BRISBANE WINDOW PAINTERS
Polyurethane paint for a durable finish
A polyurethane paint (PU paint) is a hard-wearing, highly-resistant coating used in industrial and architectural coating systems for steelwork, concrete, wood, and other substrates. It is a reaction polymer, a combination of a polyol resin and an isocyanate hardener or curing agent. Essentially, a polyurethane coating is a liquid plastic which dries to form a paint-like film on a substrate.
The properties of a polyurethane can be manipulated by the types of isocyanates and polyols which are used to make it, and so it can be modified to suit a wide range of projects. Polyurethane paint provides durability, resistance to chemicals, water, abrasion, and temperature, as well as an attractive glossy finish.
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In this article we outline the benefits of a polyurethane coating, as well as the applications and industries that rely on it. We also look at the different types of polyurethane paint and where best to apply them.
Why choose a polyurethane paint?
The physical properties of polyurethane paint are greatly influenced by the choice of base components, with different formulations strengthening certain qualities over others. It is this versatility which is one of the main strengths of PU paint, meaning it can be made to purpose for any number of applications. Some of its other strengths are:
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Polyurethane paint is attractive and protective.
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Quick drying and easy to apply – Polyurethane paint is fast curing, meaning less downtime and associated losses. Like an epoxy it is easy to apply, but polyurethane has faster return-to-service times than epoxy.
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Weather resistance and UV stability – Polyurethane can withstand harsh environments, from underground to offshore, as well as being stable when exposed UV radiation and having thermal stability across a range of temperatures.
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Water and chemical resistance – Resistance to water, steam, moisture, and most chemicals means that polyurethane is a waterproof barrier, preventing corrosion of the substrate.
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Extreme durability – When cured, polyurethane forms a hard, durable surface which provides protection from mechanical abrasion, stains and scratches.
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Attractive finish – Whether high gloss, semi gloss, or matt, polyurethane coatings provide a flawless finish which resists colour fade.
Polyurethane coating: Industrial, architectural and automotive
Because of their extreme versatility, polyurethane paints have applications across the coatings industry. There are polyurethanes formulated for the architectural, industrial, automotive, and marine coating markets. With that breadth of application in mind, we have listed some of the most common uses of polyurethane paints and what properties they bring to each.
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