High-quality painting of the car is a complex technological process, where success directly depends on the correct preparation of materials. Paint. Vika It has proven itself as a reliable domestic product, which is often used to restore paintwork. However, even the most expensive material will not give the desired result if the technology of its preparation is broken.
Many novice painters make the mistake of relying on the eye or approximate ratios, resulting in a drip, shaking or matte finish layer. Dilution of acrylic paint It requires precision, purity of tools and an understanding of the chemical processes involved in mixing components. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of working with materials VikaSo you get the perfect coverage the first time.
Compliance with the mixing technology is not just a formality, but a guarantee of the durability of repairs. An improperly selected solvent or impaired proportions of the hardener can cause the coating to lose its luster after a month or, worse, start peeling off. Let’s figure out how to avoid these problems and get a professional result in garage conditions.
Composition and components of the Vika system
Acrylic enamel Vika are two-component materials, which means the need to mix the main composition with a hardener before application. Unlike single-component nitro-emals, an irreversible chemical reaction of polymerization occurs here. The basis is pigmented acrylic resin, which after mixing with polyisocyanate hardener It forms a strong film.
The third critical component is the solvent. It is not involved in the chemical curing reaction, but is responsible for the viscosity of the material required for spraying through the spray gun. For products Vika It is recommended to use specialized solvents, such as R-12 or 650thwhich provide the correct evaporation. Using aggressive or too fast solvents (such as acetone or 646th in the heat) can spoil the appearance.
It is important to understand that different paint series may require different approaches. For example, basic enamel Vika often go ready-made or require minimal dilution, whereas acrylic enamel HS (High Solid) Always require the addition of a hardener. Ignoring this rule will result in the material simply not drying out or staying sticky forever.
⚠️ Warning: Never mix the components by eye. The chemical composition of the hardener is selected so as to react strictly with a certain amount of resin. Excess hardener will make the coating fragile, and its lack will not allow the material to gain strength.
Essential tools and remedies
Before starting to mix, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and tools. The process of preparing paint involves working with volatile organic compounds, so safety comes first. You will need not only the paint itself, but also personal protective equipment, as the pairs of solvents and hardeners are toxic.
For accurate dosing of components, it is critical to use measuring tanks. Professionals use measuring glasses with a applied scale in percentage or liters, as well as measuring rulers that are lowered into the jar. Using kitchen glasses or jars is unacceptable if you want to get a predictable result in color and structure.
- 🧤 Respirator with protection class A filters (for organic vapors) - is mandatory for lung protection.
- 🥽 Safety glasses and nitrile gloves – will prevent the chemical from entering the mucous membrane and skin.
- ⚖️ A measuring glass or ruler with a calibration - for exact compliance with the proportions.
- 🥄 Wooden or plastic stirring agents – metal can react with some components.
In addition to protection, the purity of the container is important. The mixing jar should be completely dry and clean. Even small amounts of water trapped in acrylic paint can cause defects when applied, such as craters or clouding. It is recommended to use new disposable measuring glasses or thoroughly washed metal containers.
☑️ Preparation for mixing
Mixing Proportions: The Gold Standard
The most common question that arises from masters: in what proportions to dilute the paint Vika? For most acrylic enamels of this manufacturer, the standard scheme is the ratio 4:1. This means that 4 parts of the main material (enamel) take 1 part of the hardener. However, this is a basic rule that can vary depending on the specific product series.
Some types of materials, especially repair varnishes or special enamel, may require a ratio. 2:1. Always start by studying the technical documentation (TDS) that accompanies the can with paint. The label often shows a mixing scheme, but it is better to double-check the data on the official website of the manufacturer or from the supplier, as the formulations can be updated.
Below is a table of standard mixing schemes for different materials Vika:
| Type of material | Mixing scheme (Emal: Hardener) | Addition of solvent | Recommended hardener |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic enamel (standard) | 4 : 1 | 5-10% of the total weight | B-K-12 (normal) |
| HS acrylic lacquer | 2 : 1 | 5-10% of the total weight | B-K-12 or B-K-13 |
| Acrylic ground | 4 : 1 | 10-20% (in viscosity) | VK-12 |
| Enamele is universal | 2 : 1 | If necessary, | B-K-1 (rapid) |
After mixing the base and hardener, a solvent is added. Its amount is not fixed rigidly in proportion, but depends on the required viscosity. This is usually 5-10% of the finished mixture, but in hot weather or when using a new spray gun, the percentage of solvent can be increased to improve bottling.
Solvent choice and temperature effect
The ambient temperature plays a huge role in the painting process, and choosing the right solvent is the key to success. The solvent regulates the rate of evaporation, which directly affects how the paint will lie on the surface and how it will dry. For acrylic materials Vika There are three main types of hardeners and solvents: fast, normal and slow.
In cold season or at low temperature in the paint chamber (below +18 ° C) should be used fast-moving components. They accelerate solvent evaporation and polymerization reaction. If you use a normal or slow hardener in the cold, the paint may flow (“tear”) before it has time to grasp, or become covered with shaking due to long drying.
In hot weather (above +25 ° C), the situation is reversed. It's necessary. slow-moving solvent. If you use a fast composition in the heat, the paint will dry out directly in the air, without having time to spread over the body. This will lead to the effect of “orange peel”, matteness and poor adherence of layers. In addition, drying too quickly can cause the paint (bubbles) to boil on the surface.
⚠️ Attention: The temperature of the components themselves should be equal to the temperature in the painting room. If you bring cold paint from the street to a warm chamber, let it warm up for at least 2-3 hours before mixing, otherwise condensation will appear on the surface of the parts.
The optimal temperature for working with acrylics Vika is considered to be a range from +20°C to +22°C. In these conditions, a normal hardener works best. VK-12It provides a balance between drying time and the quality of the material bottling.
Technology of preparation of working solution
The process of preparing the working mixture should be in strict sequence. First, the required amount of enamel is poured into the clean measuring container. Then a hardener is added in strict accordance with the selected proportion (for example, 4:1). Only after that, the components are thoroughly mixed.
The stirring should be intense to lift all pigments from the bottom and ensure uniformity of the mass. Use a stirrer, passing it on the walls and bottom of the glass. After adding the hardener and the primary stirring, add the solvent. Stir the mixture thoroughly again. Important: The solvent is added last so as not to disrupt the chemical reaction between the resin and the hardener.
- 🌪️ Stir the composition for at least 2-3 minutes until you get a uniform color.
- 👀 Check for no clots and bundles on the glass walls.
- ⏳ Let the mixture stand for 5-10 minutes (degassing time) before pouring into the spray gun tank.
Once the mixture is ready, it is necessary to check its viscosity. For this purpose, a viscometer (funnel) is used. For acrylic enamels Vika The optimal viscosity when flowing through the nozzle of 4 mm is 16-18 seconds at a temperature of +20 ° C. If the leakage time is shorter, the paint is too liquid - add a little more enamel. If more, add the solvent.
What is the “viability” of paint?
Vitality is the time during which the paint mixed with a hardener retains its properties and is suitable for application. For Vika acrylics, this time is usually 2 to 4 hours at a temperature of +20°C. After this period, the paint begins to thicken and polymerize directly in the jar, becoming unsuitable for work.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Even with respect to proportions, the masters can face defects. One of the common problems is clouding (white plaque) after drying. This is most often caused by high indoor humidity or the use of a solvent that is too fast, which, when evaporated, cools the surface, causing moisture to condense from the air on fresh paint.
Another problem is poor adhesion or peeling. This often happens if the surface has been poorly defatted or if too long time intervals have been kept between the layers without intermediate grinding. Acrylic paint Vika forms a strong film, and if you apply the next layer on a completely dried surface without preparation (wounding), clutch will not occur.
It is also worth mentioning the problem of “boiling” paint. If you have applied a layer that is too thick or used the wrong (too fast) solvent, the top crust may grab onto the top by locking the solvent inside. When heated (for example, in a drying chamber), the solvent boils, forming craters and bubbles. This is treated only by a complete repainting after careful grinding.
Tip: If you have painted a part and it has become cloudy, do not try to polish it right away. Allow the coating to dry completely (at least 24 hours). Often the clouding goes away by itself as the solvents evaporate completely. If not, use polymer to remove micro-defects.
It is important to remember the time of interlayer drying. For acrylics Vika It is usually 15-20 minutes at +20°C. If you apply the second layer too early, the solvent from the bottom layer will not have time to evaporate, which will lead to leaks. If you hold for more than an hour (but less than a day), you may need a light coating of the surface before the next layer.
The key to perfect painting is not only the correct ratio of 4:1, but also taking into account the air temperature, humidity and exposure time between the layers.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dilute Vika acrylic paint with water?
No, absolutely not. Acrylic enamel Vika They are organosoluble materials. Water does not mix with the base, and when you try to apply it will cause instant coagulation (curling) of the paint, which will lead to deterioration of the material and coating. Use only special acrylic solvents.
How long does the paint dry after painting?
At a temperature of +20 ° C and normal humidity, the paint becomes "from dust" after 20-30 minutes. Full polymerization (set of maximum strength) occurs within 7 days. It is recommended to operate the car (wash, polish) not earlier than 24 hours, but better 48 hours after painting.
What if the paint thickens in the jar after mixing?
If more than 3-4 hours have passed since the mixing (depending on the temperature), the paint has begun to polymerize. Trying to dilute it with a solvent is useless - it will not dry properly and will be sticky. This mixture must be disposed of according to safety rules.
Do I need to filter the paint before pouring into the spray gun?
Yes, I will. Even in new paint, clots or debris can come across. Use special funnel-shaped filters (nylon or paper) with a grid of 125-190 microns. This will prevent clogging of the spray gun duse and the appearance of points on the painted surface.