What Is a Coated Material?
A coated material is a general term for materials utilized in painting and finishing surfaces. These materials are used in various ways depending on their application. For instance, in exterior wall painting (typically involving three coats), the first two coats focus on the base coat’s function, while the third coat is applied to achieve the desired color.
Uses of Coated Materials
The core-coated material, paint, is used differently based on application and location. Oil-based paints are predominantly used on concrete walls and siding. Some oil-based paints include rust inhibitors for use on steel components. For wood decks, louvers, and other wooden elements, oil stain, primarily composed of oil, is commonly used.
Paint serves not just for coloration but also as a protective agent against wood rot. Various tools are employed in applying coated materials, ranging from traditional brushes to rollers and sprayers, each suited for different purposes and locations.
Conversely, water-based paints are favored for interior applications, as they are less hazardous to health, emit minimal odors, and dry quickly.
Characteristics of Coated Materials
Advantages
1. Building Protection
Buildings constantly face exposure to ultraviolet rays, wind, and rain, leading to rapid deterioration. Coated materials play a crucial role in protecting exterior wall materials from these elements.
2. Various Additional Functions
Modern coated materials offer more than just coloration; they provide additional functions like heat shielding, rust and mildew resistance, algae resistance, and stain resistance. This allows for selecting a coating material tailored to the specific needs of roofs, exterior walls, or interiors.
3. Easy to Repair
Coated surfaces are easily repairable, even if stained or damaged, by reapplying the original paint.
Disadvantages
1. Periodic Repainting Necessary
Exterior walls and roofs typically require repainting every 10 to 15 years due to deterioration from ultraviolet rays and weathering. The moisture in coated materials evaporates over time, leading to cracking and peeling.
2. High Cost
Repainting exterior walls and roofs often involves erecting temporary scaffolding for safety and efficiency, which adds to the cost. For smaller areas, ladders or elevating vehicles may be used.
3. Odor
Even low-odor oil-based and water-based paints emit some odor. Indoors, odors can concentrate, necessitating good ventilation during and after application.
4. Incompatibility with Some Materials
Certain materials, like aluminum and stainless steel, are challenging to paint. Primers can improve adhesion but require additional labor and expense.
Types of Coated Materials
1. Powder Coating
Powder coating involves applying a powder to metal surfaces, such as shutter windings and automobile parts. After application, the material is baked in a kiln to harden. This method, known as baking coating, requires facilities for degreasing, spraying, and baking.
2. Liquid Paint
Liquid paint is a widely used coated material, encompassing synthetic resin-based, oil-based, and water-based paints. Examples of synthetic resin-based paints include urethane, acrylic, and silicone paints. Oil-based paints are known for their strong solvent odors, while water-based paints are less durable but more suitable for indoor use due to their lower odor.
3. Other
Coated materials also serve protective functions, with transparent paints used to shield poured concrete walls from ultraviolet rays and weather elements. Techniques like the “trowel-on” method apply coatings unevenly for texture, while the “mastic” method creates a spiky finish with a mastic roller.