Painting work planned for the house, but no inspiration as to what type of paint to use? It is understandable; there are a large number of them today, and even some whose initial use may sometimes have drifted. This is particularly the case with epoxy paint. Initially an industrial paint, it increasingly dresses private homes. This in particular thanks to its characteristics of resistance and durability, but also thanks to its many colors and it’s smooth and clean finish.
So what is epoxy paint and where to use it? What are its characteristics? How to apply it properly? Or, what budget to plan for its application? Learn all about epoxy paint below.
What is epoxy paint?
From the category of oil paints, epoxy paint consists of an epoxy polymer binder and a hardener. Once these two components come into contact, it creates an irreversible reaction, which therefore requires using the paint as soon as possible; otherwise it will become unusable after a certain time.
Known in particular for its covering side and its high resistance to shocks, it is also given the advantage of lasting over time and leaving a clean and neat finish.
Thus, it can be applied to most supports: concrete, wood, metal, PVC or even tiles, for example. This, whether on the walls, the ceilings, but also the bodywork.
What are the benefits of epoxy paint?
If epoxy paint is widely used today, it is mainly because it has many advantages.
First of all, it has a very good covering and waterproofing power. It is thus resistant to almost everything: from shocks to various and varied products. This is also why it is use whether for delicate work or for more important work.
Also, it is a paint know for its durability. Thus, as soon as the support is well prepare, then there is no doubt that it will last for years.
In addition, it is a multi-media paint: it applies to all types of media, even the most difficult and can therefore be used vary widely. On the walls, the ceilings, but also a washbasin or even a bicycle frame, there is surely no support on which it will not be possible to apply this paint.
Finally, as with most paints, epoxy paint is very aesthetic. It can also have different types of rendering (gloss, satin or even textured), but all are both clean and clear.
And what are the limits of this painting?
As with all oil paints, epoxy paint also has some flaws.
First of all, it is a toxic paint. Indeed, it dries by evaporation of the solvent; it is thus know to be both toxic and harmful to the environment, in the same way as other oil paints. Added to this are the strong odors that emanate quickly and which can persist over time. If you are looking for a natural paint, you will have to go for chalk paint.
Moreover, if it applies almost everywhere, this does not in any way take away its difficulty of application. Indeed, applying epoxy paint requires a whole prior and adapted preparation that should not be neglected, at the risk of having a non-smooth rendering (with traces), and which will surely not last correctly over time.
How to apply epoxy paint?
Already mentioned above, epoxy paint is rather difficult to apply . Indeed, to have a clean and aesthetic result, here are some tips on its application.
In the preparatory phase, first consult the instructions supplied with the paint before applying it. It could give specific characteristics on epoxy paint and provide essential information on its use.
But also bring beforehand the appropriate tools according to the support, such as wide brushes, a roller or a spray gun
And finally, prepare the surface well before application: you must be able to apply the paint on a clean and dry surface.
Then, when you open the pot, mix the two components of the paint well (following the instructions on the pot), but do not delay in applying it to the support, because it can quickly become unusable after a certain time.
Also, since epoxy paint is toxic, it is essential to ventilate the space in which the paint is apply, both during and after application. Also protect yourself adequately, especially with a mask and gloves.
Finally, once the application is finish, do not forget to clean the tools use using White Spirit.
What budget for epoxy paint?
Quite high, the prices of epoxy paint are however generally in the middle of those of oil paints. It is thus necessary to plan a budget of around twenty euros per square meter, not counting the installation if this is carry out without the services of a craftsman.
Going through a professional painter, a square meter of epoxy paint can easily reach around sixty Euros. If there is a real difference in cost, this second option guarantees to have quality paint and a clean and durable result.
Finally, resulting from an assembly between an epoxy polymer binder and a hardener, epoxy paint is part of the family of oil paints. We know many advantages in addition to its aesthetic appearance, it is resistant and durable, but it also has the ability to be apply to all supports. However, it is a toxic paint and difficult to apply. So to have a clean rendering, it is important to prepare the support well before and to quickly apply the paint after having mixed it while being well protect, but also to ventilate well during and after the work.
