How to degrease metal before painting: main selection criteria

For the production of solvents both based on one component and using many substances. Solid, liquid, and gaseous components can be used for production. Most solvents are liquid.

To evaluate solvents, attention is paid to many criteria.

Depending on the manufacturing process as well as the quality of the components, some special characteristics depend. We are talking about toxicity, acidity level, what level of chemical additives, fire hazard, etc.

Solvents have found applications in instrument making, machine manufacturing, the chemical industry, leather goods, footwear, laboratory research, and medicine.

Characteristics of solvent P646

For many decades they have been used to dilute paint and varnish products. At the moment, these thinning compositions have found their use not only for diluting paintwork materials, but also for cleaning tools, removing stains, degreasing and much more.

The most popular is multicomponent solvent 646. P646 is produced. This substance is produced using substances such as toluene, ethanol, as well as acetone and some other components. Solvent 646 is used at almost all stages of finishing work, the consumption depends on what kind of work needs to be done.

Its main advantages are that it has unique properties in terms of physical and chemical indicators. With its help, you can save a lot on the solvent consumption rate of 646 per 1 m2.

It has been specially developed for use with certain special substances created for the protective functions of the surfaces of objects and equipment made of various materials. When the substance evaporates, additional shine is imparted. Brand P646 is the most active when compared with other multi-component types. Therefore, during use you need to be very careful so that the lowest layer of paintwork on the surface is not damaged.

Positive sides

• Before considering what the solvent is made of, it is necessary to talk about the advantages.
• It is very easy to use. On the packaging you can find detailed instructions for use.
• Its cost is not high. This type of solvent can be easily purchased at any specialty hardware store.
• If you use it, the drying period will be significantly shorter. Another advantage is that the surface will be shiny.
• Can be used in many industries.
• Low consumption per m2.

GOST 18188-72, which contains the requirements for this substance, states that this solvent can be yellowish or completely colorless, with a pungent odor. It can be successfully used both for industrial purposes and for household purposes when thinning paints and varnishes or degreasing surfaces. It can successfully cope with the tasks of cleaning instruments and removing stains.

Scope of application

Solvent 646 has a wide range of applications. In everyday life, the composition is used to remove oil and paint from hands. It is curious that the product cleans well even coloring pigments used in the textile industry. In addition, the composition is often used to clean tools after painting work.

They are also used to bring organic and chemical surfaces to the desired consistency, and are used in the production of paints and varnishes. In general, the products are equally suitable for the oil refining industry, mechanical engineering, finishing work and the needs of car repair shops.

In addition, the mixture based on petroleum products has found its application in the perfumery and cosmetics industry.

What are the consumption rates for 1 sq.m2

When you want to use it, you need to know exactly what varnishes and paints it can be used with, and how much you need to add.
It is important to understand that the consumption when degreasing surfaces, as well as diluting varnishes and paints, differs significantly. Moreover, the solvent consumption will not be the same when diluting different types of varnishes and paints. To determine the optimal consumption per m2, you need to take into account the technical conditions, as well as the standards of paints and varnishes. Experimental studies are being carried out. The general degree of dilution of paintwork materials determines the solvent consumption rates for a particular substance.

In order to properly dilute nitrocellulose putty NTs-00-7, according to state standards, you will need to use 1.23 kg/t of solvent. To dilute nitroglyphthalic enamels NTs-132 and NTs-1200, you will need 1.17 and 0.85 kg/t, respectively.

Since solvent 646 is one of the most effective when compared with other multicomponent substances, it is in high demand in the construction of special-purpose facilities, as well as in the repair and maintenance of complex equipment.

Specifications 646

Purpose and use of metal degreaser

Any metal product requires preliminary cleaning of the surface from various types of contaminants, including grease. There are the following degreasing methods:

• mechanical - used when it is necessary to provide a rough surface for painting. The process is quite labor-intensive, requiring the use of various grinding brushes or wheels;
• electrochemical – effectively cleans metal products from fatty films, regardless of the thickness of the contamination. However, this cleaning method is acceptable only on a production scale, where there are specially equipped premises. If the cleaning technology is violated and the degreaser is overdosed, the product may be damaged, since the strength of the metal may be impaired;
• chemical is the most optimal method of degreasing. The process can be performed in production as well as at home.

It is also worth noting that it is best to use a chemical method of cleaning the metal surface from fats immediately before painting in well-ventilated areas, since the specific smell of anti-corrosion agents and degreasers is very toxic, which in itself is harmful to human health. It would not be superfluous for the employee to use special protective devices that will prevent possible poisoning by chemical vapors.

Special compositions for degreasing

Along with conventional products, special solutions are presented on the shelves of construction stores. Main list:

1. Antisilicone. The composition removes difficult-to-clean layers, silicone plaques, improves adhesion, antistatic, and is safe for the coating being cleaned (rubber, glass, metal). The product is packaged in different containers, including a container with a spray bottle. This allows you to speed up the process of degreasing and subsequent painting.
2. Trichlorethylene. Synthetic hydrocarbon solvent removes stubborn stains. It is used to degrease ferrous metal, as well as steel, nickel, copper, fabric and leather. Not suitable for aluminum and magnesium coatings. Not flammable.
3. Tetrachlorethylene. Unlike the previous composition, on the contrary, it is suitable for aluminum and magnesium. The universal solvent has found application in mechanical engineering; it does not destroy the ozone layer and meets fire safety standards.
4. Cleaner. An economical, environmentally friendly, alkaline product not only copes with the tasks of eliminating an unnecessary layer, but also creates a moisture-resistant layer, blocking the prerequisites for the development of the corrosion process.
5. Docker dekamet. Modern consistency without odor, harmful impurities, chlorine and acid compounds. As a result of cleaning, the surface of metal structures is qualitatively degreased before painting.

All special compositions have restrictions on use and requirements for the base, which are specified in the instructions.

Antisilicone

Trichlorethylene

Tetrachlorethylene

Degreaser Chistomet – Plus

Docker Degreaser

Review of popular manufacturers

Today there is a huge selection of products for degreasing metal before painting. Manufacturers have long established themselves in the consumer market. In specialized stores, sales consultants can offer a choice of one of the following solutions:

1. White spirit is the most popular degreaser. It has a specific odor of fuel and lubricants and is a transparent liquid. Containers of various sizes are available;
2. Solvent 646 is a yellowish liquid with a pungent odor. Used for degreasing any surfaces, removing layers of paint, cleaning construction equipment and tools. The degreaser is also used to thin enamels;
3. Acetone is a clear liquid with a specific odor. Eliminates various types of stains (tar, grease, oil). Can be used to dilute varnishes and paints;
4. Solvent is a clear or yellowish liquid. It is used not only as a metal degreaser, but also as a paint thinner. Widely used when working with cars;
5. Kerosene is the most inexpensive degreaser. Successfully used to remove stains from leather and fabric products.

Attention: Before starting to work with degreasers, you should carefully read the instructions and follow safety precautions.

Organic degreasers

Organic degreasers quickly and efficiently remove greasy stains from metal. Despite the effectiveness of use, the substances have a high fire hazard, which in turn limits the range of use. Such means are used more by private individuals, less often in production.

They have organic solvents and disadvantages, such as:

• high material consumption due to the high volatility of the substance;
• removal of only particles of greasy dirt. The degreaser practically does not come into contact with solid particles and abrasive materials.

Emulsion cleaning compounds

You can remove greasy stains from surfaces using emulsion degreasers. Widely used to remove carbon deposits, grease, and old paint. Before starting work, be sure to wear special gloves to prevent the substance from getting on the epidermis.

Emulsion solvents are often used in everyday life. The main components of a degreaser are a solvent, an emulsifier, water, and detergent additives.

Alkaline and acidic agents

Alkaline and acidic degreasers are excellent at cleaning surfaces. Special surfactants included in alkaline products effectively combat both liquid and solid types of contaminants.

The advantages of solutions of this type include environmental friendliness and fire safety. In addition, degreasers can be applied to metal in a variety of ways.

Important to know: After using alkaline or acidic degreasers, the metal area or product must be thoroughly washed with plain water to remove solvent residues.

What is the difference between solvents 646 and 647?

Solvents are presented in stores in a fairly diverse assortment, but the most popular are numbers 646 and 647. At first glance, the compositions seem identical: they are produced by domestic enterprises, packaged in similar containers, and used in the same areas. However, there are minor but very important differences between the products.

A distinctive feature is the chemical composition of the solvents. We cited the components that make up 646 above, so we’ll talk about 647. This is also a multicomponent mixture, which includes the following substances:

As you probably noticed, the list of active ingredients does not include acetone. Thanks to this feature, solvent 647 is less active, so it can be used on surfaces that require careful care. The difference in chemical composition also affected the area of ​​application. In particular, 647 is intended to increase the viscosity of nitrocellulose compounds.

Tips and recommendations for use

Degreasers should be used with extreme caution, avoiding contact of the liquid with the skin. All work is carried out in the given sequence:

• The metal is cleaned before processing mainly mechanically. This must be done to eliminate various defects and rust. You can use regular sandpaper, as well as a grinder;
• areas that do not need to be treated are covered with special cloths;
• It is best to apply the degreaser to the processed fragment with a piece of cloth;
• the solvent is kept on the surface for a certain period of time, after which the excess is removed, and the metal area is primed and then painted.

Attention: If dirt cannot be removed with a rag, then small items should be placed in a container filled with solvent.

It is imperative to use a degreaser before painting. One should not make the mistake of many who decide to save time by skipping this important stage of metal processing. Rust that appears on the surface over time will force the owner to incur significant time and financial costs again.

INTRODUCTION

Anti-corrosion materials (in particular, rust converters) of the Folioks brand are used to create complex protective coatings when painting the surfaces of steel products and structures with a layer of rust up to 120 microns in order to modify corrosion products into an inactive form (strong water-resistant compounds) and prevent further corrosion processes .

The use of rust converters of the Folioks brand (instead of other types of preparation and priming of metal surfaces before painting) leads to a significant reduction in the labor intensity of this expensive operation, increases the adhesion of the paint coating to the metal, reduces the consumption of materials used, prevents the process of under-film corrosion, increasing the service life of the protective coverage in general.

The recommended protective epoxy-polyurethane coating has high chemical resistance (exposure to solutions of acids, alkalis, salts, aggressive gases, oils and petroleum products), heat resistance (from –150 to +200 ° C), good elasticity and mechanical strength.

The proposed anti-corrosion protection technology is designed taking into account the impossibility of annual inspection and repair work of painted equipment.