What's the life expectancy of the topcoat?
Liquid Porcelain Enamel
How many years can this be expected to last without chipping or bubbling? Does it bubble like epoxy/resin coatings?
Question ID: 4846610 Status:
Open Feb 27, 2024 - 10:52 PM
1answer
Answer
Mar 07, 2024 - 11:07 AM
Life expectancy of coatings in general are dependent on proper preparation of the given surface. Clean, dry, and dull is a time proven formula for success. Our prep process (scum buster, etch, powerbond) has proven to result in adhesion so great that even a methylenechloride stripper will not cause bubbling or peeling. Chipping occurs even on virgin surfaces but proper prep will significantly aide in the durability of a coating. If the prep process is done correctly, with proper care of from the customer, a refinished tub should last 10 years, regardless of coating used.
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Liquid Porcelain Enamel
Liquid Porcelain Enamel: The Ultimate Solution for Superior Surface Protection At Shark Grip Coatings, we understand the critical demands of various industries requiring high-performance surface protection. Our Liquid Porcelain Enamel (LPE) is the top choice for a wide range of applications due to i...
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SharkGrip's Liquid Porcelain Enamel (LPE) life span for bathtub refinishing purposes is influenced by several key factors:
1. **Surface Preparation **: This is crucial and accounts for a significant portion (95% as you mentioned) of the product's durability and longevity.
2. **Care and Maintenace**: The way the refinished surface is maintained plays a significant role in its longevity. Exposure to harsh chemicals, like drain openers, can damage the surface, and just like a new bathtub fired in an over like real porcelain, hard physical impacts can cause chipping. It's important to note that maximum impact resistance is achieved through attaining proper mil thickness during the application process.
3. **Usage Frequency**: The number of people using the bath and how often it is used can affect wear and tear. A heavily used family bathroom will likely show signs of wear more quickly than a seldom-used guest bathroom.
4. ** Conclusion **: Considering these factors, the estimate of 10-15 years for the lifespan of SharkGrip's LPE under optimal conditions is a reasonable expectation. This accounts for professional application, proper maintenance, and average use conditions. However, in high-traffic bathrooms or where maintenance isn't as diligent, the lifespan could be closer to the lower end of your estimate or even align with the warranty period of 5 years. To provide a nuanced answer:
- For a well-maintained, professionally applied SharkGrip's LPE surface in a low to moderate use setting, you can confidently suggest a lifespan of 10-15 years. - For higher traffic bathrooms or where care and maintenance might not be as thorough, it would be prudent to prepare customers for the possibility of a shorter lifespan, potentially aligning with the 5-year warranty or slightly beyond, depending on the specifics of use and maintenance. It's also helpful to advise customers on the best practices for care and maintenance to help ensure the longest possible lifespan for their refinished surfaces.
Note: In order to answer your question regarding bubbling, I would need you to clarify what type of epoxy resin coatings you're referencing?
Epoxy Coating is such a broad category, it's like saying latex or urethane paint. So many would fall under the heading of epoxy coatings. Here is a sample list to choose from:
Epoxy coatings are commonly used for various applications, and they come in different formulations. Let’s explore the types of 2-part sprayable epoxy coatings and their characteristics:
Polyamide: Polyamide-based epoxy coatings offer good chemical resistance and adhesion. They are often used for concrete and steel surfaces. Polyamide hardeners are moderate to high in viscosity and provide a durable finish.
Aromatic Amine: Aromatic amine-based epoxy coatings excel in chemical resistance and adhesion. They are suitable for applications where exposure to acids, solvents, and water is a concern. Aromatic amine hardeners are typically used in demanding environments.
100% Solids Epoxy: 100% Solids Epoxy refers to an epoxy coating that contains no water or solvents. During the curing process, it retains its full thickness and body, hence the name “100% solids.” Unlike urethane applications, there are no harmful organic vapors (VOCs) associated with 100% solids epoxy.
These coatings are abrasion-resistant, chemical-resistant, and highly durable. A properly installed 100% solids floor can last for 20 years or more.
Amidoamine: Amidoamine-based epoxy coatings strike a balance between flexibility and chemical resistance. They are commonly used for concrete floors, providing good protection against water, alkali, and acids.
Aliphatic compound: Aliphatic Amine: Aliphatic amine-based epoxy coatings offer excellent blush resistance, color stability, and low-temperature application properties. They are often used in outdoor applications due to their UV resistance.
Cycloaliphatic Amine: Cycloaliphatic amine-based epoxy coatings provide good corrosion resistance and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They exhibit excellent film flexibility and adhesion.
Aliphatic Amine Adducts: These epoxy coatings combine the benefits of aliphatic amines and epoxy adducts. They offer a balance of properties, including chemical resistance, adhesion, and low-temperature application.
Remember that the specific combination of epoxy resin and hardener determines the final characteristics of the coating. Each type has its strengths and is chosen based on the desired performance and environmental conditions.
My personal 30 years of experience in entire industrial high performance coatings world, 100 Percent solids epoxy coatings have a pronounced history of bubbling that a propane torch or heat gun is almost always employed during the application process. Liquid Porcelain Enamel has no history of bubbling.
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