Removing rust and stopping the corrosive destruction of metal is a serious problem for any equipment, machinery, or metal product.
The range of effective products designed to solve this problem includes innovative compositions called “Soil-enamel 3 in 1”.
The formula and technical characteristics of this chemical allow you to forget about rust for a long time, and simple instructions facilitate practical use. This is confirmed by numerous reviews about different types of primer enamel.
Content
What is it, why 3 in 1?
The classic scheme for removing iron oxides from a metal surface and further protection includes several sequential operations.
They are related to:
- applying a certain anti-rust agent,
- by washing off
- priming.
And between each stage there must be drying. Primer enamel allows you to speed up processing time and simplify the process of protecting metal.
This primer on the metal surface provides:
- Neutralization of oxidation products.
- Creation of a hydrophobic primer layer.
- Weather-resistant decorative coating.
Primer-enamel replaces three separate tools:
- rust remover,
- primer,
- paint.
The result of the work is a beautiful, smooth coating that reliably preserves the surface and blocks access to moisture. Externally, the enamel layer can be glossy or matte (hammer). Manufacturers give the coating a shelf life of at least 5 years.
Composition and technical characteristics
Despite the fact that the composition of the primer-enamel includes a converter, primer and paint, it is very difficult to produce a high-quality product in artisanal conditions. This is explained by the fact that the formula of modern primer enamels is very complex.
To compose it, a banal mixing of ingredients is not enough. Primer-enamel “3 in 1” is not just “the best paint for rust”; its composition is complex, as it includes:
Alkyd-urethane varnish. A mixture of alkyd resin and urethane additives is required as a binder base.- Corrosion inhibitors. They form a phosphate film, which neutralizes existing rust and stops corrosion.
- Enamel. Provides a decorative coating that simultaneously protects the surface from atmospheric influences.
- Plasticizers. Necessary to give the product elasticity, fluidity, and strength.
- Solvent. Maintains the mixture in a liquid state, giving it the desired consistency.
The exact composition of different primer enamels may differ, since manufacturers use their own set of additives. However, this does not greatly affect the general technical parameters of the mixtures and their characteristics.
All primer enamels are characterized by:
- impact resistance;
- water resistance;
- inertia;
- heat resistance;
- wear resistance;
- durability;
- aesthetics.
When producing “3 in 1” primer enamels, manufacturers try to adhere to general technical indicators. Thus, the specific gravity of such products is 1.3-1.4 g/cc. The maximum fraction of insoluble compounds is 40 µm, and the maximum bending elasticity is 1 mm.
When is the remedy needed?
Primer-enamel “3 in 1” effective for covering:
- metal,
- concrete,
- reinforced concrete,
- wooden,
- stone surfaces.
This universal tool is applicable for:
pipes,- gratings,
- fences,
- stairs,
- artistic forged products,
- monuments,
- children's playgrounds,
- car parts,
- bridges,
- industrial metal structures,
- pipelines.
The product can be used for the initial coating of a new product. It is used for repainting used products that have traces of rust.
The use of paint and varnish chemistry of this type is justified in cases where there is no time for a long process of multi-stage processing according to a standard scheme using several means.
Types of primers for metal against rust
Primer enamels differ in color. The palette of decorative anti-rust is not inferior to the artistic range of colors. Classic colors are:
- white,
- black,
- grey,
- brown.
If desired, you can find original colors for painting enamel:
- golden,
- green,
- wine red,
- red-brown
- rapeseed yellow
- blue and others.
The classification, based on the composition of anti-corrosion additives, distinguishes several functional varieties:
- Insulating. Excellent protection from atmospheric factors (moisture, temperature changes).
- Passivating. Effectively reduces corrosion in high humidity conditions.
- Transformative. Capable of qualitatively dissolving rust and restoring metal.
- Phosphating. They protect galvanized surfaces well in wet conditions.
- Tread. They contain metal particles, therefore they form a durable metallized layer.
- Inhibitory. They have high adhesion and excellent priming properties.
Instructions for use
The development of primer enamels has greatly simplified the work of caring for rusting materials. The high price of such paints and varnishes pays off with simple application.
The instructions require following several steps:
Remove layers of rust from the surface using a tool or sandpaper.- Cleaned areas are degreased using solvent or white spirit.
- If necessary, add a suitable thinner to the enamel primer.
- Apply the first layer of 3-in-1 enamel using a brush, roller or spray gun.
- Allow two hours to dry the first paint coating.
- Apply a second layer, trying to avoid smudges and clots.
- Dry the coating for the time specified in the instructions for the selected enamel.
It is necessary to paint the product with primer enamel at temperatures from +5 to +30 degrees. In hotter conditions (above +30 degrees), the paint dries very quickly and you may not have time to distribute it evenly over the surface. In cold conditions, the viscosity of the composition increases, which leads to the appearance of smudges.
Top 7 best and reviews about them
Both foreign and domestic manufacturers are engaged in the production of “3 in 1” primer enamels. The range of products is quite wide.
Each product has its own characteristics:
- consumption,
- type of thinner
- drying time
- price.
Prestige
Primer enamel is produced by the Prestige holding. The thickened emulsion is diluted with solvent, white spirit or petroleum xylene. For single-layer application, 125-180 g/sq.m. is required. This figure is slightly higher compared to other primer enamels.
The finished decorative layer dries in at least 6 hours. The price is lower than some analogues and averages 400 rubles per jar of 1.9 kg. A 5-liter container sells for 1,400 rubles.
All users (100%) unanimously recommend Prestige for use. Full compliance with the “3 in 1” purpose, excellent corrosion protection, and fast drying are noted. The downside of Prestige is the unpleasant smell.
Lakra
The Lakra-Sintez company specializes in the production of paints and varnishes. This primer-enamel is used for surfaces of different quality indoors and outdoors.
Fresh paint dries completely in 10 hours. A small jar (0.8 kg) costs an average of 400 rubles.
Despite all its advantages, Lakra enamel primer is recommended by only 33% of consumers. The advantages include good color qualities and water-repellent properties. The disadvantages are long drying time, poor dyeability.
Kudo
Alkyd enamel is produced by the RusTA group of companies "Russian Technical Aerosols" under the Kudo brand. The paint and varnish consumption is 260-520 ml/sq.m.
Enamel characterized by a reduced drying period between the first and second coat (10-15 minutes). To completely dry the coating, depending on the type of spray, it takes 2 or 4 hours. A 520 ml aerosol can costs about 220 rubles.
Reviews about Kudo are contradictory: 50% recommend the product for use, the rest are dissatisfied with the quality. There is good surface protection and ease of use, but there may be problems with the spray system.
Profilux
The enamel primer is produced by Profilux. The thickened mass is diluted with solvent, white spirit, xylene. The consumption of Profilux can be called economical, since it does not exceed 100 g/sq.m.
Profilux earned a low percentage of user recommendations (33%). The advantages include price, good rust conservation. The disadvantages include a strong odor, the appearance of cracks in the coating, uneven consistency.
Novax
The enamel primer is produced by the Novaks plant. When applied in a single layer, one liter of product is spent on 8-12 square meters. Complete drying time is 24 hours. The manufacturer guarantees the preservation of the coating for 12 years. A 3-liter jar has a price tag of 1,160 rubles.
Only 16% of users who tried Novax left a positive recommendation for using the product.
It is noted that the color indicated on the can does not always coincide with reality, and cracks appear on the new coating after winter. At the same time, primer enamel has economical consumption and does not have a very strong odor.
Novbytkhim
The developer of primer-enamel is a St. Petersburg company of the same name.To dilute the paint and varnish, you must use a solvent from the same company.
“Novbytkhim” is recommended by 45% of users, noting the high drying speed, durability and good rust coverage. The disadvantages include a strong smell. Read more about Novbytkhim primer enamel here.
Dali
The product is produced by NPP Rogneda LLC. Varieties include gloss and hammer enamel. Consumption is economical (70-100 g/sq.m), and the composition is resistant to frost and heat: storage is possible in the temperature range from -40 to +40 degrees.
If necessary, Dali is diluted with solvent or xylene. The disadvantage of this primer enamel is its high price. A large 10-liter jar has a price tag from 5800 to 6600 rubles.
More than half of users (77%) recommend Dali. The enamel adheres well to the surface, dries quickly, can be diluted without problems, but has a strong smell. You can find out more about Dali's primer enamel Here.
Where and at what price to buy?
Innovative primer enamels have long been no longer a scarce commodity. You can find the product from the selected manufacturer in:
- construction stores,
- specialized dealer centers,
- online stores.
The price of products from different companies may vary significantly. It is determined by the cost, popularity of the brand, and the pricing policy of the outlet.
Tips for selection and use
Following the instructions for using decorative primers “3 in 1” guarantees a high-quality result. However, knowledge of some processing nuances will help avoid problems.
To dilute paints and varnishes, use only the chemical that is indicated in the accompanying information for the product.. But in any case, the amount of solvent should not exceed 10% of the volume of primer-enamel.
Considering the toxicity of the primer-enamel composition and the solvents used for dilution, all work on processing products must be carried out outdoors.
If the item is indoors, turn on the ventilation and open the windows. For safety reasons, it is recommended to use a respirator.
When applying an alkyd-urethane composition in two layers, the shelf life of the coating is 5 years. To extend this period to 7 years, experts recommend making a third layer. It is applied in the standard way after drying the previous layers for two hours.
An important note also applies to the storage of containers with primer-enamel. The product is flammable, so it should be stored away from possible sources of ignition. You should also limit access to paint shelves for young children.
Conclusion
Primer-enamel “3 in 1” is a practical, effective, convenient tool for combating corrosion. To get a high-quality and beautiful coating, you must follow the instructions exactly. and remember safety precautions.
Choosing a suitable alkyd-urethane rust preventative is not difficult, since the range of products from different manufacturers is quite wide.
