The modern paintwork of the car body is very strong and durable. He is not afraid of temperature changes, rain and snow. The gloss does not fade or scratch for a long time. Unfortunately, operating conditions are very different. Harsh environmental conditions literally leave their mark on cars - branches and stones leave scratches on the varnish. A lot of transported goods contributes to the formation of scuffs.
Over time, moisture inevitably gets through scratches and scuffs and contributes to the development of rust with all the ensuing consequences. Just for such cases, a special technology has been developed for coating the body with a special polyurethane compound, which bears the general name "Raptor".
He got this common name thanks to the U-POL trademark, which produces elastic coatings with the same name.
What is a Raptor?
First you need to figure out what it is. Paint, or rather polyurea elastomer, is a specialized two-component organic polymer. Thanks to it, it is possible to obtain seamless durable and at the same time elastic coatings on the surface of any shape and curvature. Roughly speaking, a paint coating is not, rather, a sprayable and then hardening elastic plastic having high adhesive and protective properties. Such properties have made polyurea ideal for industrial applications, for the application of coatings requiring high wear-resistant and protective properties. These coatings can be used in a wide range of:
- construction;
- various engineering structures;
- energy and utilities.
The coating of car body parts with this polymer is only one of the areas of its application.
Positive feedback on the Raptor painting of the trucks confirms these claims.
Features of the coating "Raptor"
A feature of polyurea elastomers is that they do not contain volatile solvents. This makes them non-toxic and non-combustible. Also, they do not contain carcinogenic resins and tar harmful to the human body.
Another feature is the absence of plasticizers required for coatings in the polymer. They eventually lead to shrinkage of the coating when it dries. In other words, such a coating in the absence of mechanical impact will exist forever, according to reviews. Also, one should not forget about the exceptional strength and elasticity, moisture resistance and chemical inertness. All this suggests that we have a very promising and generally positive type of coating. It is no coincidence that the Raptor reviews are the most positive. But this is not the end of our story.
What is necessary for painting "Raptor"
This polymer coating is sold in bottles with the base material, plus a container with a hardener. Also included is a special paint spray gun (sold separately). With it, you can adjust the degree of surface roughness. Naturally, there are packaging options in aerosol cans for local painting or for individual small items. To prepare the surface, specialized primers and cleaners are used. They are also produced by U-POL and several other companies.
Cost
As for the cost, the set for painting (4 liters), which includes 4 cans of source material and hardener, costs about 6 thousand rubles. To this we need to add a special gun for painting (1700 rubles).
Repainting the entire car requires approximately three of these sets. To this amount (from 19700 rubles) it will be necessary to add the cost of the work itself (the same amount). Of course, the figure is rather big. However, given all the advantages of this technology, it is worth using it. Many decide on such a procedure as painting "Raptor". Reviews indicate that the coating perfectly protects the body from rust and scratches.
Painting technology
The technology itself is not too complicated, however, it requires preliminary preparation. If the entire body will be processed, then all the attachments must be removed. These are bumpers, headlights, mirrors, door handles, etc. After this, body preparation is carried out - removal and cleaning of rust. Open metal must be primed with a special primer. Dents, as usual, are straightened and putty. The entire surface after preparation is matted with sandpaper. The surface should be roughened for better adhesion.
The paint material itself is mixed with the hardener in a ratio of 3 to 1 and applied using a
spray gun, like ordinary paint. The first layer is dried in an hour. Then a second one is applied, which requires polymerization for 5-7 days. Operation of the car can begin in 12 hours. It is better, of course, to withstand a longer time interval for optimal results.
Features for color matching
It should be borne in mind that the Raptor coating exists only in black and milky white.
Shades are created using special colors. They are added to the prepared composition in an amount up to 10%. Using a white coating, you can save the original light
color of the car (though with a whitish tint).
Security measures
Processing cars with any material that ordinary paint that "Raptor" should be carried out with the mandatory observance of security measures. There are certain types of hazards:
- flammability;
- toxicity of the starting material with respect to the mucous membranes and skin (may cause cracking and irritation), respiratory organs.
Therefore, when working with the Raptor, all safety measures should be followed as during painting work.
Protective clothing, goggles and respirators must be available, and room ventilation is mandatory. The coating will lose its toxicity after polymerization, and caution should be exercised before it dries.
Features of the Raptor
The polyurethane coating forms a special protective film. It has the following advantages:
- The increased durability which the Raptor painting has. Reviews say that a deep scratch can be removed even with a regular hair dryer.
- Resistance to mechanical stress and abrasion.
- It does not fade in the open sun and does not fade.
- The painting process itself does not need high qualifications.
- It does not require thorough preparation for painting in comparison with the ideal removal during normal processing.
- It is applied using a spray gun and a roller.
- Painting can be done even on the street, at normal room temperature.
- Does not require additional protective coating (varnish) painting machine "Raptor". Reviews repeatedly confirm this fact.
- Reliably protects against corrosion and chemical influences.
Disadvantages of coverage
With all the variety of advantages, this coating has disadvantages. Such a coating cannot be varnished and polished. Therefore, it will always be matte. The applied coating will always be rough, like shagreen leather, which does not always and not on all machines look beautiful.
Application technology requires strict observance, otherwise chips and surface defects are possible, which again spoils the aesthetics. A very long (especially in comparison with conventional paintwork) drying time and complete polymerization. It lasts up to three weeks.
Raptor painting: reviews
The pros and cons of this technology have already been described above. The opinions of many owners are encouraging. For example, painting UAZ "Raptor". Reviews indicate that with this coating the machine is now not afraid of either branches or stones. The car is now not afraid even of contacts with other cars. Also often painted "Niva" "Raptor". Reviews practically repeat what was said about UAZ.
No scratches and scuffs, on any off-road and in any weather conditions. In some places, the Prado 120 (Raptor white) was painted. The reviews are also encouraging - the car retained its former color, but became rough and dull. In addition to external beauty (however, for an amateur), there was resistance to scratches, which are inevitable with a varnished coating.
Conclusion
Thus, many car owners choose a method such as painting Raptor. Reviews also indicate that many managed to defeat, or at least suspend, corrosion using this method.