Enamel specific weight, weight of 1 liter of PF-115 enamel

Enamel, or more precisely enamel paint, has undergone many changes since its appearance, but at its core it remains the same familiar paint and varnish material. It is based on:

• film-forming substances, meaning varnishes;

• solvent, which may be turpentine or solvent naphtha, but most often white spirit is used;

• pigments that color the enamel in different shades;

• special additives and fillers that provide a variety of enamel properties and expand their field of use.

Many enamel paints, especially solvent-based formulations, release harmful vapors and are fire hazardous. Work with them should be done with ventilation, away from open flame and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Types and Characteristics of Enamels

Depending on the type of base, meaning various modifications of acrylic varnishes, different enamel paint types are distinguished. Each has its own features and preferred area of application.

Alkyd enamels have high resistance to atmospheric effects. The exception is PF-266 pentaphthalic alkyd enamel, familiar in the post-Soviet region. This enamel grade withstands abrasion, but is highly sensitive to temperature changes, humidity and other atmospheric effects. Therefore, PF-266 enamel is used exclusively for interior work, for example for painting floors.

Unlike the previous enamel paint representative, PF-115 is a more popular enamel widely used in everyday life. One liter of this enamel usually weighs about 1.1-1.2 kg; the exact value depends on color, composition and manufacturer.

PF-115 enamel is produced on the basis of alkyd varnish and is characterized by the following properties:

• resistance to atmospheric effects;

• tolerance of abrasion and cleaning agents;

• resistance to light abrasives and mineral oils;

• creation of a shiny, glossy and durable surface;

• the coating lasts 4-6 years outdoors and up to 15 years indoors.

Coating quality depends on enamel drying conditions. For a long service life, drying should take place at a temperature of about 100 °C. If the enamel dries under natural conditions, weather resistance, hardness and coating strength decrease significantly.

Another type of enamel coating that is new but already popular because of its performance qualities is acrylic-polyurethane enamel. It dries quickly under natural room-temperature conditions, forms a strong, durable and visually attractive decorative layer, is resistant to atmospheric effects, ultraviolet radiation and wear, and can be diluted with water. It is recommended to apply it to a pre-primed surface. The specific weight of this enamel type is slightly higher than that of pentaphthalic enamels. The weight of 1 liter of enamel based on acrylic-polyurethane dispersion is from 1.2 to 1.3 kg.