Often changing weather conditions, high humidity and low temperatures can have a serious negative impact on the facades of buildings, concrete, metal and brick structures. To prevent this from happening, it is customary to cover such surfaces with a layer of protective paint and varnish composition, which reduces the degree of exposure of the aggressive medium to the substrate. One of these products is enamel KO-174. Consider its main characteristics and application features.
Product Description
Protective and decorative processing of facades and other street structures is the main purpose of the KO-174 enamel. Also, the composition can be used to prevent corrosion processes on metal surfaces, pipes and utilities operating in aggressive environments.
It is also important that the coating easily withstands high humidity and the effects of temperatures in the range of -60 ... + 150 ° C. This significantly expands the scope of its application.
The KO-174 product belongs to the group of one-component compositions with sufficient resistance to ultraviolet rays. Organosilicon varnishes with the addition of solvents, coloring pigments and modifying additives act as a base.
The coating is easy to apply and has excellent adhesion to the treated substrate. For all its strength, the hardened film is able to pass air and steam through itself, which is very important when using enamel on the facades of residential premises.
Technical characteristics of organosilicon enamel KO-174 and product properties
The technology for the production of heat-resistant enamel is regulated by TU. The regulatory document states that the final product must have the following properties:
- viscosity (when measured by a viscometer) according to B3-246 - not less than 20 units;
- resistance to the effects of maximum temperature (+150 ° C) - at least 3 hours;
- the strength of the hardened coating on impact (U-1) - up to 40 units;
- hardness - not less than 0.3 rel. units;
- bending elasticity of the film - not more than 1 mm;
- adhesion of the composition with the base - 2 points;
- resistance to water - 24 hours;
- mass fraction of non-volatile substances (depending on color) - 35-55%.
Enamel KO-174 is a homogeneous, matte finish. The drying time of one layer to 3 degrees is about 2 hours (at a temperature of +20 ° C).
On construction counters there are compositions of white, beige, bright yellow, blue, blue, red, green, gray, black and silver.
Main applications
High technical characteristics of organosilicon enamel KO-174 allow its use in the most difficult conditions. Most often, the coating is used by manufacturers of metal structures in order to ensure long-term preservation of the appearance of the products.
Also, the composition is actively used in the following areas:
- Transport construction. The protective coating prevents corrosion on the elements of trestles, bridges, overpasses, metal and concrete supports, crossbars, etc.
- The energy industry. The coating protects metal structures and facades exposed to temperatures in the range of -60 ... + 150 ° C.
- Metallurgical industry. Enamel is used for anticorrosion treatment of buildings and industrial facilities.
- Chemical industry. Compounds of this type are used to give a presentable appearance to structures made of metal and concrete, exposed to aggressive environments.
- Agro-industrial complexes and civil engineering. The protective composition KO-174 is used for anti-corrosion treatment and decorative painting of facades and containers for various purposes.
Since organosilicon enamel (KO-174) of different colors can be purchased at any specialized store, the composition is very popular in private construction. This is facilitated by the fact that enamel can be applied in the most extreme conditions: in the temperature range -30 ... + 40 ° .
Surface preparation for applying silicone enamel
Normative document regulating the technology of applying enamel KO-174 - GOST 9-402. The standard states that the treated metal surface must be cleaned of rust, mechanical impurities, salts and oils.
Before surface treatment, degrease using acetone, xylene or toluene. The coating is applied only after the base has completely dried. The interval between processing and staining should not exceed 6 hours (when applied in outdoor conditions). If staining is carried out indoors, then a break of up to 24 hours is allowed.
Concrete surfaces are prepared for painting according to SNiP 3.04.03 or 2.03.13. Soot, rust and grease are removed with rags and solvents.
Preparing the coating for work
Technical characteristics of the KO-174 enamel indicate that work with the composition of this type is permissible at temperatures from -30 to +40 degrees and air humidity up to 80%. Since the product is sold ready-made, it is only necessary to open and mix thoroughly. When the precipitate completely disappears, the enamel viscosity is measured using a viscometer.
If the readings of the device differ from those stated in the certificate of product quality, you can approximate the viscosity of the working composition to ideal with toluene and xylene.
The selection of the desired enamel viscosity is carried out based on the coating method used. So, with a manual method of staining, the readings of the device should be within 30-40 s. If the composition is being prepared for pneumatic spraying, its viscosity should be reduced to 15-25 s. For airless spraying, viscosity values between 40 and 60 s are considered optimal.
Application technology
Surface treatment in hard-to-reach places is carried out with a brush before the start of full painting. Surfaces made of brick, concrete and plastered substrates are processed in 3 layers, two-time painting is sufficient for metal varieties.
If organosilicon enamel KO-174 is applied by pneumatic spraying, the nozzle diameter is chosen in the range of 1.8-2.5 mm, while the pressure should be about 1.5-2.5 kgf. In the process of spraying enamel, the distance between the gun and the surface to be treated should be approximately 200-300 mm.
After applying the first layer of protective coating, wait an interval of 30 minutes, and then re-stain. If the composition is applied by brush or roller, the intermediate interval is increased to 1.5 hours (subject to staining at a temperature of +20 ° C). In the course of work, enamel manufacturers recommend the use of lint-free rollers and brushes made of natural fibers.
Complete drying of the protective composition with pneumatic spraying occurs after 1 hour. With manual application, this time can be increased up to 2 hours.
Material consumption
The consumption of KO-174 enamel depends on the properties of the surface being treated and on the method of applying the protective coating (roller, brush, spray). So, the enamel consumption when applying the first layer (40 microns thick) will be approximately 150 g / m 2 . But for the processing of mineral surfaces (such as concrete, brick, reinforced concrete, etc.), about 450 g / m 2 of enamel will be required. In this case, the thickness of the protective coating will be equal to 80-100 microns.
If metal surfaces are operated under atmospheric conditions, the thickness of the enamel protective layer should be 100 microns. To fulfill this condition, about 300 grams of enamel per square meter will be required.
When calculating the required amount of material, it should be remembered that the actual consumption may also depend on the chosen color. The number of layers required to ensure absolute surface protection is also taken into account. In order to save, the pneumatic method of applying the composition is used. To equip the first layer, about 180 grams per m 2 will be required.
Safety measures during staining
Safety during the use of the protective composition should be based on the study of each characteristic of the enamel KO-174. Thus, the information that the coloring agent contains xylene and other solvents indicates that the protective composition is quite fire hazardous and toxic. According to the degree of exposure to the human body, this product is classified as a hazard class 3 group.
Enamel application should take place in a sufficiently ventilated area. Workers use protective gloves, a respirator, and in the case of pneumatic spraying, special glasses or a mask.
Surface treatment in enclosed spaces without the use of personal protective equipment is strictly prohibited. It is also unacceptable to use spark-forming tools, smoking in the process of staining. In addition, fire extinguishing equipment must be present at the workplace.
In case of fire, sand, foam and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are used. Fire extinguishing with finely sprayed water is allowed.
Conclusion
The main purpose of the KO-174 enamel is anticorrosion treatment of metal surfaces and the protection of concrete structures from atmospheric effects. The popularity of the structure suggests that it is fully coping with the task. However, it should be noted that the shelf life of this product is only 6 months, which increases the likelihood of acquiring an expired product. Before buying, you should check the date of manufacture of the coating and the integrity of the package itself.