Reflective paint. Applications

Reflective varnish- a means for reflecting light particles with a varnished surface. This tool is used so that when less than a slight light hits at night, the driver can notice the obstacle in time and prevent an accident.

The effect is best seen on surfaces pre-painted with #1580 Bosnian Silver Metallic. Varnish, depending on the number of applied layers, darkens the original color.

Reflective lacquer is used for safety purposes, and now such a unique effect reflective paint used in automotive painting application.

Such a reflective coating is ideal for painting cars, children's bikes, motorcycle helmets, screen writing, decals and tattoos on a car, marking signal signs, road signs, bicycles and other vehicles - in general, for everything that needs to be highlighted at night. , plastic, wood, plastic, glass, ceramics, and even papier-mache, but previously primed and painted surfaces.

How can a liquid reflect light? Reflective has in its composition an almost transparent varnish with reflective mirror particles, due to which the effect of the best visibility of glossy surfaces at night occurs. Agree, if you are a "reflector" of direct high-beam beams from a car rushing at night in the oncoming lane, you will not be illuminated by bright headlights, which ensures the safety of you and your family.

In addition to the main function of reflecting light, it has one hundred percent indicators of reliability and durability. For a long time, the paint will serve you faithfully and protect you from possible dangers on the roads. In addition, it is absolutely safe for people, and does not affect human health and the air environment in any way. But paint is accepted not only for marking signs or painting parts of a car. Fluid with reflective particles is widely used in advertising, forest industry, construction work etc.

If you want to apply reflective on any surface, then we will show you a way pre-treatment. First you need to remove dirt, dust from the surface, then degrease it. This can be done with a solvent, alcohol, acetone, anything that dissolves fat but does not harm the paint or primed area.

If the surface you want to "reflect" is glossy, then you need to sandpaper in 320 units to process it. If the surface is covered with paint or not painted in general, then it is necessary to first paint it, then leave it to dry completely, and only then apply the spray.

Volume: 380 cc

For interior and exterior use. Semi-transparent colorless coating with reflective properties. The best effect is achieved when applied to a surface previously painted with a bright fluorescent paint. It is used for marking fencing objects (parking lots, garages, parking lots), signal signs, for bicycles and other vehicles - at night, when headlights are on, it reflects light.
When applied in a dense layer, it is possible grey colour coatings.
We recommend applying from a distance of at least 25-30 cm from the surface to be painted.

Can be applied to metal, wood, plaster, plastic and other surfaces.

Consumption: 300 g per 1-1.5 m2 in one layer

Use outdoors or in a well-ventilated room at a temperature not lower than 10 C and humidity not lower than 85%. Shake well before use for 2-3 minutes. Spray from a distance of 25-30 cm. Apply 2-3 coats on a cleaned degreased surface or light fluorescent paint in 1-2 minutes.
For best results, shake the can for 4 seconds every 15 seconds of application.

Store at temperatures above 0 C, away from heat sources and out of the reach of children.

Producer PTK SPECIAL MATERIAL. Guarantee period storage: 5 years.

Manufacturer's description:

Reflective spray paint

AEROGLOW INDUSTRIAL PAINT

For outdoor and indoor work.

Reflects headlights for increased visibility and safety at night.

Semi-transparent colorless coating with reflective properties.

For metal, wood, plaster, plastic and other surfaces.

Ideal for road markings mailboxes, basketball hoops, goals, fences, trash cans, curbs, bicycles and bicycle helmets, bumpers and trailers.

Supplied in a convenient aerosol can.

Instruction

Apply outdoors or in a well-ventilated area at temperatures above 10ºC and humidity below 85% to dry completely. Do not apply to surfaces that are above 93°C. Do not spray in wind and dust. Cover nearby objects to prevent ink mist.

Wash with soap and water and let dry. Shake the can vigorously for 1 minute after the ball inside begins to move. Shake during application every 15 seconds for 4 seconds. Hold the can upright at a distance of 25-35 cm from the surface and spray in a steady back and forth motion, slightly overlapping the edges with each pass. Hold the can at the same distance from the surface while spraying. Apply 2-3 coats at 1-2 minute intervals. Don't apply too thick layers. Shake the can every 15 seconds of application. For best result it is recommended to periodically tint products as necessary

Can be repainted at any time. Dries to touch in 1 - 3 hours at 21ºC and 50% humidity. Let dry 5 - 9 hours before use and 24 hours until completely dry. In colder weather the drying time will be longer.

At the end of spraying, clean the spray valve by turning the can upside down and pressing the valve for 5 seconds. If the valve is clogged, unscrew and remove the tip and wash in a solvent, e.g. white spirit. Throw away the empty cylinder in special collections. Do not incinerate or crush an empty can.

Facades of houses or strict road markings, sometimes glowing at night with bizarre patterns, not only decorate the streets, but also serve for the safety of city residents. Reflective paint has this unique ability to emit or reflect light at night. It's common but not quite correct name paints containing luminous pigments.

Paint can not only simply reflect light rays, but also accumulate energy for some time, and then give it away in the absence of a direct light source. Therefore, the second name of the paint is “reflective”.

We will talk about the types of such paints, their areas of application, and also try to make paint with our own hands.

The type of paint depends on the composition of the components, which differ in the principle of action.

There are two types of reflective paints:

• Fluorescent.
• Luminescent.

Important! This also mistakenly includes reflective paints covering road signs, numbers on cars. This special compound, applied to fabric, polymer or other substrates, works on the principle of a reflector. Small corner reflectors (a kind of pyramids) are added to the paint, which return the light flux to where it came from. This composition does not have an afterglow.

Now let's look at how real reflective paint works, let's talk about each type separately.

Fluorescent paint

This species is decorative. paint coatings, which are used in places where it is necessary to increase the clarity and range of vision or enhance the decorative effect.

The paint consists of the following components:

1. acrylic emulsion.

Depending on the surfaces to be coated, it can be on a water-dispersion, alkyd-urethane, polyurethane or epoxy basis, acting as a binder.

1. fluorescent pigment.

We won't go into details chemical composition pigment, and overload the article with complex titles. Who cares, all this can be read on the packaging of the material. To put it simply, it consists of finely dispersed resin particles capable of converting the absorbed part of the light into visible radiation under the influence of ultraviolet or short-wavelength visible light.

The pigment itself is not sufficiently lightfast, its ability to fluoresce significantly decreases with constant exposure to sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to paint surfaces with paint of this type either inside buildings or in shady places.

The paint itself must be coated on top with a transparent light-resistant varnish, then the features of the fluorescent pigment remain for a long period.

1. Filler.

Usually this is an organic substance added to the composition of the paint and capable of giving it one color or another, as well as converting one glow color to another. It can be rhodamine, cationic or acidic pigments, and so on.

Important! Fluorescent paint only glows when hit ultraviolet rays. As soon as the UV source goes out, the glow stops.

The paint also has some disadvantages:

• Poor light fastness limits the scope of paints. The addition of special UV absorbers prolongs the life of the paint, but reduces the brightness of the glow.
• It consists of components that have rather large particles, which does not allow to obtain a single-layer, even glossy coating.
• The decomposition temperature of paint elements is from +150 to +250 degrees, which makes it difficult or even impossible to prepare some types of material. So, it reduces the number of produced assortment.

Fluorescent paint

This type is used where a constant glow is needed in the dark period of the day for several hours. Dangerous places are marked with paint, buildings and other surfaces are decoratively decorated.

The composition includes the following components:

1. - a luminous pigment consisting of aluminum oxides and activators (rare earth metals). In turn, it can be:

• Non-hydrophobic, moisture resistant.
• Universal, compatible with any varnish.
• Homogeneous, providing a uniform glow of the surface.

1. Clear nail polish suitable for the selected surface. The instructions for use on the package will tell you about the type of varnish.

By the way, the phosphor is a safe substitute for the once very fashionable and equally harmful phosphor paint. modern material It is non-toxic and does not harm human health.

According to the degree of transparency, luminescent compositions are divided into:

• Colored - in daylight they look like simple paints, and store energy. At night, they begin to emit their own light. The color range of such coatings is quite wide.

• Colorless - almost invisible during the day, have slightly pronounced bluish-greenish tones. Shades are limited, in the dark they glow only blue or green-yellow.

Important! Luminescent paint accumulates in its composition light energy from any light source (the sun, artificial electricity, a flashlight, car headlights, etc.), gives off the accumulated energy at night and is distinguished by a soft autonomous glow over a long period (from 8 to 24 hours).

If the glow of the phosphor has become weaker, then you can “recharge” it by turning it on for 10-15 minutes artificial lighting. This is quite enough to return the material to its former brightness.

In many big cities found the use of paving stones made of concrete, not just painted with luminous paint on top, but containing a phosphor directly in its composition. Such fake diamond has a particularly long life of the glow effect.

Purpose of paints

For various surfaces to be painted, special components are added to the composition of paints that provide better hiding power, adhesion and durability when interacting with this material.

• For plastics and PVC - paint based on a mixture of polyurethane and mineral resins.
• For metal and glass - heat-resistant enamel based on polyphenyl resins.
• For concrete - paint containing a high-quality complex of polyurethane resins.
• For humid environment- paint containing polyurethane varnish with high water-repellent properties.

• For fabric, flowers and body art - acrylic paint on the water-dispersion basis, which does not harm plants and people, and the price of this type is much lower.

Scope of application of reflective paints

Scope of use luminous colors quite wide, they perform equally well on various surfaces. Manufacturers produce paints for both metal and body.

See where and how such paints are used:

Is it possible to make glowing paint yourself

As practice has shown, it is possible, and it will glow almost as brightly and for a long time as the factory-made one.

Making the most luminous pigment at home is completely impossible, so we won’t even talk about it. We proceed from the fact that now in stores you can already buy completely ready composition, which you just need to mix with any varnish.

Before making a reflective paint, you need to purchase a good pigment - a phosphor if you need a long glow in the dark, or a fluorescent if ultraviolet lighting will be used. The duration and brightness of the glow directly depend on the quality of this component.

So, you bought a pigment from a reliable manufacturer and trust him. Depending on the type of surface to be painted, the desired varnish was purchased. You will also need a lacquer thinner and a glass or metal container to dilute the mixture.

Important! The optimal proportions for creating paint are 1: 3, that is, 1 part of the luminous composition and 3 parts of varnish. In other words, to prepare 1 kg of paint, you need to take 250 gr. phosphor and 750 gr. varnish.

The rest is a matter of technique.

• Pour varnish into the container.
• We fall asleep pigment.
• For a better distribution of the pigment, add a little varnish to the mixture, but not more than 1% of the total weight.
• Stir thoroughly until a homogeneous consistency (it is recommended to use a mixer or a drill with a nozzle).

• Using this technique, a transparent enamel is obtained, which is almost invisible in the light, and in the dark it will glow in a standard color - blue or green-yellow.
• To make the glow multi-colored, you need to add the appropriate color. Depending on the shade of the filler, enamel is obtained different colors: yellow, orange, pink, blue, emerald and more.

That's all, the paint is ready, you can use it for its intended purpose. Yes, do not forget to use before preparing the composition by individual means protection: rubber gloves, goggles, respirator.

The pigment is quite volatile, and in this state is harmful. It can get into the respiratory tract or into the eyes, which is unacceptable. Hands from exposure to varnish can also suffer. After application and drying, the paint becomes completely harmless.

The requirements for the surface to be coated are the same as for the application of conventional paints:

• No cracks, chips or other defects.
• Smooth and even base.
• Light or better white ground, since the dark surface will absorb some of the radiated energy, and the glow will be dim. In addition, the primer will provide better adhesion of the paint to the surface.

Conclusion

Now you know how to make reflective paint, and that it is not difficult if you follow the manufacturing technology. The reward will be its amazing and bewitching glow in the dark period.

In the presented photos, you have already seen what magic can be done with the help of these paints. We also recommend watching a more detailed and visual video in this article.

Reflective paint is a unique innovative paint material with a wide range of applications. Main Feature composition is the presence of a special pigment, which, in combination with a standard coloring component, creates a unique glow effect.

How safe is reflective paint for health?

Such compositions are not harmful to humans and animals, since the components that are used as the basis for the production of the material are chemically inert and non-radioactive. The effect of reflective paint is achieved naturally through spectral radiation in the visible range.

The confirmation of the above is the widest application of one of the varieties this composition for application to the human body. As practice shows, the use of paint for these purposes does not pose any threat to health.

The manufacturing process of the material takes place in accordance with strict technological standards. Any reflective paint is distributed with a special safety certificate.

Applications

A common area for the use of reflective compounds is road markings. material layer long time stays on the pavement, despite the influence of factors environment, abrasion by car wheels.

Reflective paint is widely used for marking areas: barriers, curbs, posts, fences. Quite often, structures with a reflective surface can be seen in industrial areas.

The material is used to create signs near gas stations, public institutions. In this case, the principle of applying the composition is practically the same as when creating road markings.

The reflective effect is found on clothing, in particular representatives public services. Here, the color of the glow can start from basic white and end with dark shades of yellow, green, red, blue.

Another way to use a paintwork composition with a reflective effect is to create additional patterns on two-wheeled vehicles: bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, cycle rickshaws. Here, the paint usually plays not so much a decorative role as a practical one, as it makes the vehicle visible in the dark.

Release form

It is worth noting that the growing popularity of reflective paint is largely due to the release in various packages, which contributes to the ease of use of the material. Currently, the paint produced in the form of:

• tubes;
• sprays;
• bulk cans;
• small molds for home use.

Application of reflective paint

In order for the paintwork composition with a glow effect to please the eye for the maximum long term, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of its application.

To begin with, the surface to be painted is cleaned, gets rid of contaminants, and then dried. Before use, the reflective paint is thoroughly mixed. A homogeneous mass is applied to the surface in several layers. For complete drying of each of them, it is necessary to take about 2-3 hours.

It is recommended to paint at a low relative humidity and room temperature. To enhance the reflective effect, it is enough to apply paint on a light primer. It is possible to highlight individual moments in a multi-colored composition by covering the desired areas with a primer of the corresponding color.

Unlike most paintwork materials, reflective paints do not have a decorative function as the main one. Their purpose is purely technical, and today we will introduce you to examples of the use of reflective coatings in large-scale construction and industrial facilities.

What are paints made of?

Most of the luminous paints familiar to the average consumer acquire special properties due to the inclusion of fluorescent or luminescent pigments in the composition. But there is also a special type of paint, which will be discussed today - reflective type paints.

This feature lies in microscopic glass spheres. Being in a frozen transparent compound, they contribute to the reflection of light at an angle of less than 90° to the incidence vector. In other words, retroreflective paints really return up to 90% of the light, and the counter reflection occurs even when the beam falls almost tangentially.

Transparent varnishes are used as the basis for the reflective layer: acrylic, alkyd, polyurethane. In general, the type of varnish determines the resistance of the paint to different kind harmful effects: mechanical abrasion, moisture, high and low temperatures. The lacquers used in the composition of retroreflective paints are also required to be of high purity and transparency: the film-forming substance must acquire homogeneity during setting, getting rid of air bubbles, and also not fade over time.

To apply a reflective coating, three components are used in turn: a primer coating, reflective paint with glass spheres and an activator. Only with the use of an activator do the glass beads in the previous layer begin to effectively reflect light with minimal loss. The solvents included in the activator and paint limit the scope of reflective paints by their properties, so they cannot be used indoors.

Areas of use

The main purpose of the paint: signal marking of objects at night or in low light conditions, for example, the designation of fences, bridge and overpass supports, mooring walls, metal structures and construction towers, marking the boundaries of the parking zone and helipads, and so on. The application possibilities are great.

Road construction industry

Many of the paints we are considering are familiar precisely from the experience of participating in road traffic. Markings, signs include reflective coatings of a reflective type, which is dictated by safety requirements.

The construction of roads has long ceased to be the prerogative of state structures. Production areas may include a fairly extensive network of roads, the arrangement of which is carried out privately. Driveways and parking spaces require the use of reflectors in without fail, and this kind of paint is the easiest and most versatile way to make light markings.

The paint is suitable for use on roadway, and on the outlines of signs and railings of the carriageway without making changes to the composition. Weather resistance and uncriticality to the base material are sufficient reasons for using paint with glass spheres in outdoor work.

Industry and construction

On the construction sites reflective paint is applied to large equipment, mobile or stationary units of construction equipment to facilitate navigation and increase safety. So, if paint is applied to the crane boom, it is much easier to notice all its movements, while workers can easily correct their actions without creating emergency situations.

In industry, paint with reflective properties is widely used for marking and signal marking, simplifying navigation and identification of workshops, large equipment and machinery. The primer can be tinted with any necessary, respecting General requirements for painting industrial facilities, while the glass spheres of the finishing layer will provide a reflective effect.

Structures such as bridges, towers, supports are opened with reflective paint as finish coat. In this case, it is much easier to see their exact outlines even in conditions of poor visibility or from a long distance.

Fencing and control over the protected area

Many security personnel are familiar with the problem of video surveillance dead zones caused by insufficient lighting. The standard way out of the situation is to increase the coverage of video surveillance by using more cameras. An alternative to this is the complete or partial application of retroreflective paint to stationary objects, walls and parapets. The presence of such surfaces in the field of view of the camera facilitates the detection of moving objects.

It is also possible to increase the level of production safety using the properties of the paint: delineating imaginary lines of safe zones during equipment operation, laying routes to switchboards, highlighting unsafe spaces - these are just some of the examples of such use of reflective paints. Separately, we point out the processing Vehicle: From cars and self-propelled loaders to wagons and gantry cranes, increasing the visibility of these objects will only benefit. Highlighting with reflective paint is highly desirable where auditory perception is difficult, for example, when high level industrial noise.

Application technology

In most cases reflective paint used only in the outer thin transparent layer. It is better to apply it on a surface covered with primer. desired color. It is desirable that the primer is not film-forming - the lacquer base of the paint does an excellent job of protecting it, but it requires reliable adhesion to the base. It is better to use quick-drying primers and apply the paint almost immediately. In any case, you should follow the paint manufacturer's recommendations.

The application of paint can only be carried out in a way that does not violate the integrity of the reflective components: with a roller, brush, special dispensers and sprayers. Thus, the method described above has found wide application in road marking machines: a quick-drying primer is rolled with a roller, on which a small amount of reflective varnish and activator is applied almost immediately.