Enamel: Its main functions
Such coatings in traditional industrial production technology provide for high-temperature sintering of compositions including metal salts, for example titanium or zirconium. So the coating of the cast-iron bath is carried out with enamel( or steel).In this case, titanium salts give a more durable and durable enamel coating, with a smoother and shiny surface structure, they also "repel" dirt and prevent its accumulation.
Less quality coating of the bath enamel is obtained by using zirconium salts. Their use also ensures the production of enamels for baths, but as a result, the coating has a more "porous" structure, is less resistant to external factors, quickly loses gloss and becomes like a sponge. It is easier to retain dirt on it. Over time, the dullness of such a surface is stronger.
If high-quality coating of the bath with enamel, it allows to increase, along with hygiene and safety of washing, the service life of the product. In addition, the wall material is protected from corrosion by contact with water and detergents.
When mentioning detergents, we mean not only hygiene products used during washing( various types of soaps, shampoos, salts, etc.), but also often containing substances that are aggressive enough to wash sanitaryware.
Of course, if the bathtub is made of stainless steel or has a multilayer structure made of non-ferrous metals, it is practically not susceptible to corrosion and can serve without degradation for many decades. She is not threatened by the cleavage of the enamel in the bathroom, she is less afraid of scratches, leaks due to through holes from rust, impacts by heavy objects, etc. But the high cost of such exclusive options is often too expensive for the average consumer.
Renewal of enamel is not a problem
Often due to the duration of the operation or the low quality of the enamel coating, or other factors, the question arises as to how to renew the bath enamel, get rid of the "age-old" divorces of rusting, chipping, indelible yellowness, etc. In elementary calculations, the acquisition of a new bath is costly, including not only the cost of it, but also the delivery, installation, connection of plumbing, embedding.
And often this can turn into a repair of the whole room. Modern industry produces compounds that make it possible to paint the bath with enamel. Such enamels do not require high-temperature processing regimes and can be applied by means of brushes and other paint devices. Of course, conventional paint is not capable of providing neither appearance nor strength of the coating.
But special enamels for sanitary and technical coverage are quite suitable for performing work with such requests. As a rule, such materials contain basic compounds and hardeners to them. The combination of strictly defined proportions of the components results in uniform glossy coating on the wall surface after application. The quality of this coating, provided that the manufacturer's instructions are followed, can ensure long-term operation.
According to experts, acrylic enamels withstand more than ten years of service, of course, if the replacement of enamel in the bathroom is performed with appropriate compliance with the conditions of work. Among these materials we can name the factory primer-enamel Temaflooor-150 or Opal EP-1-089 , produced by Finnish and German technologies, respectively, and on the corresponding technical lines.
How to cover the bath with enamel?
With apparent simplicity, coating the bath with enamel with your own hands will require knowledge of a number of professional secrets and trifles. Starting with the fact that you need to remove the layer of old enamel. In general, this is a fairly crude mechanical work, requiring effort and thoroughness. Stripping can be done with a conventional abrasive cloth, using an electric drill with a nozzle, etc.
It is also important to take into account the material of the bath, its condition and other characteristics. Carrying out such dirty work, you need to take security measures: glasses and a respirator are needed. Well, there will be a lot of dust in the bathroom.
After roughing and cleaning, the surface must be degreased. Here most often use a soda solution. Then the bath is thoroughly washed and dried. Depending on the type of enamel purchased and the manufacturer's instructions, the workforce is prepared. It is important not to "go too far" during the addition of hardener. Its excessive amount often leads to the fact that the composition does not harden.
When staining the bath, no spills and stains are allowed. Carefully executed work guarantees a high-quality view and long-term use. The applied layers must finally cure. Time can be from two days or more.
