Choosing paint material for body repair is always a search for a balance between aesthetics, durability and cost of work. In the segment of domestic coatings, a special place is occupied by enamel, often referred to as the "Blue Planet" by the people. This name has become a household name for a whole class of blue and blue shades used to restore the factory appearance of cars.
Many car owners mistakenly believe that it is a single can of paint. In fact, under this branding hides a wide range of products on alkyd and acrylic basis. Alkyd enamel They remain popular due to their availability, while acrylic analogues benefit in drying speed and environmental friendliness. Understanding this difference is critical to achieving a quality outcome.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the chemical composition, coloring features and application technology. You will learn why this color is so popular in the post-Soviet space and how to avoid the typical mistakes when painting yourself. The right choice of materials directly affects how long the coating will protect the metal from corrosion.
Chemical composition and characteristics of the coating
The basis of the classic enamel "Blue Planet" is alkyd resins, which, when dried, form a strong, glossy film. White spirit or nephras is traditionally used as a solvent, which provides a deep penetration of the composition into the microcracks of the old lacquer. pigment It is characterized by high cover, which allows you to cover dark spots with a minimum number of layers.
Modern modifications are often enriched with acrylic additives. This reduces the polymerization time and improves adhesion to metal surfaces. Unlike pure acrylics, hybrid formulations are less demanding of surface preparation, but retain the characteristic "fat" shine inherent in old factory coatings.
⚠️ Warning: Alkyd paints, when drying, emit volatile organic compounds. Work should be carried out only in a well-ventilated room or using a forced extract.
An important parameter is Shor-scale. Coverages of this type usually have average rates, which makes them quite elastic. They tolerate the temperature expansion of the metal body, not cracking in the cold. However, their mechanical resistance to scratches is lower than that of two-component polyurethane systems.
Compatibility with different types of surfaces
Before starting work, you need to know exactly what material you are dealing with. The enamel "Blue Planet" shows excellent adhesion to primed metal surfaces. If the body was previously painted with nitro-enamels or chalk compositions, a complete stripping to metal or the use of special insulating soils is required.
When applying bumpers or moldings to plastic elements, mandatory use is required plasticizer. Without the addition of elastic components, the coating on flexible parts will quickly crack at the first vibration or impact of a small stone. For plastic, it is also recommended to use special adhesive soils.
Compatibility with the previous layers of lacquer also plays a role. If you are planning a local repair, do a compatibility test on an inconspicuous area. Apply a small amount of solvent and rub with rags. If the old layer does not soften and does not stick to the cloth, you can start staining after matting.
Application technology: step-by-step instructions
The painting process requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Disruption of technology at any stage can lead to defects that will have to be eliminated by a complete repainting. Preparation takes up to 80% of the total work time.
Tools and materials must be prepared first. You'll need:
- 🎨 Krascopult with a duse of 1.3-1.5 mm for the base and 1.8 mm for the ground
- 🧪 Solvent 646 or 650 for diluting enamel
- 🛡️ Respirator with carbon filters and protective glasses
- 🧽 Abrasive materials of gradation P400, P800 and P1200
The first stage is the preparation of the surface. The metal is cleaned, slabbed (if necessary) and ground. The soil should dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually 24 hours at a temperature of +20 ° C. Before painting, the soil is grinded with abrasive P800–P1000 to a perfectly smooth state.
☑️ Preparation for painting
Dilution of enamel is made immediately before use. The standard proportion is 10-15% of the solvent of the paint volume, but the exact data are indicated on the can. Viscosity is checked by a viscometer: the outflow time should be 18-22 seconds. Too thick paint will lie "stepping", and liquid will flow.
Apply the material in 2-3 thin layers with interlayer drying for 15-20 minutes. The first layer is thin, almost "foggy," to create adhesion. The second layer is wet, to form gloss and color. A third layer may be required to cover contrast transitions.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to cover all defects with one thick layer. This is guaranteed to lead to the formation of flows and uneven drying (boiling) of paint.
Coloring and shade selection
The term "Blue Planet" is not the official name of the color in the catalogs of auto enamels. It is a collective name for a group of shades close to the classic Soviet blue. In modern catalogues (e.g., Vika., Mobihill, Duxone) codes starting at 129, 415 or 427 may correspond to this colour, but the exact hue depends on the year of manufacture and the pigment manufacturer.
For a perfect hit in the color of an old car, a simple selection by code is not enough. Under the influence of ultraviolet light and time, the factory coating burns out. Therefore, professionals use computer coloring with a coloring of the sampler on a metal plate. The sample is dried, polished and compared with the body under different lighting.
Why is the color on the bucket different from the color on the car?
The pigment in the liquid state looks darker and saturated. After evaporation of the solvent and polymerization, the color “lightens”. In addition, the color on the metal plate-painting may lie differently than on the curved surface of the body due to the orientation of the metal particles (if the paint is metallic).
If you paint the entire car, the accuracy of the selection is not as critical as with local repairs. In the case of local painting of the door or wing, the difference in shade will be noticeable even with a perfect shading. Sometimes you have to repaint the entire side of the car.
Comparison with imported analogues
The auto-enamell market offers many alternatives. To understand the Blue Planet’s place in this row, let’s compare its characteristics with popular import brands. Domestic materials win in price, but may be inferior in quality stability from party to party.
| Characteristics | Blue Planet (Alcide) | Vika/Mobihel (Acrylic) | Duxone/PPG (Polyurethane) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time for full drying | 24-48 hours | 12-24 hours | 6-12 hours |
| The need for lacquer | Not required (own gloss) | Required (for metallic) | I'll be sure. |
| Resistance to UV radiation | Medium (may turn yellow) | Tall. | Very high. |
| Price per litre | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
As can be seen from the table, the main advantage of the enamel discussed is the absence of the need to buy a separate varnish. The alkyd paint dries with gloss itself. However, acrylic Lacquer provides much better protection against chipping and chemistry. The choice depends on the budget and the requirements for durability.
Typical defects and ways to eliminate them
Even experienced painters sometimes face problems when painting. Knowing the causes of defects helps prevent them. Most often, problems are associated with a violation of the temperature regime or improper viscosity of the material.
The most common problems are:
- 🌊 Shagren (orange peel): It occurs when too thick paint, high pressure in the spray gun or insufficient temperature in the chamber. Removed by polishing after complete drying.
- 💧 Potek: the result of applying too thick a layer or a small exposure between the layers. Require careful cutting with a blade after drying and polishing.
- 🌫️ Matness: It may appear due to high humidity in the room or draft. Sometimes polishing helps, but often repainting is required.
If you notice a beginning flow immediately after application, do not try to wipe it with a cloth. Carefully collect the excess with the edge of the karty or brush soaked in the solvent, and let the layer settle.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the defect of "boiling". It occurs when you apply the next layer to the previously insufficiently dried. The solvent is “locked” inside and, when heated, tries to escape, forming craters. It is treated only by complete removal of the coating.
Coverage care and durability
To make the car of the color "Blue Planet" retains a presentable appearance for many years, it needs to be properly cared for. Alkyd enamels are sensitive to aggressive chemistry in the first 2-3 weeks after painting. During this period, it is not recommended to wash the car with shampoos and use polishes.
To prolong the life of the coating, it is recommended to use wax polishes every 2-3 months. They create an additional hydrophobic layer that protects the pigment from burnout. Regular washing with a soft sponge and clean water also prevents the buildup of road reagents that can erode the varnish.
Alkyd paints oxidize over time and lose their shine. Regular polishing (abrasive and protective) returns the depth of color and removes the oxide film.
The service life of a quality coating when properly operated is 5-7 years before the first signs of aging, such as microcracks or loss of color saturation. The use of garage storage significantly extends this period.
Can I paint the Blue Planet over old paint?
Yes, but only if the old coating is strong, has no bloating and detachment. The surface must be carefully wrapped with abrasive P800-P1000, degrease and apply adhesive soil. If the old paint is chalk or rash, it must be removed completely.
How much does the paint dry at a temperature of +15 ° C?
At a low temperature (+15°C and below), the polymerization process of alkyd enamels is significantly slowed down. "Dust" it can dry 2-3 hours, and complete drying will take up to 72 hours. It is recommended to use infrared lamps or heat guns to speed up the process.
Do you need a blue planet enamel varnish?
Classic alkyd enamel of this type does not require varnish, as it forms a glossy surface. The application of varnish is possible for additional protection, but requires special preparation (matting) and compatibility of components, otherwise the varnish may peel off.
How to dilute thickened paint?
For dilution, it is best to use the original solvent of the same manufacturer or the universal solvent 646/650. Do not use acetone or gasoline, as they can disrupt the structure of the film former and lead to defects.