By now you’ve probably heard a thing or two about ceramic microspheres in industrial paints and coatings. If you are planning on having any kind of industrial painting done in the near future, it is important to understand the good and the bad of this technology so you will know what to expect. Many companies now use ceramic microspheres in their paint and coating mixtures, but few customers understand the benefits. Here we will explain why ceramic microspheres are so useful and why you should take advantage of this technology in your facility.
More Uniform Application
All paints and coatings use some type of filler material in conjunction with the resin to produce the final finish. However, other paint products typically use irregular fillers that do not necessarily flow well together. These irregular fillers leave large gaps which require excessive resin to fill. When applied, deposits that lack sufficient filler material can begin to sag or run, causing imperfections in the finished product. With ceramic microspheres, the spherical shape provides a much-needed increase in uniformity. While individual spheres may vary in size, all spheres can fit together where smaller ones fill in the gaps. This drastically reduces the amount of resin required in the application and prevents sagging and runs from happening.
Increased Durability
Ceramic microspheres also come in handy when you need a very durable surface. Obviously, ceramics provide an inherent hardness rating that you can’t find in any other filler material currently being used. In addition, the use of spheres increases the durability because a sphere is a very stable shape that can take abuse without cracking. The same cannot be said of irregularly shaped fillers that do not have strong internal structures. Once the ceramic microspheres link together to form a bond with the resin, they become even more durable against scratches, cracking and more. Plus, ceramic is able to withstand regular contact with industrial chemicals without breaking down.
Fewer Chemical Byproducts
Due to the weight of ceramic microspheres, you will also find that the paint application process produces far less waste. There will be fewer VOCs released into the air, and more of the paint product ends up on your target. This results in a lower cost coating for you as well.
Same Equipment
While the use of ceramic microspheres may seem futuristic, the good news is that they can be used with regular painting equipment. The spheres themselves actually improve the flow of the paint coating so that it can easily pass through the spraying equipment.
Insulating Properties?
While there are numerous benefits to the use of ceramic microspheres, there are also some misconceptions. In the past, some companies insisted that the ceramic improved insulating properties of the coating. This assertion has been challenged by some, and there is still research being done to determine the level of improvement created by the spheres themselves, if any. If you are looking for an insulating coating, you may want to consult with an expert about whether or not this is the right fit for you.
To learn more about industrial coatings that utilize ceramic microspheres, contact Performance Painting today. Our team of experts can help you choose the perfect coating for any industrial application and ensure that your finished products will last for years to come.
