How to recognize acrylic coating?

2K acrylic paint coatings, which can be found on many cars, especially trucks, are a single-layer surface consisting of acrylic paint combined with a hardener. After mixing these two products, we obtain a spray mixture that is applied to a previously prepared surface. It is precisely properties such as flexibility and hardness, and above all, the fast application time that contribute to its popularity. Thanks to the time savings and the high resistance of the varnish to weather and chemical factors, this technology is still used in painting large surfaces where time is important and the basic palette is not an obstacle.

But what is this acrylic? The simplest way to describe this product is as a varnish whose binder is polyacrylic resins. This varnish material is used to obtain a smooth surface, usually in a specific colour, and to protect it from external factors. Acrylics were part of the evolution of varnishing systems.

Is it already in decline?

Many people have announced that acrylic paint is no longer in fashion because it has been replaced by water-based paints in both factories and service centres. This information is misleading because, when you look at the shelves of paint shops, acrylic paints have had a permanent place there for many years and there is no indication that this will change in the coming years. This is confirmed by statistics, which show that the global sales of acrylic paints are increasing by 2% year on year. It is estimated that 25% of all paint jobs are done using this technology. The statistics for acrylic paints would probably be better if it weren't for the restrictive laws regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have effectively forced painters to use water-based paints, simultaneously pushing acrylic paints into the shadows.

Acrylic paint seems to be underestimated, as its versatility and the number of elements it can be used on is dizzying. First and foremost, acrylic paints are used in the automotive industry to paint industrial machinery, but few people know that acrylic is used to paint the trams and buses on Polish streets. Bus repairs are quick and the end result is hard to spot even with a trained eye, thanks to a properly adjusted paint system. We often get enquiries from furniture manufacturers who want to use automotive paint materials because they have better colour and gloss. Acrylic is the leader in this field, not only in Poland but also worldwide.

The very wide range of colours available in acrylic systems is used in many more applications than just car painting and light industry. Acrylic can be found in many unusual places, such as mannequins used at exhibitions or in the funeral industry. Urns and designer coffins even have their own trade fair. There is a huge interest in the latest aesthetic and technological trends in this niche industry. These types of fairs are dominated by glamour, wealth and extravagance. Some coffins can cost up to one hundred thousand zlotys.

Even surfers have already appreciated the high resistance of acrylic paints to chemical and mechanical factors.

Profix follows the trends

With the increase in sales of acrylic paints, the Profix brand recognised the need to create a new LV CRYL line. The new acrylic owes its name to its reduced content of volatile organic compounds (<420 g/l VOC), and this is not an empty promise. The latest acrylic line LV CRYL, which has a higher resistance to cleaning agents and weathering than other acrylic paints, is characterised by greater colour depth and saturation.

It is important to remember how to apply acrylic paint correctly. It is important to use paint and hardener from the same company to avoid potential paint defects. When painting large surfaces, such as buses, it is often necessary to use a suitable thinner to extend the pot life. Apply the first layer, which should not be too thick, to the properly prepared surface, then apply subsequent layers depending on the coverage. Remember to allow for evaporation between layers to ensure proper adhesion of the acrylic. It is also recommended to use a nozzle with a larger diameter (1.6–2.0 mm) when applying thick acrylic mixtures than for a normal base, as the spray mixture is thicker.

Let's mention a few words about possible defects that can arise when applying acrylic. The first problem may be the use of a solvent that is not suitable for the particular varnish. Due to a different evaporation time, the coating may also be damaged by gassing. Remember that applying a mixture that is too thick without thinner will cause problems during spraying and result in an undesirable structure.