The application of liquid paints can be done using wide variety of techniques. The correct application technique involves selecting the best method of applying coating of the desired film thickness.
Preparation of surface:
- The surface to be painted is cleaned to remove grease, dirt & oil etc. by phosphating.
- The surface is kept completely dried.
Priming (First Coat):-
- Primers usually seal the variable porosity of the substrate & adhere to the substrate & to subsequent coats of paints.
- Prior to application of other finishing systems suitable primers are applied to new surface or old cleaned surface.
- The principal function of primer for iron, steel & galvanized iron is prevention of corrosion.
- Primer used for steel surfaces is Etch Primer which is mixed in ratio 1:1
- (Application Viscosity-20-22 Sec.)
- This primer has quickly drying ability & leads to an excellent adhesion & corrosion inhibiting properties.
- After first coat application surface is kept for drying up to 8 Hrs.
Epoxy Zinc priming (Second Coat):
- Epoxy zinc phosphate primer is applied after first primer coat is dried (Mixing Ratio 4:1, Application Viscosity 20-22 SEC).
- After second coat application surface is kept for drying up to 12 Hrs.
Finishing Coat. (Third Coat):
- The viscosity of the recommended paint is well adjusted (18 to 20 sec for spraying).
- Two coats of Polyurethane are applied after under coat surface is completely dried.
- After third coat application surface is kept for drying up to 48 Hrs.
The polyurethane paints have excellent weather resistance & high abrasion resistance & high gloss. They also possess outstanding resistance to chemicals & solvents.
Lacquer Coating on Finished Coat of Paint. (Final Coat):
- Lacquer coating is done after 1hour from application of polyurethane paint(Third Coat).
- Lacquers are solutions of resins in organic solvents which protects finishing coat of paint & provide hardness, toughness, durability, weather resistance & gloss retention.
Quality Testing:
- Paint quality is checked by scratch test.
- Paint thickness (DFT level) is measured by Digital Elcometer.
General precautions taken :
- Carefully preparing the surface before application of coating.
- Primer are applied to surface for better result.
- Allowing the under coat to dry up completely & then top coat is applied.
- Paint is not thinned excessively.
- Application under damp atmosphere is avoided.
- Care is taken during application so that no air bubble is trapped in the film.
- Coating should have proper thickness.