Types of wear-resistant paints for slabs and rules for their application
Manufacturers today offer many wear-resistant paints for paving slabs. These substances make it possible to give the concrete mixture a specific shade. Coloring pigments are used to create unique tile patterns. At the same time, a variety of mixtures are on sale. They differ in composition, colors, physical characteristics.
Basic requirements for the coloring composition of paving slabs
In order to color the tiles to give the desired result, it is important to choose the right stain. It must meet the following requirements:
- protect tiles from the effects of precipitation;
- make the material less slippery;
- increase the wear resistance of the coating;
- extend the life of the coating;
- change track design;
- give the coating a beautiful glossy shine.
How to choose the right paint and varnish material
Today, manufacturers offer many effective paints and varnishes that can be used for application on paving slabs. They differ in their composition and characteristics.
Rubber
The tile is safe to paint with rubber colorants.They contain acrylic polymers that increase the durability and wear resistance of the material. The features of such funds include a high degree of elasticity, resistance to the influence of precipitation and wear resistance. Additionally, rubber paints are considered non-flammable.
There are many shades of these dyes on sale. Therefore, finding a suitable option will not be difficult. Another advantage of rubbery substances is the uniformity of application. This gives the tracks a nice smooth surface.
alkyd
It is allowed to paint it immediately after laying. The disadvantage of alkyd dyes is a pungent, lingering odor that lingers for a long time.
Polyurethane
The use of this dye is more protective. Such coloring helps to make the surface more wear-resistant, protects against the influence of chemical and atmospheric factors, and reduces susceptibility to mechanical stress.
acid dye
Such paints do not allow you to get a bright, saturated shade. They have a translucent texture and mainly help to improve the surface, but do not hide its imperfections. With this treatment, it will not be possible to hide potholes, cracks or other defects. It also does not overlap the base color or obscure the surface texture.
Most often, such dyes are made on the basis of hydrochloric acid, to which water and metal salts are added.
The principle of staining lies in the deep penetration of the substance into the concrete structure. This is achieved by a chemical reaction on the surface.
The acid burns through the top layer of the tile. In this case, metal salts penetrate the internal structure.When the reaction begins, the paint merges with the coating, turning into a whole. The disadvantage of acid dyes is a limited set of shades. On sale there are only black, brown, blue-green and terracotta tones.
It is important to take into account that such substances must be absorbed into the tile. Therefore, they should be applied exclusively to cleaned surfaces. They should be free of oil, old paint, grease and other contaminants that prevent deep penetration.
The procedure for working with your own hands
In order for the staining of the paving slabs to be successful, it is important to carry out this procedure correctly.
Surface preparation
Before applying the dye, it is worth cleaning the surface from dirt. This can be done with a brush and water. To achieve the best effect, you should use synthetic detergents or ordinary soap solution. At the same time, it is not recommended to use too strong water pressure, as this will remove sand from the cracks between the tiles, which will reduce their strength.
Use a brush to remove the foam. To prevent its reappearance, it is recommended to periodically treat the surface with herbicides. Various grass mixtures are also suitable for this purpose.
When using hydrochloric acid for cleaning, after completing the procedure, it is recommended to rinse the surface with plenty of water. Otherwise, colored spots may appear on it.
The remains of diesel fuel or gasoline must be removed with strong solvents - solvent or white spirit. After the tile surface dries, it is recommended to apply a primer to it.This is especially true when working with porous substrates.
Dyeing
It is recommended to apply the stain by brush, roller or spray. It is important to ensure that the air temperature is above +5 degrees.
To make the coating as dense as possible, it is important to apply the paint in several layers. In this case, each subsequent layer is applied only after the previous one has completely dried. If cracks appear on the surface, these areas should be painted over with a brush.
Final works
Each coat takes about 3 hours to dry. However, the specific duration depends on temperature and humidity. Also, specific drying times may be stated in the instructions for the dye. After completing the work, you should definitely rinse the used tools. This is done before they dry out.
Advantages and disadvantages of coloring
The use of colorants for cobblestones has certain advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages of this procedure are:
- The ability to quickly and inexpensively change the appearance of the material.
- Versatility. This method is suitable for tiles in all areas.
- The ability to protect against negative influences and mechanical damage. Paints protect tiles from frost, humidity, temperature fluctuations and precipitation.
- The increase in the duration of operation.
- Ease of coloring. It is quite possible to transform the appearance of tiles with your own hands. This does not require the intervention of specialists.
In addition, the coloring of the paving slabs makes it less slippery. This is especially true after precipitation or when temperatures drop to negative values.
In addition, this method of finishing also differs in some drawbacks. The main disadvantages are:
- Costs extra effort and time. Even with a small labor strain, staining will take at least several days.
- The need to use additional protective equipment. Dye vapors often give off harmful substances. Therefore, work should be performed using goggles and a respirator.
- The need for periodic updates. In a garden plot, on average, this is done at intervals of 8-12 years. On the street, you will have to paint the tiles more often.
The use of special dyes for paving slabs has many advantages. This helps to change the appearance of the site and protect the coating from the negative influence of external factors. At the same time, it is important to choose the right paint composition and strictly follow the instructions for use.