Commercial Painting Contractors London Articles

Elastomeric Coating: Usage and Benefits

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Elastomeric paint is widely used in industrial and residential buildings for roofing and cladding. The water-based paint protects the substrate from water, UV rays, and extreme weather conditions.

What is elastomeric coating?

Elastomeric coating is a waterproofing solution applied to the exterior of a building or wall. The paint is generally thicker than ordinary wall paint. The thick coating helps to bridge tiny, hairline-like cracks on the surface and makes it waterproof.

Components of elastomeric painting

Elastomeric paint is manufactured using polymers that contain a long chain of molecules. This chain of molecules provides flexibility to the thick coating of elastomeric paint. It makes it sustainable for a long time. The elasticity of a thick rubber-like coating remains under extreme heat and extreme cold.

Types of elastomeric paint

Acrylic elastomeric paint: This type of elastomeric coating is more suitable for sloped roofs. It contains approximately 52% solids and 48% water, and it is also called water-based elastomeric paint. However, it does not have excellent ponding water resistance, so you should not use it on a substrate where water may remain for 48 hours. Otherwise, the water will melt the acrylic paint and wash it away.

Silicone elastomeric paint: This paint is more resistant to ponding water. Hence, it can be used on roofs where rainwater may be expected to remain for longer hours. This type of elastomeric paint is 96% solid with approximately 4% of the carrier.

Urethane: Urethane has the most resistance against water impact. This quality of the elastomeric paint makes it ideal for roof waterproofing. However, it is also more expensive than the other two variants.

Usage of elastomeric painting

Now, let's examine some of the uses of elastomeric painting.

Waterproofing: Elastomeric paint is an excellent option for waterproofing your industrial or residential building. The thick rubber-like coating helps to feel cracks on the surface and protects the substrate from water.

Maintaining building aesthetics: You also use elastomeric paint to colour the industrial building. Adding customised colour to the paint will help improve the building's aesthetic value. As it is sustainable for a long time, you will not be required to paint within a few years due to faded colour.

Heat resistance: Elastomeric paint's heat resistance and protection against UV rays make it ideal for cladding on industrial or residential buildings. It helps keep the room temperature low during summer, reducing the additional energy needed to lower the room temperature.

Benefits of elastomeric coating

Coating flexibility: Elastomeric coatings are flexible, making them suitable for roof cladding or waterproofing. They can expand with the expansion of the substrate under extreme heat and regain their previous condition in cold weather.

Low environmental impact: The thick, rubber-like elastomeric paint coating can withstand extreme weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold; its flexible nature makes it perfect for waterproofing or cladding walls.

Easier to apply on different substrates: You can apply elastomeric paint as primer or cladding. The paint is suitable for any substrate, whether metal, concrete or others. The range of suitable substrates makes elastomeric paint acceptable to contractors from different industries.

When should I use elastomeric painting?

As you know, elastomeric paint can be used to clad or primer walls. You can use it when you complete the building's construction process. Otherwise, you can use it to clad after the painting is done. It will help protect the substrate from extreme weather conditions and help maintain its structural integrity.

Elastomeric paint can be used for waterproofing when the existing roof coating is at the end of the warranty. Otherwise, it can be used as a protective coating if there are signs of cracks or degradation of roof materials.

Conclusion

Elastomeric paint is popular among industrial and residential property owners for several reasons. Flexibility and durability are the main reasons for using it as a waterproofing material and a wall coating. You can use it to waterproof your roofs and as a heat-resistant coating. However, silicone-based elastomeric paint is more resistant to ponding water.

The paint is suitable for applying to any substrate, making it an excellent option for painting steel, wood, or concrete surfaces. If you are looking for a painting contractor, contact us at Commercial Painters London. We are a reliable painting contractor that serves industrial and residential buildings equally.

What Are The Benefits Of Painting Commercial Buildings?

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Painting commercial buildings helps create a positive impression on customers. Keeping your commercial property well-maintained sends a positive message to your stakeholders. However, the benefits of painting commercial buildings go beyond just creating a positive impression before customers. It helps to improve the brand image and boosts employee morale. Scroll on if you are a commercial property owner who wants to know the benefits of painting your commercial property. The focus of the present discussion will be how a fresh coat of paint can improve value for your business.

First impression is the last impression

The first impression you and your brand create on customers may have a lasting impact on them. Maintaining your commercial buildings with a proper paint job ensures a professional and positive impact on customers. The exterior condition of a commercial building helps build the first impression of the brand. A faded or chipped exterior condition showcases utter unprofessionalism. Interior painting is also necessary to create a professional environment. So, taking good care when painting a commercial building may make a good impression of the brand before customers.

Make your brand stand out

Colours play an important role in establishing brands in the competitive market. If your brand’s logo combines red and golden colours, your customers may associate your brand with this combination of colours. For example, if you paint your commercial building red and golden, it will stand out from other buildings. Similarly, you can paint a commercial building with any colour that resonates with your brand image. Still, you should contact a professional painting contractor to select the best colour combination for your commercial building. Keeping your commercial property polished with a fresh coat of paint will likely attract clients’ attention.

Boost up employee morale

The interior environment of a workplace is crucial in boosting employee morale. A nice and clean work environment with freshly coated paint can motivate employees to perform better. If you care about employee well-being, your employees will likely feel motivated and productive. As part of the employee wellness programme, you can renovate your office interior with beautiful colours. This sends a clear message to your employees that you care about their well-being.

Protect your commercial property

Painting is a good solution to protect your commercial property from extreme weather. Modern paints work against harsh weather like rain, UV rays, and heat. Applying suitable paint every few years can protect your commercial property's health. A fresh coat of paint works as a protective shield and increases the longevity of your building. It can save you a lot of money that would be required to repair the property. Along with improving the aesthetics of the building, painting your commercial property can protect the value of your investment. Eventually, if you decide to sell it off, the well-maintained commercial property shall generate good value.

Stay ahead of your competitors.

If your competitors' commercial properties are well-maintained, you should not just passively watch. You should contact a commercial painting contractor or a designer to paint your commercial property. It should look well-maintained and modern to outshine your competitors. Your eagerness to stay ahead of your competitors reflects your commitment to your business. It is safe to say that painting helps commercial property owners to attract customers.

Long term maintenance

Commercial painting helps maintain a property for a long time. However, the process of painting a commercial building is long and complicated. First, you have to conduct a complete survey of the site. Then, identify any faded or damaged areas on internal and external walls. Next, prepare the surface by washing off dirt and removing old paint. If you do not prepare the surface properly, the new coat of paint may not attach to it. A paint job done properly can work as a long-term maintenance. You will not be required to invest in the maintenance of the commercial property.

Conclusion

Painting your commercial property has several benefits. It helps create an excellent impression before potential clients. A well-maintained office with a fresh coat of paint helps it stand out among competitors. However, the perfect combination of attractive colours creates a lasting impression on clients about the brand image. Besides, good-quality paint can protect the property against extreme weather—heat, rain, cold, UV rays, etc. If you plan to paint your commercial property in the UK, get in touch with Commercial Painters London today! We offer bespoke painting solutions as per requirement.

What is Electrostatic Paint?: Benefits and Challenges

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The electrostatic painting uses the magnificent law of physics: opposite attracts. A negatively charged surface attracts the paint's positively charged particles or ions. The static charge causes the paint particles to bond strongly with the surface. Do you have little knowledge about electrostatic paint? Do you need clarification on whether it is suitable for your property? Commercial Painters London is here to solve your query. This article will teach you about electrostatic painting and how it works. You will learn the process of preparing the surface. The benefits and challenges of electrostatic painting will also be detailed. Let's begin the discussion.

What is electrostatic painting?

The electrostatic painting process uses a negatively charged object and a positively charged paint. The physics here is that the negatively charged object attracts the positively charged paint’s ions, while the positively charged ions in the paint repel each other. A special spray gun charges the spray particles with a positive charge. As a result, the paint particles are finely and evenly spread over the object.

Which surface is most suitable for electrostatic painting?

Metal is the most suitable surface for electrostatic painting. It is also the best conductor of electricity. Hence, a negatively charged metal surface attracts positively charged paint particles. If you own a shop or warehouse where metal surfaces need painting, use electrostatic spray technology. However, you should remember that plastic or concrete surfaces are not ideal for electrostatic painting.

How much does electrostatic painting cost in the UK?

Experts in electrostatic paint charge around £50-£60 per hour. This includes a maintenance charge for all the specialised equipment used for the painting. The overall cost for supplies is less than that of traditional painting methods. One reason for this is that there is no overspray or paint waste. The entire surface is evenly sprayed. You should always hire a professional painting contractor to get durable paint finishes for metal.

What are its advantages?

Electrostatic painting is mainly used in the automotive industry to achieve a better finish. Commercial painting contractors also use this method in residential and industrial areas. Metal doors, windows, furniture, and garden fences are painted using electrostatic painting technology. Some benefits of the painting technology include:

Premium coating

A premium-quality coating can be done as a negatively charged surface attracts positively charged paint ions. Blank spaces on the surface seek positively charged paint particles, resulting in an evenly spread paint with a premium finish.

Reduced VOCs

As electrostatic painting reduces overspray, it also reduces the spread of volatile organic compounds (VOC). VOCs are organic chemical compounds present in paints. It can harm human health if inhaled beyond safety parameters.

Cost efficiency

The electrostatic painting technology reduces painting waste. The painting process is efficient as oppositely charged particles attract each other. It saves extra time for workers to paint the entire surface meticulously. Hence, you can save on the hourly wages and painting costs.

Are there any downsides to electrostatic painting?

There are some downsides to using the electrostatic painting method. Let’s discuss this in detail.

The challenge to worker safety

The electrostatic painting technique uses electrically charged particles. Workers must be more cautious and set up the entire system safely with help.

Faraday Cage Effect

The electrostatic spray technique can make painting any complex or recessed structure difficult. The positively charged paint particles are attracted to the nearest negatively charged surface. For example, if you are painting a locker, it won't be easy to pint the furthest part. Most of the paint will be attracted to the edge of the locker.

Lack of efficient workers

To achieve an efficient paint service, workers must have the training to use spray guns and painting materials. If the workers do not know how to use a specific spray gun for a particular surface, overspray can occur. Hence, a lack of efficient workers is a challenge.

Conclusion

Electrostatic painting is a cost-efficient method of industrial and residential painting. The positively charged ions in the paint fill the gap on a negatively charged surface. The technology may primarily be used in the automotive industry. Still, it is now in demand in residential and commercial areas. Electrostatic painting technology can deliver a premium finish with skilled technicians. However, there may be a few challenges, including the Faraday Cage Effect and underskilled workers. Contact Commercial Painters London for a premium paint job for your residential or commercial property. We have a dedicated team for commercial and residential painting services with expertise in electrostatic painting.

What are the Benefits and Types of Exterior Wall Paints?

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Exterior wall paint protects the building from extreme weather and moisture. Your colour selection for the exterior wall paint complements the surrounding environment. Choosing a suitable exterior paint can be challenging if you are a homeowner or have a large factory to maintain. If you don’t know about different types of exterior paints, Commercial Painters London is here to help you. Here, we will discuss various types of exterior paints and their applications. We will also explain the benefits and challenges of different painting options. We are here to help you understand how you can increase the longevity of your building through external painting.

Why should you invest in exterior painting?

The exterior portion of the wall is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. A layer of premium-quality painting on exterior walls can protect your house or commercial property and help increase the lifespan of the entire building. Modern waterproof paints can prevent water from entering into the wall. So, applying exterior paint protects the substrate from water-related damage. External painting enhances the building's beauty and protects it from extreme weather conditions. A professional painting contractor can help you choose appropriate shades of color. Industrial exterior wall painting is a more complicated process than domestic projects. Moisture or water can seep into walls and damage the internal structure of an industrial building. Exposure to chemicals can also damage external walls. Investing in exterior painting will help you protect industrial property from wear and tear.

What are the available types of external paints in the UK?

Different types of external paints are available in the UK, depending on where you plan to apply them. Materials and processes of external painting differ for concrete walls, external wood walls, and metal surfaces. This discussion will focus on the methods and materials for concrete walls. The types of external paints include:

Limewash

Acrylic Masonry paint

Silicone masonry paint

Oil-based masonry paint

Let’s discuss these paints and their benefits in detail.

Limewash

Limewash is a traditional method of external painting. It has become a popular method among homeowners and contractors due to the absence of harmful chemicals. Limewash has been popularly used in historical buildings. Limewash has several benefits, including its water permeability, breathability, and cost-effectiveness. Limewash putty can be applied on external walls to protect the substrate from water, cold, or heat. Due to its water permeability, limewash coating can be used to wet walls, damp walls, or areas where water naturally collects. Limewash putty will help internal water evaporate quickly. At Commercial Painters London, we offer multiple colors to use in limewash putty.

Acrylic masonry paint

It is the most used exterior paint in the UK and a primary masonry paint. Acrylic masonry paint contains acrylic polymer emulsion, pigments, stabilizers, and others. This type of paint is water-based, so it dries off quickly. Despite its water base, the paint can be water resistant after drying. However, it can never be entirely waterproof. It is vulnerable before extreme rain and, over time, may peel off from the substrate. The acrylic paint is cheaper to manufacture, making it a good economic choice. You can use it to paint your garden wall or somewhere you do not want to invest heavily.

Silicone masonry paint

This is the most advanced painting solution available in the UK market. It contains silicone resin that makes it water-repellent. Along with its high breathability technology, silicone masonry paint stands out as the painting option for external painting. Water-repellent technology protects the substrate from absorbing external water. At the same time, breathability allows internal moisture to evaporate. This helps maintain the paint's lifetime of at least 20+ years. Silicone masonry paint is slightly more costly than other masonry paint in the market. However, the long-term value compensates for its one-time investment.

Oil-based masonry paint

The oil-based masonry paint, also known as pliolite, is more suitable for use in industrial settings. Generally, the paint is used for weather conditions below 5° C. Or, it can be used in rainy seasons if other options are unavailable. Oil-based masonry painting has higher water resistance than any other masonry paint. You can use oil-based masonry paint if you have an emergency or live in a stormy area.

Conclusion

Exterior wall painting can increase the longevity of your building. Water-resistant acrylic masonry painting is an economical solution for external wall painting. Silicone-based masonry painting offers better protection from water. Otherwise, you can also use oil-based masonry painting for absolute waterproofing, but it's not suitable for residential houses. It may be an appropriate option for industrial usage. Contact Commercial Painters London today if you are looking for a commercial painting contractor.

How Intumescent Paint Can Save Your Property?

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Intumescent painting is a type of painting that chemically reacts with heat. The paint expands or intumescence to create an insulating coating on a building's steel structure. It delays the spread of fire in case of a fire accident in a factory or warehouse. If you are trying to understand why you should use intumescent paint in your factory or warehouse, you are at the right place. In this article, we will learn how intumescent pain works, how it is applied, and its benefits. As a warehouse or factory owner, you should ensure its safety. Our discussion will help you understand how intumescent paint enhances the property's safety.

How does intumescent paint work?

Intumescent paint helps to protect a building structure by generating thick insulating foam on the structure. But what happens exactly to the intumescent paint? The main elements of intumescent paint are aluminum polyphosphate, melamine, pentaerythritol, titanium dioxide, etc. When exposed to heat or fire, chemical reactions among these materials generate ammonia and carbon dioxide gases. These non-flammable gases create a thick layer of foam or char on the structure to prevent fire from affecting it. With that said, intumescent paint may delay the spread of fire or protect the structure, but it has a limitation. The foam may start generating at around 200°C, but it can protect the structure until around 500 °C. If the temperature exceeds that level, the painting may not be effective.

What is intumescent paint?

Intumescent paint is a chemical coating used for fire protection in buildings. When the chemical comes in contact with heat or fire, it expands to create a foam-like coating on the building structure. The foam delays the transfer of heat to the structure. It provides additional time for the building occupants or rescuers to evacuate safely. The paint can be used in buildings with a high chance of fire. You can also use it to limit damage to property due to a fire. You should also know that it is not a fire-resistant paint.

How do you apply intumescent paint?

The process of applying intumescent paint may vary depending on the material on which it is applied. Intumescent paint can be applied to steel, timber, and plaster. The basic process of applying the fire retardant consists of four stages. First, the surface should be cleaned to eliminate unwanted dust and particles. Second, a suitable primer should be applied. The primer works as an adhesive to the substructure. Third, the intumescent paint coating is applied to the layer of the premier. Finally, a top coat of intumescent paint is applied and left to dry for 24 hours. There should be at least an 8-hour gap between the previous layers.

How many types of intumescent paint are available in the market?

Intumescent paint is available in three categories: Water-based, Solvent-based, Epoxy-based,

Water-based intumescent paint is more eco-friendly and does not have a strong chemical smell. It can be applied in close-quarter spaces because it does not release volatile organic compounds (VOC) in great quantity. Solvent-based intumescent paint is more durable in harsh weather. But it can be harmful to people or the environment as it releases VOCs. On the other hand, epoxy-based intumescent paint is used in the chemical and marine industries. This type of paint is effective in harsh environments. Due to its hydrocarbon fire protection, it is mainly applied to steel structures.

Does it have any negative impact on the environment?

Intumescent paint may negatively impact the environment and people near the site. The release of VOCs from intumescent paint may disturb others due to chemical smells. However, unlike other fire protection methods, intumescent paint does not require toxic chemicals. This is a plus. Intumescent paint can increase the total sustainability value by protecting building structures from damage in a fire.

Conclusion

Intumescent paint can be helpful to protect your warehouse or factory. If you are dealing with chemical products, epoxy-based intumescent is the best fire retardant option. Chemicals in intumescent paint react to fire or heat, creating a foam-like protective insulant layer on building structures. This layer prevents structures from catching fire or being damaged. That being said, you should understand that intumescent painting requires professional expertise. You should always contact a professional painting contractor. Commercial Painting Contractors provides expert intumescent painting services across the UK. Contact us today for a free site analysis and quotation.