Description of graphite paints and 5 best brands, how to use them in the interior
The use of graphite paint in interior design has become widespread in recent years. With the help of this coating, surfaces of unusual color and texture are created, which are ideal for decorating a kitchen, hallway, nursery or bedroom. Additionally, graphite coatings are popular for interiors of bars, restaurants, cafes and entertainment centers.
Graphite paint: basic characteristics
Graphite or graphite paint is often referred to as "graphite". This is due to the fact that this material is the basis or filler of the created coating. The basis of the graphite composition is natural mineral chips, which are formed as a result of stone processing.
Reference! The color of natural graphite has a dark gray tint and has a metallic sheen. These physical characteristics are often used by designers when planning a renovation.
Compound
The basic material of artificial grass is natural graphite. Additional elements have been added to it.It is a special plasticizer responsible for the structure of the product, as well as pigments that improve aesthetic properties. The pigments are either waterproof or thermoplastic. These qualities determine the final physical properties of the resulting paint.
The graphite base is in the form of fine shavings. When combined with auxiliary elements, a soft plastic mass is formed, which is easily applied to prepared surfaces and forms good adhesion.
Coating characteristics
Due to the presence of a natural mineral with high electrical conductivity properties, graphite paint creates a coating that is comparable in strength to cold galvanized walls. Both procedures provide surface protection against moisture, temperature extremes and mechanical stress.
They talk separately about the anti-corrosion effect of graphite paint. Due to the content of natural mineral chips, the coating prevents rust from spreading on the painted surface. Among the qualities of graphite paint, we note its high electrical conductivity, this characteristic means active cathodic protection.
The coating is equated with natural finishes based on natural raw materials. Graphite does not release toxic substances into the air, does not form vapors when exposed to high or low temperatures, does not react by forming additional components when interacting with cleaning agents.
Main properties of the graphite coating:
- resistance to temperature extremes in the room;
- not subject to abrasion, chipping or cracking;
- paint falls on any surface, hides minor flaws;
- the coating is quickly and easily repaired if necessary;
- it is possible to use different colors and change shades.
Another feature that graphite paint is popular for is creating a layer on which you can draw with chalk. The graphite finish allows you to create a working field for notes and drawings.
Scope
There are many examples of the use of graphite paint in the interior.
| Where is applied | Features |
| Food | Painting of walls, panels of a kitchen set |
| Children | Paint walls, create special areas |
| Bedroom | Finishing some areas |
| Bars, restaurants, cafes | Occasional or local use; well suited for painting walls on which cafe menus and prices are recorded |
Graphite paint comes in different shades. The color depends on the addition of color, so designers have the option of incorporating graphite into any interior. The most popular are muted shades of black, green or plum. Bright chalk paint looks great on the wall in the children's room, which creates a separate space for games or learning.
Advantages and disadvantages of the material
Not everyone can decide to use graphite in interior design. The use of this material requires a design calculation. Graphite zones will be inappropriate when decorating interiors in the Rococo or Baroque style, but they will perfectly fit into the Provencal, neoclassical or minimalist styles.
The coating has advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages of the paint, the following properties are noted:
- ease of maintenance and high-level performance;
- ease of use;
- the presence of anti-corrosion properties;
- the presence of many colors;
- environmental security.
A disadvantage or feature is the unusual appearance of the graphite coating. It is necessary to properly integrate it into the interior, to find special compositional solutions.
Variety of species of graphite paints
Several types of products are made from graphite. This is a group of new modern coatings that make the interior comfortable, interesting and attractive.
Slate
Slate compositions are most often used to create boards, on which notes are then taken or sketches are made. The lead makes the surface rough, durable, able to survive many cycles of chalk scraping. Typically, chalkboard paints are gray, black, brown, or dark green.
magnetic slate
This is an interesting innovative coating that not only decorates the walls, but also performs an additional function. Due to the increased content of graphite particles, magnets, magnetic tabs or paper clips are attached to the finish. The palette of magnetic paints is vast. Glossy monochrome coatings are ideal for creating special spaces in children's rooms or bedrooms.
Cretaceous
Chalk graphite paint gives a special velvety surface and has increased masking properties. Chalk paints are used for old floors, for furniture design and giving them a special texture. Chalk paints usually have pastel tones, tinted with light, calm colors.
Rating of popular manufacturers
Market leaders in paints and varnishes are constantly updating their product catalogs. Well-known manufacturers offer chalk and blackboard paints, as well as a wide selection of colors.
"Oleum"
American company that has been producing paints since 1921.Benefits:
- selection of color shades;
- wide range of.
Disadvantages:
- it is necessary to additionally treat the surface for better adhesion.
The company's catalog contains chalk, slate and graphite paints of various types.
"Kraft"
Cyberia Raft is a Russian company that produces slate paints.
Benefits:
- more than 30 shades;
- environmentally friendly packaging.
Disadvantages:
- small containers.
The company operates in Russia and Europe, produces high-quality paints that meet environmental safety standards.
"Prime"
Dutch manufacturer specializing in the production of paints based on talc, chalk, graphite shavings.
Benefits:
- the presence of different shades of magnetic paints;
- quality standards.
Defaults:
- the price;
- no catalog;
- difficult to order.
The company develops projects for the production of slate compositions.
Benjamin Moore co
The company is the leader in the American market. Benefits:
- production of high-end products;
- environmental security;
- 50 shades.
It is the most expensive brand specializing in the production of graphite products.
"Tikkurila"
The famous Finnish company Tikkurila has been producing paints since 1862. Advantages:
- compositions of different density;
- taking into account modern design trends.
Disadvantages:
- bad choice;
- color restrictions.
Tikkurila expands the catalog of slate-graphite product grades every year.
How to decorate the walls
Graphite paint is compatible with all surfaces and can be applied to wood, concrete, metal or plastic. The coloring process consists of several steps.
The preparation work consists of removing the old layer of paint from the surface.Use knives, scrapers or spatulas to remove any residue. After that, the surface is thoroughly washed, and then left to dry completely. If the surface has not been stained, it is primed, sanded or sanded. This technique will allow a stronger adhesion between the layers.
Mix the paint thoroughly. Thick formulations are further diluted with water. The consistency is controlled during the dyeing process. The material should lie easily on a roller or brush, then spread evenly over the surface.
Paint hard-to-reach places with a brush. For large areas, professionals prefer to use a roller with medium or short nap. The central area is covered with a roller, then they begin to paint the corners and intersections.
Work is carried out at an air temperature of +5 to +25 degrees. In this case, the humidity should remain at 75 percent. The graphite is applied to the wall in two or three layers. Each subsequent layer covers the previous one only after complete drying. An interval of 5 hours is laid between the works, this time is enough for the coating to set firmly.
Drying time
The time required for adhesion between coats is 5 to 6 hours. A fully formed finish dries in 1-2 days. This time is necessary for the graphite paint to become hard and durable.
For 1 month, experts do not recommend washing the walls painted with abrasive or aggressive household compounds. Simply wipe away dirt with a damp cloth or gently wash away streaks with soapy water.
When caring for the surface during the entire period of use, it is recommended to use alkaline cleaners, which will preserve the color of the coating and remove visible dirt.
Storage conditions
Graphite, slate or chalk compositions belong to the category of paints and varnishes and have the same storage conditions.
Storage rules:
- closed containers are stored indoors at temperatures from 0 to +25 degrees;
- containers containing equipment are stored away from heating appliances;
- storage lasts 6 months from the date of manufacture.
If the paint was frozen and stored at temperatures below 0 degrees, then it should be kept for a day at temperatures from +18 to +25 in order to start work.
If the container with the paint has stood still for a long time, natural delamination occurs on the surface after opening the lid. This is corrected by stirring the paint and adding a little warm water.
Attention! An open container with paint is stored for no more than a month. Before performing the work, the composition must be mixed.
Make graphite paint at home
Graphite paint is an expensive product that can be purchased at specialty stores or ordered through a dealer. If you have an item such as fine graphite chips, you can prepare the paint yourself.
Equipment needed for cooking:
- mixture of coloring acrylic base;
- the composition that is used to seal the seams;
- appropriate capacity;
- the water;
- construction mixer.
A dry component is poured into the bottom of the container, poured with acrylic pigment, kneaded with a construction mixer. If the mixture becomes too thick, water is gradually added to the composition. Formula for creating graphite paint: 5:1, where 5 is part of acrylic paint, 1 is part of grouting powder.
Water is only added if the construction mixer is not spinning well. It is poured in a thin stream in the center of the mixture.
Attention! Instead of a construction mixer, you can use a drill with a special attachment.
Wall Decoration Ideas
With the help of graphite paint, unique interiors are created. Although it is an expensive material to acquire, it pays for itself over several years. When repairs are needed, cleaning and storage will be sufficient when using graphite.
The graphite coating works well on kitchen surfaces. It is used in one of the following ways:
- Paint the fronts of the kitchen unit by overlapping the old layer. On the facades you can write with chalk, take notes of recipes, create sketches. It pairs well with black with white trim and metal handles.
- Wall covering along the dining room. The wall is covered in olive color. This technique is combined with bright facades of the kitchen set, as well as textile elements made from natural materials. A table for a kitchen, where there is a graphite wall, is chosen from glass or metal-plastic with a monochrome coating.
- Creation of a graphite deck area. This is a controversial option that many housewives may not like. It is often recommended for minimalist kitchens. To protect the coating above the hob from traces of grease, the area is additionally treated with special agents.
When decorating a child's room, magnetic graphite paints are in demand. These are compounds that are distinguished by bright, saturated colors and increased coating density. Decor options:
- Creation of a playground. One of the walls is covered in a rich, luminous hue.It contains photographs, work materials, game pamphlets on large shiny magnets. The rest of the walls are painted with pastel colored acrylics. There are poufs, armchairs or chairs next to the area.
- Creation of a work space above the bed. This idea is perfect for decorating a teenager's room. Above a low bed height, a dark metal work area is created. You can make notes and sketches there.
- Paint a wall to write. This technique is suitable for decorating a student room. The wall is painted in any chosen color, a shelf with chalk is attached to the wall. A desk is placed next to it. During lessons, the student can write on the wall using chalk. Black, red or dark blue are best for this.
The graphite coating fits perfectly into the decor of the premises intended for bars or cafes. Above the counter, you can make different inscriptions, update content daily, attract customers to the design.
The idea of decorating cafes or cafes using graphite compositions belongs to American owners. First, slate boards were hung on them, then they were painted over with the use of paints and varnishes. Therefore, in the territory of the United States, the production of graphite paint is especially in demand.
