Urethane Paint
Urethane paints seem to be everywhere these days, but do you know what makes them so popular? This week we will take a good look at the properties of urethane paints.
First off, we should understand that urethane paints do not actually contain the material that meets the true chemical definition of urethane, which is ethyl carbamate. Actual urethane is used in the veterinary field as an anesthetic. You certainly do not want that in your paint! Urethane linkages are formed by a reaction between isocyanates and polyols. These linkages are what give urethane paints their fantastic characteristics.
Why choose a urethane paint?
Urethane paints are:
- Durable
- Able to be used over enamel
- UV resistant for outdoor usage (aliphatic)
- Chemical resistant
- Abrasion resistant
- Easy to clean
- Available in many varieties- matte, glossy etc.
- Able to be applied in thicker coats- two 3-4 mil coating of a urethane is equal to 5 thin coats of other types of paints (this is due to the high solid contents of urethanes)
- Slow to yellow or amber
Types of urethane paint
When you are shopping for your coating, you may see the three types of urethane paints listed below. Each type brings a slightly different set of characteristics to the table based on their chemistry and how they are produced.
- Aliphatic- best for high UV light applications, as it is slow to amber, often used in concrete applications
- Waterborne- best for indoor applications such as wood trims and doors, low odor and easy clean up
- Aromatic – general purpose paint, least expensive of the 3 types, dries fast
How do I select the proper urethane paint for my job?
When shopping for a urethane paint for your application, look for a high quality product. Research your options and understand what your paint is really made of. While pricing may be an important factor in your choice, a paint that does not meet your needs will cost you more in frustration, money and wasted time.
Cheaper products contain a minimum of 10% polyurethane, but the higher quality paints will have a greater percentage. That percentage will determine how durable and resistant the paint will be on your building or floor.
Because you want the best urethane paint on your surfaces, it is a good idea to speak to the professionals at PennCoat for a perfect choice every time.