself emits an unpleasant odor. The same cannot be said about water-based solutions. In this article we will describe what water-based paint is (technical characteristics, advantages and method of production of the composition).

Method for producing water-based paint

The whole process can be divided into several stages. The first is the combination of a solution of an aqueous polymer dispersion with a pigment and filler. Second, the resulting mixture undergoes dispersion (grinding solid and liquid bodies). The third is the addition of additives that are necessary in accordance with the specifications. The fourth is packaging the finished material into jars.

Dispersion of ingredients is carried out in special dispersants (mills). These devices have several chambers, and in them there is a shaft with disks. It is with its help that grinding occurs. The resulting mixture is placed in a dissolver (mixer) container. Thorough mixing takes place there, components are added according to the specifications.

The timing of mixing all ingredients depends on the properties of each component, the total volume of the mixture, as well as the technical power of the dissolver and dispersant. As a rule, 30 minutes are enough for each operation. In this case, all work must be carried out at a temperature of +5 °C.

At the last stage, containers and mesh filters are prepared. It is through them that the finished paint will be poured.

Advantages and disadvantages of water-based paint

Water-based paint for walls and ceilings has a number of advantages compared to oil-based paint compositions. First of all, she dries faster. Sometimes it only takes a couple of hours for the coating to dry. Secondly, absolutely safe and harmless to humans and the environment. This means that during painting work there is no need to urgently leave the premises.

Third, the paint does not have a pungent odor, which usually persists for several weeks after completion of the work. Fourthly, the coloring composition can be given almost any shade by adding special pigments. A special colorless composition is even sold for this purpose. Construction stores usually offer a catalog of colors and matching pigments.

Fifthly, the paint application process is quite simple, and all tools can be easily cleaned with plain water. No need to use any solvents. Among the disadvantages, only a few can be highlighted: work can only be carried out at a temperature of +5 ° C, the material is not cheap. For exterior work, you need to choose the most expensive paint, since outdoor conditions are significantly different from indoor conditions.

Water-based paint: technical characteristics

Water-based paint for ceilings and walls has the appropriate technical characteristics. These include: composition, consumption, specific gravity, viscosity, storage conditions and shelf life. Composition of water-based paint: latex, thickener, fillers, antiseptic. Consumption per layer about 150-200 ml/m2. The number of layers depends on the absorbency of the base.

Viscosity water-based paint is determined by a viscometer and should average 40-45 s (when applied with a brush), 20-25 (when using a spray gun). Essentially, viscosity is an indicator that determines the degree of dilution of paint with water. That is, water is added to the composition to a certain level, and then a measurement is taken with a viscometer.

Specific gravity water-based paint is about 1.35 kg/l. Adhesion on average equal to 2.0 mPa. Drying time ranges from 2 to 24 hours. It all depends on the temperature and humidity. The desired temperature is about +20°C, and humidity is 65%. The paint should be stored in a dark place (away from sunlight).

Water-based paint: technical characteristics and production method
Water-based paint, technical characteristics - how do they affect the work process? What material parameters are important to know? About this in the video tutorial.

High-quality painting is not only the result of the correct application of the coloring composition, but also a combination of certain characteristics of the material that determine decisions in this direction. When painting and varnishing, the key to success is the selection of such an indicator as paint viscosity in DIN. The table of optimal values presented in this article will help in this matter.

What depends on viscosity?

The concept of viscosity itself hardly requires additional clarification. But here are some other characteristics that the conditional viscosity itself can influence:

If the dye is too viscous, it will be difficult to distribute it evenly over the entire surface. Excessive layer thickness will result in too much drying time. The final strength of the coating, on the contrary, decreases.

The solution, which is thick in consistency, will not fill uneven surfaces. This means the grip gets worse.

Large layer thickness is the reason for the formation of smudges and other similar defects.
Finally, an inexpensive spray gun simply cannot cope with materials that have too high a viscosity. The main operating principle for pneumatic sprayers is low pressure in the air stream, sucking paint from the tank. They help those who are interested in how to determine the viscosity of paint.

If the pressure drop is not enough, the devices will have to be disassembled and then thoroughly washed. Paint diluted with additional effort is also harmful. The number of layers required for high-quality processing increases. The time spent on this or that work increases, including those involving a spray gun.

Measurement Features

In what units?

It is typical for domestic manufacturers to indicate this parameter in seconds. But imported materials require the use of a different designation - DIN. What meaning lies in these combinations? And how is the characteristic measured?

They are needed only to indicate the time (in seconds) after which the composition passes through holes of a certain diameter, known in advance. If the paint is more liquid, it leaves the container faster. In the case of a thick composition, this takes longer. This does not affect how to use the viscometer.

About methods and tools

A viscometer is a special instrument used when measuring liquids, a small funnel strictly with a capacity of 100 milliliters. There is also a hole with a diameter of up to 4 millimeters. Devices with sufficient accuracy for effective use in everyday life cost from 200 to 500 rubles. They are used for routine viscosity measurements. Devices used in laboratories are much more expensive. Sometimes the cost reaches hundreds of thousands of rubles.

The instructions for using this device are extremely simple:

First you need to fill the funnel by plugging the inlet hole with your finger.
The stopwatch starts as soon as the hole opens.
All that remains is to record the time elapsed until the container is completely empty. Individual drops are not taken into account for paint viscosity in DIN, the table confirms this.

The temperature of both the paint itself and the surrounding air should not exceed 18-22 degrees. Any composition will thicken at lower temperatures. And when the indicator is increased, on the contrary, it decreases. Because of this, the experiment on paint viscosity will not be as effective.

What values are considered optimal?

The manufacturer usually writes on the packaging about what indicator is considered optimal in certain conditions. But information is easy to find on the official website, including for viscous liquids.

Determination of paint viscosity in DIN and table of recommended values
The viscosity of the paint material in DIN, shown in the table, is a key parameter when carrying out repairs. What values are considered optimal?

Water-based paints are currently a very popular, high-quality, affordable and promising repair material. They are easy to apply to cleaned surfaces (concrete, gypsum concrete, wood and pre-plastered), are environmentally friendly and very practical. And in combination with the color scheme, you can always choose the color scheme necessary for the interior.

Advantages of water-based paint

Water-based paint is in demand due to the following characteristics:

no peeling over a long period of use,
no cracks or unpleasant odor,
ease of application,
fast drying process,
acceptable cost.

Besides, water-based paint wd allows you to get almost any shade by adding special pigments. Often, hardware stores provide a catalog of colors and matching pigments.

The main disadvantages of water-based paints

Such paints have practically no disadvantages. At the same time, it should be noted that it is extremely undesirable to apply them to metal and glossy surfaces, due to the presence of a large volume of water in the paint.

Today, obvious fakes of “water-based emulsions” are increasingly appearing on the market, which disappoint consumers. They adhere very poorly to the surface to be painted, are characterized by excessive consumption, get dirty during the drying process and are washed off if water gets in.

Technical characteristics of water-based paint

Water-based paint has the following composition: latex, thickener, various fillers and antiseptic. The average consumption of water-based paint is 250 grams per square meter. The number of layers applied will directly depend on the absorbency of the surface being painted. The viscosity of the paint is determined using a special device - a viscometer. This indicator should be within 45 s. (when using a brush), and 25 s. (using a paint sprayer). By definition, viscosity is an indicator that characterizes the degree of dilution of paint with water. The specific gravity of the paint is approximately 1.35 kg/l. Adhesion is 2.0 mPa, final drying time is from 2 to 20 hours (depending on temperature conditions). The paint must be stored in a dark and cool place (away from sunlight).

Main types of paints

Depending on the polymer present in the paint, there are four main types of water-based ( water-dispersion, latex or emulsion) colors:

Even among such a small variety, a potential consumer involuntarily has a question: “So which water-based paint is better?” Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of each of them.

Acrylic water-based paints – quality comes first

This type of paint is most popular both among professional craftsmen and among ordinary consumers trying to carry out repairs on their own.

Based on the name, it becomes clear that the paint contains acrylic resins as the main component. Such paints are applied to surfaces made of brick, wood, glass, concrete and plaster. The most common representative is water-based paint VEAC 1180.

The main disadvantage of such paints is their high cost. Therefore, analog paints with acrylic copolymers have become widespread. Their price is much cheaper than real acrylic ones, and the quality is not much inferior to the original. Sometimes, to increase the elasticity of the acrylic coating, latex is added to the paint, which effectively resists moisture.

Painted coatings can be safely washed with water without fear of spoiling the applied paint. Manufacturers indicate in the technical characteristics of water-based paint that it can withstand up to 5,000 wash cycles with water. When applying a double layer of acrylic-latex paint, you can mask cracks on the surface (up to 1 mm thick). And they dry at room temperature in just a few hours.

Silicone water-based paints - ideal for rooms with high humidity

In silicone paints, silicone resins predominate in the composition. They are a universal coloring and masking agent for all surfaces, hiding two-millimeter gaps from prying eyes. Silicone paint is also expensive, but it has vapor-proof properties, ideal for damp areas of the house that are prone to moisture formation. Thus, the paint will also actively fight the emerging fungus, preventing its reappearance.

Silicate water-based paint - an indicator of durability

Silicate water-based paint It is a mixture of liquid glass, water with the possible addition of colored pigments. It is characterized by weather resistance and a long service life (up to 20 years). But for excessively wet surfaces it is better to use a different type of paint.

Mineral water-based paints

In the process of producing mineral water-based paints, slaked lime or cement is added to their composition. They are used for any surfaces in the process of painting walls and ceilings. Their main purpose is painting work on brick and concrete surfaces that are subject to significant hydraulic loads. A distinctive feature of mineral paints is their short service life, so they gradually cease to be in demand.

Types of water-based paints: advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of water-based paint. The main disadvantages of water-based paints. Main types of paints. Technical characteristics of water-based paint

In this article: history of water-based paint; composition of water-dispersed paint; production technology; types and characteristics of polymers used in the production of water-based paints; performance characteristics of high pressure paints; how to choose water-based paint; recommendations for use.

At all times, a person wants his home to look neat and attractive. To achieve this, regular cosmetic and major repairs are carried out, during which a fresh coat of paint is necessarily applied to the ceiling and walls. And among all existing types of paints and varnishes for the interior and exterior decoration of a house, water-based paint is the leader, which is easy to work with and does not leave an unpleasant odor in the premises, which is typical for working with other paints and varnishes.

Water-based paint - history

As is the case with a number of modern building materials, the appearance of water-dispersion paints was unwittingly facilitated by two large-scale wars of the last century - destroyed cities needed to be restored, but there were not enough usual building materials, and they were expensive.

The history of water-based paints began with the discovery by German chemist Fritz Klatte in 1912 of polyvinyl acetate, better known to us as PVA glue. PVA dispersion became the basic basis of the first water-dispersion paints that appeared in the 20s of the 20th century.

At the end of the 30s of the last century, synthetic rubber or butadiene-styrene was created in Germany, which became the second type of dispersion for water-based paints.

The latest existing dispersion is acrylic - and paints based on it were originally developed for artistic work. The first acrylic water-based paints were created in 1946-1949 and launched in the early 50s under the brand name “Magna paint” by American artists Sam Golden and Leonard Boku. True, paints of this brand were intended only for artists, they were packaged in small tubes and dissolved not with water, but with turpentine or white alcohol. Boku created and released completely water-soluble acrylic paint in 1960.

Styrene-butadiene and acrylic water-based paints entered the construction markets of post-Soviet countries in the 90s from abroad - in the USSR only polyvinyl acetate-based paints were produced and only for industrial needs.

According to its basic composition, it is formed by the smallest particles of polymers suspended in an aqueous environment. In addition, water-dispersion paint, depending on the brand and manufacturer, may contain about 10-15 different additives, including: antifreeze antifreeze; defoamers that reduce foaming; antiseptics (biocides); corrosion inhibitors; thickeners; additives that increase structural viscosity; preservatives; dispersants; plasticizers, etc.

In terms of percentage by weight, the composition of water-based paint is as follows: 50% - film former dissolved in water (50-60% aqueous dispersion); 37% - fillers and pigments; 7% - plasticizer; 6% - other additives.

Let's take a closer look at the components. Depending on the purpose of the paint, the film former (copolymer) in its composition will be polyvinyl acetate, butadiene-styrene, styrene-acrylate, acrylate or versatate dispersions. The role of white pigment is performed by titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and in the case of water-based paints in the lower price range, chalk. Filler - chalk, calcite, barite, talc, mica, most often several different minerals are used as a filler at the same time. The solvent in water-dispersed paints is demineralized (purified from mineral salts) water. I would like to note one of the components of such paints - a thickener, the role of which is most often played by carboxymethylcellulose, also known as CMC glue.

The process of creating water-dispersion paint consists of the following stages: combining and mixing an aqueous solution of a polymer dispersion with filler and pigment; dispersing the resulting pigment paste; introduction of a number of additives that bring the paint composition to the specifications standard; filtration and packaging of the finished product.

Dispersion is a process during which liquid or solid bodies undergo fine grinding. Suspensions, powders, aerosols and emulsions are obtained by the dispersion method.

Mixing and dispersing the components of water-based paints is carried out in bead and ball mills (dispersants). Grinding occurs in a horizontal or vertical working chamber of the mill, inside of which there is a shaft with disks that accelerate metal beads (diameter up to 4 mm) or balls (diameter from 30 mm) made of steel, aluminum oxide and zirconium. The more intense the dispersion, the higher the hardness and specific gravity of the metal balls.

The pigment paste obtained as a result of dispersion is placed in a dissolver. In its torus-shaped container, a frame mixer is installed, the rotation of which prevents thick and sticky components from settling on the walls and bottom of the dissolver, and the composition of the water-based paint is brought to standard characteristics.

The timing of mixing the components of water-dispersed paint depends on the volume of the mixture, the initial characteristics of the components being added, the power of the dispersant and dissolver - as a rule, 20-30 minutes are enough for each operation.

At the final stage, the finished paint is passed through mesh filters and poured into containers. The entire cycle of paint production must take place at an air temperature of at least +5 °C.

Dependence of the characteristics of water-based paint on the binder polymer in their composition

Water-based paints produced today contain one of five types of binders, which give water-based paint both positive qualities and disadvantages:

polyvinyl acetate, paint marking “VD-VA”. In terms of quality, paints with this polymer binder are of the lowest quality - they turn yellow over time, a dense, opaque film is formed on the surface, and the applied layer of paint is not waterproof. Weak characteristics do not justify the low price; such paints have only narrowly targeted applications;
butadiene-styrene, paint marking “VD-KCH”. Having good water resistance and low price, water-based paints based on this binder, like PVA, form an excessively dense surface film and are not resistant to sunlight. Paint of the “VD-KCh” brand can only be used for interior work;
styrene-acrylate, paint marking “VD-AK”. The quality characteristics of paints on this polymer are much better than those described above; they can be applied to both external and internal surfaces. The coating they form is porous and, accordingly, vapor-permeable, resistant to solar radiation and atmospheric conditions. The small size of polymer particles, not exceeding 0.15 microns, ensures high-quality adhesion to almost any surface, penetration into porous surfaces, which increases their strength;
acrylate, paint marking “VD-AK”. This polymer is more expensive than styrene acrylate, has higher quality characteristics in all respects - a more rigid coating provides high resistance to solar ultraviolet radiation. Such paints are widely used in facade work and for application to wooden surfaces;
versatat, paint marking “VD-AK”. The polymer versatate has been used in water-based paints not so long ago; the quality of the coating on this binder is not inferior to acrylic paints, while their price is lower and approximately corresponds to the cost of paints on a styrene-acrylate binder.

Depending on the type and amount of polymer binder, these paints have the following positive qualities:

do not contain toxic components, practically odorless;
easy to apply to surfaces, diluted with water;
capable of bridging cracks up to 1 mm wide;
not flammable;
resistant to moisture (resistance to washing off);
elastic and durable, no chalking;
resistant to ultraviolet radiation and atmospheric conditions;
wear resistant;
just tint in any color shade;
random drops of paint can be easily removed with a damp cloth;
are vapor-permeable, which means that colonies of fungus and mold will not appear;
resistant to alkalis;
have high adhesion (tight fit) to the base;
retain color, shine and are resistant to yellowing;
dry quickly, usually in 40 minutes;
A layer of water-based paint on surfaces painted with them will last about 10-15 years.

Negative qualities of water-based paints compared to alkyd and oil-based paints:

storage and painting work can only be done at temperatures above +5 o C. Painting at lower temperatures will lead to uneven distribution of the paint and it will take a long time to dry. If during storage the paint went through a cycle of freezing and thawing, its quality characteristics will be completely lost;
for painting external surfaces and surfaces of wet rooms, you can use only expensive water-dispersed paints based on acrylate and verstate binders;
high cost, exceeding the price of organo-thinned coatings by 10-15% - manufacturers explain this by the complex composition of the paint. On the other hand, it is much easier to clean the room after painting VD AK, because... there is no need to scrub stains with a rag containing an unpleasant-smelling solvent;
Before painting wooden surfaces with water-based paints, they require careful preparation - applying the first layer, letting it dry completely, then thoroughly sanding and a new layer of paint, sanding again. The fact is that the surface tension of the water-dispersed paint layer is much higher than that of other paintwork materials - the wood pile will be raised.

Application area. Water-dispersed paints are specialized according to the requirements for the surfaces to be painted - for interior and exterior work, for dry and wet rooms. Accordingly, it is possible to apply paint for interior work on external surfaces or paint for dry rooms on wet surfaces, but it will peel off after a few months, because it contains less film-forming agent and protective additives.

Appearance. Water-based paints are produced that provide matte, glossy and silky-matte finishes. Paints that form a matte and silky-matte surface are excellent for ceilings and for painting wallpaper, but, unlike glossy surfaces, they are less resistant to abrasion and cannot be washed frequently.

Color. Water-dispersed paints are most often white; they need to be tinted to achieve the desired color range. Jars with colors and tables of color created by a given color are present in every hardware store.

Quality indicators by appearance:

chroma. Open a can of paint, visually assess the degree of its whiteness - if the manufacturer used high-quality and expensive titanium dioxide, then the color will be exclusively white, without any shades;
hiding power. The paint consumption and the number of layers that need to be applied to the surfaces to bring them into proper shape depend on it. This indicator depends on the percentage and quality of the pigment, density and thickness of the paint. There are two ways to reduce the cost of producing water-based paint, which are popular among small manufacturers - 1) add water, lowering the density of the emulsion, 2) add more inexpensive filler, increasing the density. You can evaluate hiding power without test painting by weighing a 10-liter jar of water-dispersed paint - on average its density should be 1.5 kg/l, i.e. high-quality paint in a 10-liter container will weigh about 15 kg (“+” or “-” 1 kg).

Marking on a paint can. Water-based paint is marked with the letters “VD”, which means “water-dispersed”, followed by the letter designation of the polymer, for example, “KCH” or butadiene-styrene. Then the numbers follow - the first one means the area of application of this paint, if it is “1”, then “for external work”, if “2”, then “for internal work”. The numbers following the first indicate the catalog number - we do not need them. Make sure there is an inscription indicating compliance with the conditions of GOST 28196-89; if technical specifications are provided instead, the quality of the paint may be low.

Manufacturer. On the local market you will find a significant range of water-based paints from both domestic and foreign manufacturers. You can judge the quality of a particular brand by the reviews of your friends who have already used it for repairs and by the age of the given manufacturing company - if it is younger than 3 years, it is better not to mess with its products. The fact is that the production of water-dispersed paints does not require any particularly large-scale production - by and large, only a dispersant and a dissolver are required. Therefore, any more or less intelligent “small entrepreneur” can produce them, most often making paint “by eye” and having neither a laboratory nor a technologist on his staff. The larger the manufacturing company, the wider the range of its products, the better the quality of the products themselves.

Price. There is no way it can be lower than $1 (US) per liter - if you are offered paint at a lower price, then it is of poor quality. The cost of water-based paint is determined not by the territorial location of manufacturing plants and not by labor costs, but by the current price of the components that are included in its composition. Almost all of the world's manufacturers of high-quality pigments and polymers are located in Europe, so the cost of good water-based paint will be almost the same in both Europe and Russia - Russian manufacturers pay fairly high customs duties for importing raw materials from abroad for the production of water-based paint. But the real reasons for the low cost are cheap raw materials and violation of production technology.

Before starting work on painting with water-based paint, the surfaces must be prepared: previously painted surfaces must be cleaned of dirt and dust, sequentially washed with water with washing powder and clean water; painted with chalk and lime, remove layers of old paint; smooth out unevenness using putty, after drying, sand and clean the surfaces from dust.

If painting work is carried out during the cold season, then the can of paint must be kept indoors for at least 24 hours, then opened, removed all visible inclusions and films, mixed thoroughly and added, when spray painting, 10% water. The paint consumption is indicated by the manufacturer on the container; on average it will be 150-250 g/m2 with a two-layer application. Having calculated the approximate consumption, tint the paint - you need to tint 10% more volume than what you calculated based on the average paint consumption. Reasons: the consumption will be higher in any case, and it will not be possible to “get into color” when trying to tint a new portion of paint - the color tone will be at least slightly different.

Preliminary application of a layer of primer to the surface to be painted will help reduce the consumption of water-based paint - it is much cheaper than paint.

Rustam Abdyuzhanov, rmnt.ru