When building or repairing a private house, protecting the foundation from moisture is a critical stage, and bitumen mastication Technonicol It has proven itself to be a reliable material. However, in the process of work, a situation often arises when the material thickened during storage or requires its liquefaction for deeper penetration into the pores of concrete. The right choice of diluent directly affects the adhesion and durability of the waterproofing layer, so this issue cannot be approached lightly.
There is a common misconception that bitumen can be dissolved by anything, as long as it becomes liquid. In fact, the use of inappropriate liquids, such as diesel or waste oil, can lead to the destruction of the chemical structure of the polymer and loss of coating elasticity. In this article, we will discuss in detail, How to Dilute Technonicol Bitumen Masticto maintain its operational characteristics.
Chemical composition and compatibility of solvents
Bitumen mastic is a complex composition, where the basis is bitumen modified by polymers, and the solvent is initially organic components. To restore viscosity or prepare a primer, liquids that are chemically compatible with this base must be used. Optimal solvents for bitumen-based products are organic compounds such as white spirit, solvent, gasoline-kalosh or kerosene.
It is important to understand the difference between solvent and diluent in the context of polymer chemistry. The solvent actively affects the molecular bonds, making the mass liquid, but with excess can change the properties of the film. The diluent simply increases the volume without entering into an active reaction. For mastic. Technonicol 24 or analogues are best suited to light hydrocarbon fractions, which evaporate quickly, leaving a strong bitumen layer.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use water or solvents on a water basis for the breeding of bitumen mastics. Water does not mix with bitumen, but only forms an emulsion, which after drying will leave voids and bubbles, completely violating waterproofing.
When choosing a chemical, pay attention to its purity. Technical liquids with a high content of impurities or oils can leave a greasy film on the surface of the foundation, which will worsen the adhesion with the mesmerizing layers of the insulation or plaster. Pure Solvent A specialized bitumen solvent is the safest choice for a professional result.
Some craftsmen experiment with adding diesel fuel, motivated by cheapness and affordability. However, the solarium contains oily fractions that do not evaporate completely. This causes the waterproofing layer to remain sticky and not gain hardness for years, attracting dust and losing its protective functions.
Always check the label on the mastic can: the manufacturer will often specify the recommended type of solvent for a particular product modification.
Preparation of material and tools for work
Before starting to mix components, it is necessary to properly prepare the workplace and the material itself. Bitumen mastic is a viscous product, and careful mixing is required for the solvent to be evenly distributed. You will need a clean metal or plastic container, a drill with a mixer nozzle and, of course, yourself. solvent.
The ambient temperature plays an important role in the preparation of the mixture. If you work in the cold season, it is recommended to maintain the mastic at room temperature during the day. Cold bitumen is extremely difficult to mix, and even the addition of a solvent may not give a homogeneous mass without prior warming.
☑️ Preparation for mastic breeding
Be sure to use personal protective equipment. The vapors of organic solvents are toxic, and the ingress of aggressive liquid on the skin can cause chemical burns or severe irritation. Rubber gloves, respirator and safety glasses are the minimum equipment necessary to work with chemically active substances.
Before opening the jar, make sure the lid is clean so that dirt does not get inside. If the mastic is stored for a long time, a dense layer (skin) could form on the surface, which must be carefully removed before the start of work, otherwise it will turn into lumps in the finished solution.
Mixing proportions for different tasks
The amount of solvent added depends on the purpose for which you are preparing the mixture. If your task is just to soften the thickened mastic a little for easy application with a spatula, the percentage of the additive should be minimal. To create the same squatting (prime) It takes a lot more solvent to make the mixture fluid and penetrating.
For standard waterproofing of the foundation, when the mastic is applied with a brush or roller, the optimal is the addition of 10-20% of the solvent from the total weight. This allows the material to spread better over the surface of the concrete, filling the microcracks, but at the same time maintain a sufficient layer thickness after drying.
| Purpose of application | Recommended % solvent | Consistency | Application tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery of viscosity | 5-10% | Thick pasta | Spater, selma |
| Hand/roller application | 10-20% | Sour cream | Maklovitz, roller |
| Making a primer | 30-50% | Liquid (like milk) | Brush, sprayer |
| Filling large cracks | 0-5% | Very thick. | Syringe, spatula. |
When making a primer with your own hands, the proportions can reach 1 part of the mastic to 3-4 parts of the solvent. Such a mixture should flow freely into the pores of concrete, creating an adhesive bridge between the base and the main waterproofing carpet. However, remember that too thin layer dries longer and can shrink.
Do not try to make the mixture as liquid as possible for the sake of saving material or speed. Excessive amounts of solvent will cause the dry residue to be too thin and waterproofing will not perform its function. Accurate dosing - a guarantee of quality.
Manual preparation of the mixture
The mixing process requires consistency and accuracy. First, open the can with mastic and assess its condition. If the material is too thick, pour a small portion of the solvent (about 5% of the volume) and start stirring. The use of a mechanical stirrer at low revs will avoid spraying and air ingress.
Add the solvent gradually, in small portions. After each supplement, mix the composition thoroughly for 2-3 minutes until completely uniform. A sharp infusion of a large volume of the chemical can lead to the stratification of the mixture, when the bitumen curls up with flakes, and it will be impossible to return to its original state.
⚠️ Attention: In the process of mixing, a large number of flammable vapors are released. Smoking, using an open fire or sparkling power tool in the vicinity of a container with a solvent is strictly prohibited!
Visually ready mixture should be uniform, without lumps, clots or divorces. The color should be uniformly black or dark brown. If you are preparing a primer, its fluidity can be checked by lowering a stick into it: the liquid should flow in a smooth stream, without leaving a thick layer on the stick.
After cooking, let the mixture stand for 10-15 minutes. This will allow air bubbles to come out, which were formed during intensive stirring. Bubbles in the waterproofing layer are potential break points during the movements of the foundation.
Applying a diluted mastic on the foundation
The prepared foundation should be dry, cleaned of dust, dirt and oils. Applying a diluted mastic Technonicol It is not much different from working with factory material, but there are nuances. The liquid composition penetrates into concrete faster, so you need to work energetically, preventing the formation of puddles.
The first layer, especially if it is a primer or a heavily diluted mastic, is applied with rubbing movements. This helps to drive air out of the concrete pores and ensure maximum grip. Subsequent layers are applied after the previous one has completely dried, usually taking 12 to 24 hours depending on the weather.
For angles, joints and places of input of communications, use reinforcement mesh (glass fabric). On these places, a layer of mastic is applied, a net is laid and rolled with a roller, after which the finish layer is applied. Diluted mastic is good here in that it impregnates the fabric better, but the layer should not be too thin.
The quality of waterproofing depends not only on the material, but also on the preparation of the base: dust reduces bitumen adhesion by 80%.
Safety measures and waste management
Working with organic solvents requires strict adherence to safety precautions. In addition to protecting the respiratory system and skin, good ventilation is necessary, especially if work is carried out in confined spaces such as basements or pits with high walls. Solvent vapors are heavier than air and can accumulate below, creating a suffocating and explosive environment.
Residues of the mixture can not be poured into sewers, on the ground or in water bodies. Bitumen and solvents are dangerous pollutants. Frozen mastic residues and empty cans should be disposed of as construction debris, and liquid residues should be collected in sealed containers and handed over to special hazardous waste reception points.
If the solvent has fallen on the skin, do not rub it so as not to rub deeper into the pores. Use special hand washes or vegetable oil, after which thoroughly wash the area with soap. Gasoline and aggressive solvents dry the skin and can cause dermatitis.
What to do if the mastic is frozen in the jar?
If the mastic has become a solid monolith, it is almost impossible to revive it. You can try to cut it into small pieces and pour solvent for several days, constantly stirring, but there will be no guarantee of restoring properties. It's easier to buy new material.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I dilute bitumen mastic with acetone?
Using acetone is not recommended. It is too volatile and aggressive, can cause the folding of polymer additives in the mastic, which will lead to loss of elasticity and cracks. It is better to use a white spirit or a solvent.
How much does the diluted mastic dry on the foundation?
The drying time depends on the thickness of the layer, temperature and humidity. At a temperature of +20 ° C, the thin layer dries for about 12-24 hours. If the mastic has been heavily diluted, the solvent evaporation time is increased and full drying can take up to 48 hours.
Can I keep a diluted mastic?
You can store diluted mastic, but only in a hermetically sealed container so that the solvent does not evaporate. However, the shelf life of such a mixture is less than that of the factory, since chemical processes can continue. Before reuse, the mixture must be thoroughly mixed again.
How to wash the tools after working with bitumen?
Until the mastic is frozen, the tools are easily washed with the same solvent (white spirit, gasoline). If the bitumen has frozen, mechanical cleaning or heating, or the use of special washes for bitumen, will be required.