Steam resistant paint: Steam Resistant Paints

How Does Shower Steam Affect Paint

How Does Shower Steam Affect Paint | Angi

Photo: Iriana Shiyan / Adobe Stock

Highlights

• Shower steam can cause paint to peel, bubble, and grow mold and mildew.

• Glossy paint offers better moisture protection than matte and flat paint.

• Light paint colors don’t run as easily as dark paint colors.

• Using an exhaust fan during and after your shower helps protect your walls from moisture damage.

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Shower steam can significantly affect your bathroom’s paint. Over time, moisture from the steam seeps into the paint, creating bubbling, peeling, and other unwanted textures. Steam can also lead to mold, deteriorating the paint and making for an unsightly appearance.  

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to protect your walls and prolong your paint’s lifespan, including choosing the right paint color, type, and application technique. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know to keep your bathroom paint intact.

Which Paint Types Are Best at Resisting Steam Damage?

While steam will affect virtually every type of paint if given enough time, some paint sheens can stand up to steam better than others, such as full-gloss and semi-gloss paint. 

Full-Gloss Paint

Full-gloss paints offer the best protection against moisture damage. Once cured, glossy finishes create a hard coat that resists water absorption, allowing water to drip to the floor rather than seep into your walls. Full-gloss paints tend to be the easiest paint type to clean, usually requiring a quick wipe-down to get rid of dirt and smudges. 

Semi-Gloss Paint

Semi-gloss paint is also moisture-resistant and easy to clean, making it a great option for the bathroom. It’s not quite as resistant to moisture as full-gloss paint, but it still stands up pretty well to water droplets, so it’s a good alternative if you don’t want the shiny appearance of high-gloss paint. 

Satin Paint

Satin paint resists moisture better than matte, flat, and eggshell paint, but not as well as full- and semi-gloss paint. Once it’s cured, satin paint develops a slight protective coating though it’s not as hard as semi- and full-gloss coatings. It’s also not as easy to clean as its glossier counterparts, but it dries faster and offers a more subtle sheen. 

Should I Use Matte, Eggshell, or Flat Paint in My Bathroom?

Most professional painters discourage people from using matte, eggshell, and flat paints in the bathroom since they’re prone to moisture absorption, mold, and mildew. They’re also much more challenging to clean than glossier alternatives.

With that said, paint technology improvements have led to the development of mildew-resistant matte paint, which can prolong its lifespan in the bathroom and make it easier to clean. But not all of these paint types are mildew-resistant, so if your heart is set on a matte finish, make sure your chosen type can resist mildew.

Does Paint Color Affect Shower Steam Damage?

Photo: Colin / Adobe Stock

Some paint colors are prone to “pigmentation run,” wherein steam causes the paint to run down the wall, discoloring it. Since lighter colors contain less pigment, they’re not as likely to run as their darker, more saturated counterparts. 

So, if you’re painting a primary bathroom that gets quite a bit of daily use, then a lighter color is a good option. Powder rooms and bathrooms that don’t have as much foot traffic will often do fine with darker paint colors. 

What Else Can I Do to Protect My Paint From Shower Steam?

Beyond choosing moisture-resistant paint types and run-resistant colors, there are a couple of additional measures you can take to protect your walls from shower steam damage. 

Use a Paint Primer

Primers help bond the paint to the wall and prevent it from peeling, so you should always apply primer to your bathroom walls before painting them. Primer is especially important for matte and low-sheen paint since these types are more prone to moisture damage, but it’s helpful to use a primer with any paint type. Some primers also come with mildewcide additives that further protect your walls from moisture damage. 

Avoid Exterior Paint 

Since exterior paint tends to offer more moisture resistance than interior paint, it’s tempting to use it to paint your bathroom. However, some exterior paints come with additives, like hazardous amounts of mildewcide, which can harm your health with prolonged exposure, so your safest bet is to stick with paints designed for indoor use. 

Incorporate a Fan

Turning on the bathroom exhaust fan during your showers can help keep your walls dry and prolong your paint’s lifespan. Ideally, you should turn the fan on right before your shower and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes after you’re finished. It’s also helpful to open a window during and after your shower. 

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The Best Moisture Resistant Paint for Indoor & Outdoor

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Moisture is the enemy when it comes to preventing mold, mildew, and rot in interior wood, exterior wood, and masonry surfaces. Almost all surfaces absorb moisture, whether it’s the area around a shower that sustains splashes and high humidity or exterior walls and foundations that routinely see moisture in the form of rain, snow, and humidity in the air. 

Choosing the best moisture-resistant paint for indoor and outdoor applications will preserve the longevity of the materials.

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What Is Moisture Resistant Paint?

Basic Chemical Makeup

Paints are composed of essentially the same components — resins, additives, solvents, and pigments. Each component is responsible for a different quality of the paint. Moisture resistant paint is largely dependent on the resins and additives used:

• Resins: Resins bind the pigment to the surface of what you are painting. The type of resins in the paint depends on the purpose of the paint. Where the paint needs to expand and contract to account for changes in moisture level and air temperature — generally for exterior applications — a softer resin must be used. For interior applications, a harder resin reduces the chances that the paint will chip, smear or scuff with wear and tear. Resins are usually silicone, epoxy or acrylic.

• Additives: Additives give paint different properties including mildew resistance, texture, scent, waterproofing and more.

• Solvents: Solvents are essentially the liquid part of the paint. As the paint dries, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind the resin, additives and pigments, resulting in a painted surface.

• Pigments: Pigments provide the color for the paint.

Does Moisture Resistant Mean It Doesn’t Breathe?

No, moisture-resistant products don’t suffocate surfaces. Moisture-resistant paint creates a barrier that resists moisture intrusion, helping to stop the growth of mold and mildew on the coating film, often aided by a biocide additive. Moisture-resistant paint will still allow the paint to exhale any trapped moisture to further prevent mold and mildew, providing proper care is given in eliminating existing mold and mildew before applying the finish.

What Is Waterproof Paint?

Waterproof paint is a waterproof coating combined with pigments, solvents and resins that creates a moisture and vapor barrier on the surface to which it’s applied. Waterproof paint also contains additives that prevent the growth of mold and mildew in the presence of moisture.

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Where Are Moisture Resistant Paints Used?

Moisture-resistant paints are used anywhere that moisture threatens to create mold or mildew, either from water directly or from humidity in the surrounding environment. It is also applied in areas where high winds create wind-driven rain.

Kitchens

In kitchens, heat and moisture are constant — heat from the stove and oven, steam from boiling water, and water that splashes onto walls and surfaces from the sink all contribute to a high moisture environment. Moisture-resistant products are used in kitchens for protection against cooking elements.

Bathrooms

Humidity from hot showers and water splashing from the bathtub and sink create an environment in which mold and mildew thrive, which is why moisture-resistant paint is often used in the bathroom. Often, moisture-resistant ceiling paint is used to add additional protection from rising humidity.

Basements

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Below-grade basement walls and floors are the last line of defense against groundwater and runoff. Moisture-resistant paint can be used during construction to coat the exterior of the below-grade foundation before it is filled in, and/​or can be applied to the interior of a finished basement for extra protection, stopping any moisture from the outside from coming inside.

Exterior Masonry Surfaces

Exterior masonry surfaces — including brick and stucco walls, above and below grade masonry walls, wood and fiber cement siding and even pools — require moisture and mold resistant paint to ensure they last as long as possible.

Choosing the Right Paint for the Right Job

As with any project, the right materials and products not only make the work go more smoothly, but they last longer and do their job, requiring less maintenance in the long run. Choosing the right paint for the right job is essential for a successful project. 

Painting Vertical Masonry Surfaces: Interior and Exterior

Both interior and exterior vertical masonry surfaces will benefit from the application of moisture-resistant paint. DRYLOK® offers a selection of the best moisture-resistant paint to protect these surfaces. Many are compatible with a sprayer application for moisture-resistant spray paint.

• DRYLOK® Original Concrete & Masonry Waterproofer: Guaranteed to stop water with no pre-mixing or pre-wetting, this product is the original solution for masonry waterproofing. It resists 98 MPH wind-driven rain and is tintable for an added layer of design.

• DRYLOK® Powdered Masonry Waterproofer: When mixed with water, this product is specifically formulated to fill and seal porous masonry walls against water, becoming part of the original surface. It can be used as a base coat or a finish coat, and it resists 10 psi hydrostatic pressure.

• DRYLOK® Extreme: As the name implies, this product is best used for applications that require a high level of moisture and mildew resistance. The flexible encapsulated polymers create a beautiful, smooth waterproof finish that is guaranteed to stop water even under pressure. This product is ideal for concrete block, stucco, brick and even bare concrete swimming pools.

Sealing Concrete Floors

• DRYLOK® Floor & Wall Masonry Waterproofer: This non-pigmented masonry waterproofer is specifically formulated for use on bare masonry floors and walls. From concrete to stucco, this product is easy to apply and incorporates a biocide that resists the growth of mold and mildew. It will preserve the beauty of the material with a non-yellowing high gloss finish that also resists wearing from foot traffic.

Painting Interior Wood Surfaces

• ZAR® Interior Oil Base Poly PRO: This oil-based, fast-drying contractor formula will make the job go smoothly while providing superior protection with fewer coats. It protects all types of interior wood, including floors, woodwork and furniture.

ZAR® Interior Oil Base Poly High Solids: The rich amber finish of this product offers maximum film build to create long-lasting beauty and protection for interior wood, including cabinets, floor and woodwork.

Sealing/​Renewing Wood Decks

• ZAR® NuDECK® Wood and Concrete Restorative Coating: For old or damaged wood decks, this product doesn’t require special applicators, primer or a topcoat. Its elastomeric resin creates superior performance for expansion and contraction. Available in a wide range of colors, this moisture and mold-resistant paint creates a slip-resistant surface where it is needed most — pool decks, concrete porches, walkways, wooden decks and docks.

• ZAR® Solid Color Deck & Siding Stain: For full coverage and superior color, this stain will show the wood texture without the grain. 100%-acrylic resins and a unique alkyd blend create long-lasting protection against the elements on decks, siding, railings, fences and even wooden lawn furniture.

Painting Steel and Fiberglass Doors, Vertical Wood and Fiber-Cement Surfaces

• ZAR® Platinum PRO Translucent Urethane Finish: Ideal for vertical non-porous primed substrates, this product is well-suited for applications on doors made of fiberglass and steel. It is available in eight ready-mixed mold-resistant paint colors, including Charcoal, Sage and Golden Wheat. It is not intended for horizontal applications, but it can be used for other vertical applications such as wood and fiber-cement surfaces.

For the Best Moisture Resistant Paint, Choose UGL®

For years, United Gilsonite Laboratories® has manufactured the best moisture-resistant paint for both indoor and outdoor applications. Our products include DRYLOK® and ZAR® paints and stains that provide mold and moisture resistant products, preserving the beauty and longevity of basement walls and floors, decks, doors, cabinets and nearly any other masonry or wood surface.

Reach out to the experts at UGL® today to explore high-quality products that provide simple yet effective solutions for your project.

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Heat-resistant heat-resistant paint for barbecue and metal

07/02/2021

After making a brazier with your own hands or purchasing it in a specialized store, you should think about the fact that the surface needs to be coated with a special heat-resistant paint. This is due to the low corrosion resistance of many metals. Heat-resistant paint for barbecue can significantly extend the life of the product. If you do not protect the metal from atmospheric exposure, then after a while it will become rusty.

Composition requirements

Heat-resistant paint for metal for barbecue must have certain qualities in order to protect the metal from the following influences:

• high humidity;
• temperature fluctuations;
• chemicals.

When thinking about how to paint the brazier so that it does not burn, it should be borne in mind that the product used will have to withstand heat up to 800 degrees. In addition, the composition should not include harmful substances, as they can get into the cooked food.

Professional refractory metal paint for barbecue is easy to apply and does not harm human health. Therefore, it can be used for painting not only the outer, but also the inner surface.

Thermal protection paint classification

When choosing a paint, you should first pay attention to its classification according to the following parameters:

• allowable temperature range;
• composition;
• scope.

In everyday life, as a rule, compounds are used that can withstand temperatures up to 100 C. They can be made on acrylic or alkyd resin, and due to their special properties, they can create a seamless protective coating.

If the surface will be exposed to heat up to 120 degrees Celsius, epoxy-based compositions should be preferred. On sale there are one-component formulations that can withstand temperatures of about 400 C.

Used factory marking

To designate heat-resistant paints, an alphanumeric designation is used. The labeling of the compositions under consideration is carried out as follows:

1. Two letters “KO” indicate that the thermal paint is made on an organic silicon basis.
2. Letters are followed by numbers. The first one speaks about the purpose of the composition, the subsequent ones – catalog data.

For example, the designation KO-811. This composition is intended for steel, titanium, aluminum alloys that need to be protected from weathering. This kind of enamel is characterized by high heat resistance, as well as the fact that they can be used at low temperatures. As a result of the use of KO-811, a surface is obtained that is resistant to temperature changes, heat or high humidity.

Paint KO-813 is used to protect surfaces that can be exposed to temperatures up to 500 degrees Celsius. KO-8111 withstands exposure to 600 degrees Celsius. In addition, such chemical compositions are resistant to chemical aggressive agents.

Acrylic heat-resistant paints

Acrylic thermal paint for barbecue today is very popular. The composition can withstand temperatures up to 650 C. In addition, the surface can withstand short-term exposure to heat of 800 degrees.

Painting is greatly simplified when using aerosol cans. Their advantages lie in the following points:

• fast surface drying;
• ease of storage;
• long shelf life;
• the ability to choose acrylic compositions of different colors.

Before applying acrylic paint, you need to prime the surface.

Protective heat resistant powders

Powder formulations are also widely used. They differ in the way of application and high efficiency. Their features:

• powder spraying is carried out on the surface with special equipment;
• treated surfaces withstand high temperatures;
• at the time of sintering the powder composition, the surface becomes refractory.

An example of a powder protective agent is grade S54. It is made from silicone. The developed substance is intended to protect the surfaces of barbecues, stoves and barbecues. It should be borne in mind that this powder is practically not used in everyday life, since its application requires a high-temperature drying chamber.

The choice of paint should also be carried out according to the manufacturer. It’s no secret that firms that are trustworthy produce better products. As a rule, the offers of foreign manufacturers are more popular, but the products of domestic firms deserve attention.

The article was prepared by the master Roman for the customers of the Levsha.rf store

What is heat-resistant enamel and how to use it?

Thinking through the interior of his home, each owner first of all thinks about the aesthetic component. What material to order? What paint is better to paint the batteries? What color to paint the floors?

These questions are indeed relevant, since each surface in the house has its own purpose, and therefore its own requirements. This is especially true for heating appliances and boiler equipment. Their surfaces reach significant temperatures, therefore, the coating for them should be chosen with a special composition.

Traditional paints and varnishes based on drying oil or acetone, when exposed to high temperatures, release toxic substances, break down and bubble. Therefore, heat-resistant enamel is used to paint chimneys, fireplaces, stoves and boilers, radiators, barbecues and other heating appliances. It is resistant to high temperatures – from 100°C to 600-700°C. When heated, it does not emit an unpleasant odor, provides anti-corrosion protection and protection against chemicals.

Types of heat-resistant enamel

The main classification of heat-resistant coatings differs in composition. Distinguish the basics:

1. Silicone . Heat-resistant material is able to withstand temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. It is used for painting industrial facilities and structures operated in extreme temperature conditions. After drying, a plastic and high-strength layer with a silvery protective film is formed on the surface.
2. Water based Latex . Designed to protect concrete and brick surfaces. It lays evenly on the base, adheres well to it. After drying on concrete and brick, a durable layer with high water-repellent characteristics is formed. Latex compositions form a coating with high vapor and gas permeability.
3. Water based acrylic. After drying, a coating with a low gas permeability threshold is formed. This property allows the use of the material to protect surfaces from corrosion, rust. Therefore, this heat-resistant enamel for metal is used more often than others for painting radiators and other heating appliances. It withstands temperatures up to +100° Celsius, but is not recommended for use in places with high humidity. The composition may contain alkyd resin.
4. Polyurethane. The main advantage of coatings is fast drying. Manufacturers produce one- and two-component formulations. After curing, the coating acquires a glossy effect. It is used for coloring of any types of furnaces. Withstands temperatures from 205°C to 250°C.
5. Silicone alkyds. Compositions are suitable for painting all types of surfaces, are included in the group of environmentally friendly materials. They withstand high temperatures (over 600 ° C), but at the same time they are able to withstand aggressive environments. High-quality painting with heat-resistant enamel will protect the base from destruction under the influence of atmospheric and chemical loads.

To increase the degree of paint adhesion and elasticity, improve the drying time of the layer and increase wear resistance, manufacturers add auxiliary components to the base – aluminum powder, titanium dioxide, chromium oxide, etc.

Decorative heat resistant paint

When using heat-resistant paint for domestic purposes, its decorative effect is important. The main enamel colors are silver and black. But manufacturers offer other types of coatings:

• Matte;
• Glossy;
• Color – a huge variety of shades.

When choosing, it is recommended to take into account the scope of the material. For example, painting stoves is best done with black matte enamel. It will speed up the warm up. If the object needs to be given a high decorative effect, then color paint is chosen.

How is heat resistant coating used?

After you have chosen a suitable enamel in the catalog and made a purchase, a number of the following actions are to be performed:

Step 1 : cool the surface to be painted and clean it of third-party contaminants with an iron brush so that the enamel lays evenly.

Step 2 : if the enamel is aerosol, shake the can before application, then spread it evenly over the surface. For liquid enamel, you need to choose a comfortable brush.

Step 3 : after application, wait until the heat-resistant enamel is completely dry. Drying time – about a day.

After the enamel dries, you can start using the heating equipment. The final stage of painting is the first heating of the coating, since it is he who completes the process of fixing the enamel on the surface of the device.

Heat-resistant enamels

An important point in choosing heat-resistant paint is the form of its release. This characteristic determines the coating technology. Released:

• Liquid formulations. Packed in jars or buckets. The volume of material is calculated in kilograms. Packing in jars is carried out in 1 kg, in buckets – from 5 to 30 kg.
• Aerosols. Supplied in spray cans. Capacity – up to 500 ml (depending on the manufacturer). In terms of simplicity and speed of application, aerosol heat-resistant paint in cans significantly outperforms liquid formulations.