Protection of the paint coating of the car today has ceased to be just a matter of aesthetics and has become a necessity to preserve the market value of the car. In the aggressive environment of megacities, where road reagents, gravel and temperature changes destroy the factory varnish in a matter of seasons, owners are looking for reliable solutions. One of these solutions was polyurethane. car-paintIt combines the functions of a decorative coating and a serious protective layer. This material is often confused with liquid rubber, but the chemical composition and physical properties of them are fundamentally different, which makes the "Bronyu" a unique product in the market of autochemistry.
The main advantage of this coating is its ability to absorb the impacts of small stones and sand, preventing the appearance of chips on the body. Unlike traditional enamels, which simply crack when impacted, the elastic structure of polyurethane cushions the impact. The paint of armor creates a seamless coating with a thickness of up to 200 microns, which is 4-5 times thicker than a standard factory varnish. This not only protects the metal from corrosion, but also hides minor surface defects such as scratches from washing or scuffing, giving the body the effect of "satin" or deep gloss depending on the series chosen.
Car owners often wonder about the durability and complexity of caring for such a coating. Practice shows that with proper application and observance of drying technology, the material lasts at least 5-7 years without losing its properties. It is resistant to acids, alkalis, gasoline and oils, which is especially important for protecting the sills, arches and bottom of doors. Next, we will analyze the technical characteristics in detail, compare the product with analogues and consider the nuances of independent use.
Chemical composition and physical properties of the coating
The material is based on polyurethane, which after polymerization forms a strong but elastic film. Unlike vinyl films or water-based rubber paints, polyurethane has a high adhesion to various types of surfaces, including metal, plastic, glass and chromium. An important feature is the absence of solvents that destroy the factory paint coating (LCP). This means that if desired, the coating can be removed with special compounds without damaging the carโs native paint, making it an ideal choice for temporary protection or image change.
The materialโs physical properties allow it to withstand extreme temperatures of -60 to +100 degrees Celsius without cracking and losing elasticity. Polyurethane Armour paint does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet light, maintaining color saturation throughout the service life. In addition, the material has the effect of โself-tighteningโ small scratches: when heated in the sun or warm water, microcracks up to 50 microns deep can disappear on their own.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Despite the high chemical resistance, it is not recommended to use aggressive polishes with abrasive particles for coating care. This can disrupt the structure of the upper layer and reduce its protective properties.
Another important aspect is noise insulation. Applying several layers of material on the arches and bottom of the car reduces the level of road noise in the cabin by 20-30%. The thick consistency of the composition ensures the filling of microcracks and pores, creating a monolithic barrier for moisture and salt. This is especially true for regions with severe climate.
The polyurethane base provides a combination of high tensile strength and elasticity, not available to conventional automotive enamels.
Comparison of Armor paint with liquid rubber and vinyl films
There is confusion in the protective coatings market between different materials. To understand why. car-paint It is important to establish a clear line between it and competitors. Liquid rubber (Plasti Dip and analogues) is created on a bitumen or rubber basis, it is cheaper, but less durable and often breaks when removed after 1-2 years. Vinyl films, in turn, are excellent protection, but require perfect surface preparation and are difficult to apply to parts of a complex shape.
Below is a comparative table of the main characteristics of different types of protective coatings:
| Characteristics | Paint of Armour (Polyurethane) | Liquid rubber | Vinyl film |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term of service | 5-7 years | 1-2 years | 3-5 years |
| Thickness of layer | Up to 200 ฮผm. | Up to 100 ฮผm. | Up to 150 ฮผm. |
| Elasticity | High (up to 400%) | Medium | Low/Mediocre |
| Difficulty applying | Medium | Low. | Tall. |
| Price of material | Tall. | Low. | Medium/High |
Choosing between these options, it is worth considering the purpose of use. If you need temporary protection for one season or prepare your car for sale, liquid rubber is fine. For long-term operation with preservation of presentation and maximum protection from sandblasting, polyurethane will be the best choice. Vinyl is good for creating complex graphic elements, but loses in the protection of edges and complex reliefs.
Surface preparation and application technology
The quality of the final result depends on the surface preparation by 80%. Before application polyurethane The car must be thoroughly washed, degreased and dried. Unlike traditional painting, body polishing is not required, as the material hides minor risks. However, deep chips and foci of corrosion must be eliminated, otherwise under the layer of protection, the rusting process will continue. For degreasing, it is recommended to use specialized antisilicones that do not leave films.
The application process is carried out using a spray gun with a diameter of duse 1.5-2.0 mm. It is important to observe the temperature regime: the optimal temperature of the ambient and surface of the body should be from +18 to +25 degrees Celsius. The material is applied in 3-5 layers with interlayer drying for 15-20 minutes. The first layer is made thin, "dust", to provide adhesion, the subsequent - more saturated, forming the body of the coating.
โ๏ธ Checklist for preparation for painting
โ ๏ธ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to apply the material on a wet surface or at high humidity (above 75%). This will lead to a clouding of the coating (the effect of โbleachโ) and a decrease in adg.
To work with hard-to-reach places, such as the interior surfaces of doors or under the hood space, you can use aerosol cylinders of the same series, if available, or a special anti-gravity gun. The uniformity of the torch distribution is a key factor in success. Overheating of the surface during drying is also unacceptable, since a โcrustโ may form on the surface, which will not allow solvents to leave the lower layers, which in the future will lead to swelling.
Serial row and color selection for your car
The manufacturer offers a wide range of solutions that allow not only to protect, but also to personalize the car. The base line includes classic colors, such as Black Satin, White and GraphiteThey are in the highest demand due to their versatility. However, for those looking for exclusivity, series with effects have been developed: "Chameleon", which changes shade depending on the angle of view, and "Metallic", containing aluminum powder for depth of color.
Special attention should be paid to the series "Antigravius", which has a thicker consistency and is specifically designed for processing arches, rapids and bottom. It is often produced in black and can be applied over a main decorative layer to enhance the protection of vulnerable areas. Texture selection is also important: matte coatings look more aggressive and hide minor contaminants, while glossy ones require more careful care, but give a rich visual effect.
The secrets of tingling
Can you mix colors of armor paint with each other, but only within one series (for example, matte with matte). The addition of third-party colorers or solvents is prohibited, as it violates the chemical formula of polyurethane and can lead to loss of elasticity and adhesion. For a unique shade, it is better to contact official dealers who can offer professional coloring on the spot.
When choosing a color, it is worth considering that dark colors (black, dark blue) visually make the car smaller, but dust is more noticeable on them. Light colors (white, silver) are more practical in operation, but can turn yellow over time when using low-quality materials (although this does not apply to armor due to UV filters). Paint Armour It allows you to create two-color painting schemes using camouflage tape to separate zones, which opens up limitless possibilities for tuning.
Polyurethane coating care and recovery
Operation of a car painted with polyurethane is not much different from the care of a conventional LCP, but has its own nuances. You can wash the car both on automatic washings and manually. The use of kerkerker is permissible, but the jet should be directed at an angle so as not to damage the edges of the coating if they are poorly glued. To remove persistent contaminants such as bitumen or insects, there are special cleaners that are safe for polyurethane.
Once every six months, it is recommended to treat the surface with protective wax or silant polyrene. This will fill the micropores, restore the hydrophobic effect and facilitate subsequent washing. If there are deep cuts or tears on the surface, repairs are possible locally. The damaged area is cleaned, degreased and covered with a new layer of material with a view to the healthy zone, after which the transition border is polished or hidden by the texture.
Use a pH neutral shampoo and avoid high-concentration acid or alkali products so as not to disrupt the structure of the polymer mesh.
The condition of the edges on the doors and hood is important. If you notice detachment, it must be immediately glued with a special primer or warmed up with a hairdryer and pressed to prevent water from getting under the paint layer. With proper care armor retains its decorative and protective properties throughout the declared service life, without requiring full repainting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I paint my car with armor paint in the garage?
Yes, it is possible, but it requires the technology. It is necessary to ensure the cleanliness of the room (no dust), the correct temperature and the presence of a compressor with a spray gun. The main difficulty for a beginner is to uniformly apply the material without sweats and "shagrene" skin, if it is not provided by the effect.
How much dried armor paint before full polymerization?
Primary drying (from dust) occurs after 20-30 minutes. You can operate the car (wash, go on the road) after 24 hours. Full polymerization and maximum strength gain occur within 7-10 days, depending on the air temperature.
Will the cover protect against serious blows and dents?
No, it's not armor in a military sense. The material will protect against sandblasting, gravel, branches and scratches, but will not save from dents when hit by a bumper or a stone the size of a fist. Its task is to keep the LCP intact, not to protect the geometry of the body.
How to remove the paint of Bronu if I want to return the factory color?
The material is removed either by special washes for polyurethane coatings, or by mechanical means (using steam and careful pulling). With proper application on a smooth varnish, removal takes place without traces. If the paint got on rough plastic or rust, it will be more difficult to remove it without traces.
Is the paint suitable for painting discs and calipers?
Yes, it is one of the popular applications. High heat resistance allows you to apply the material to calipers (withstanding heating of brake discs) and discs, protecting them from reagents and chips. Before applying to the discs, it is recommended to use heat-resistant soil.