How to Keep Exposed Concrete and Cement Pavers Free of Organic Growth

Exposed Concrete & Cement Pavers

Exposed concrete gives an urban and contemporary look to any structure. Due to its porous nature, exposed concrete absorbs water and thus is susceptible to fungal and algal formation, ruining its aesthetics. It therefore needs to be protected from moisture.

Cement Pavers have great aesthetic value and also provide a hard finished surface with the minimum of fuss. They too are porous and absorb water easily, making them damp and susceptible to fungal and algal growth.

Organic growth is only the symptom. The real problem is water absorption.

Why prevent fungal / algal growth ?

Although fungal and algal growth are not harmful to the above substrates, they need to be prevented for
1. better aesthetics.
2. ease of maintanence.
3. In the case of pavers and concrete used in walkways, fungal / algal growth makes them slippery and it is all the more important to prevent them.

The Solution

Stopping water absorption, stops organic growth. 

A transparent water repellent coating is ideal to prevent absorption of water.

Products such as siloxane based water repellants are excellent for this purpose for the following reaaons.

1. They do not alter the look of the substrate in any way. 

2. They are absorbed into the pores of the substrate, thus there is no film formation as such and no risk of breakage of film, giving it a long usable life.

Products

. Organo Silane, water soluble, water repellant.
. Eco-Friendly, low VOC.
. Nano particles penetrate into cement pores and capillaries. Creates a layer of water repellant cement, upto 5mm deep.
. Prevents problems caused by dampness such as fungal formation, Scaling, premature aging, spalling etc.
. UV and thermal stable.
. Easy to apply by brush, spray or roller.

Application

. Make sure surface is free from oil, grease and organic growth. Use wire brushing along with water to remove any organic growth.
. Dilute silane product to given consistency using water. For zycosil plus, dilution is 1:20 parts of water. Consume within 48hrs of dilution.
. Apply by brush, spray or roller. Cover entire surface at one go.
. Surface is ready to use after 24 hours.
. Life of 10 years upwards is expected, depending on the wear of the surface.

An easy solution to a nagging problem.

Available in store now, at

Shree Venkateshwara Traders
712, Modi Hospital Road,
West of Chord Road, Mahalaxmipuram
Bangalore 560086

9036092531 - Namit Bhulani
080 - 23592523 - Landline

venkateshwara.traders@gmail.com

Water Based PU Finishes for Wood

We all need a cleaner environment and water based variants in paints are definitely a step toward this. Water based products such as water based polyurethane for wood are eco-friendly in that they have very low percentages of volatile organic compounds. Not only are these products environmentally responsible, projects can also be turned around faster. Water based systems have faster drying times and are easier to apply - They need not be sprayed. No solvents required, only water is required for thinning and cleaning - thus posing a very low health hazard to applicators. Polyurethane has the property of having good abrasion resistance, good UV stability and creates an impermeable water barrier. Too good to be true? Well the future of paints is here - water based polyurethane coatings for wood. Excellent for outdoor wood and indoor furniture.

The finish of these products is pleasing to the eye and the matt finish is soft to the touch. It gives the wood a natural, well finished and rounded look. 

 Let us look at the application procedure for Water Based Polyurethane products :

Materials

. Random Orbital Sander
. Velcro Discs for Orbital Sanders 5" or 6" - Open coated type - Grits 120, 150, 180, 220
. Sheets for Hand Sanding - Open coated type - Grits 120, 150, 180, 220
. Scotch Brite Hand Pads or Steel Wool.
. Brush 2", 3"
. Felt Roller 4"
. Putty Knives 2", 3", 4"
. Dent Filler
. Wood Filler
. Water Based Polyurethane Base Coat
. Water Based Polyurethane Top Coat - Matt or Glossy.
. Clean potable water.

Application
. Sand the veneer/wood along the grain with papers of grit 120/150. An orbital sanding machine can also be used with the same grits.
. For woods with carving or grooves, Scotch Brite Handpads or Steel Wool must be used for sanding.
. Brush on a coat of wood preservative along the grains for exterior woods and allow to dry for 3-4 hours.
. If the wood has been polished previously using traditional Spirit based polish, apply a coat of wood filler using a putty knife or muslin cloth after sanding and wood preservative application. Allow to dry for 3-4 hours.
. Using a dent filler, fill major dents and imperfections using a putty knife.
. Apply the 1st coat of interior/exterior sealer by spray, brush or roller depending on the depth of the grains, along the grain. For 2K systems, the hardner has to be mixed in the given proportion - Be sure to allow for sufficient maturation time and to use the material within the given pot life. Dilution of up to 10% is allowed using clean water.
. Allow to dry for 4-5 hours.
. Sand the 1st coat using 180/220 grit sand paper. A white powder as a result of sanding is an indication of successful application and curing of sealer.
. Apply a 2nd coat of sealer and repeat the process followed for the 1st coat.
. Once sealer coats are completed, apply 1st coat of topcoat matt or glossy by spray or roller. For 2K systems, the same precautions apply. Dilution of upto 10% is allowed using clean water.
. Apply a 2nd top coat after 5-6 hours.
. Buffing operations can be taken up for glossy topcoats after about 12 hours and within 4 days from the time of application of the 2nd topcoat.


We have well preserved wood with excellent aesthetics, Eco-friendly too!!!!

Let us look at some products which are already available at our store.

Asian Paints Aquadur PU

Aquadur Interior

Aquadur is available in interior and exterior variants.
. Low VOC.
. Child safe.
. Can be brush, roller or spray applied.
. The Aquadur range consists of products such as wood preservatives, wood fillers, dent fillers, wood stains, sealer and top coat.
. Top coat is available in the options of gloss and matt finishes.
. Single component, no need of adding hardner seperately.

MRF Aquacoat 1K and 2K

MRF Aquacoat 2K

. Interior variant available in single pack system(1K);
 exterior variant in 2 pack system(2K).
. Low VOC.
. Solvent free.
. Child safe.
. Can be brush roller or spray applied.
. Sealer is available in 1K and 2K systems.
. 2K system gives an extremely hard film.
. Matt and Glossy finishes.





Available in store now, at

Shree Venkateshwara Traders
712, Modi Hospital Road,
West of Chord Road, Mahalaxmipuram
Bangalore 560086

9036092531 - Namit Bhulani
080 - 23592523 - Landline

venkateshwara.traders@gmail.com

Shop online @ www.paintnhardware.com

Eco-Friendly Paints for Ganesha Idols

Its the season for modhaks and laddoos. Its that time of the year when Idols of Lord Ganesha, the ever lovable remover of obstacles, are brought home and decorated with great enthusiasm. Also it is the time to reaffirm our responsibility towards an eco friendly celebration.

How to ?

. Buy only Idols made of clay.

. Make sure that the paints used on the idols are environment friendly.
. Environment friendly paints = paints not containing heavy metals like lead, arsenic, chromium, mercury + paints having low % of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
. Preferably use water based paints as these are low in VOC and also dry faster than solvent/oil based paints.

What products to use ?      

An ideal paint for this purpose is Asian Paints Royale Luxury Emulsion.

. It is water based.

. Has low VOC.

. Has no lead, arsenic, chromium, mercury. 

. Has the Asian Paints Green Assure guarantee.

. Colour Spectra - It is available in a variety of shades (more than 1000 shades) which range from whites, pastels, mid tones to dark and vibrant colours. These shades are available in 200ml, 1L, 4L, 10L and 20L packs.

. Glitter Shades -  It also has metallic shades such as gold, copper, bronze, silver and almost 40 other such shades. These shades are available in 200ml and 1L packs.

. The 200ml packs are ideal for small idols. 

Asian Paints Royale Luxury Emulsion is readily available in stock in all the above packs at our store (click to locate on map). 

How to Use ?

. Apply a coat of water based primer diluted to the required consistency with a brush on to the clay idol. Allow to dry for 4-5 hrs.

. Now apply Royale Luxury Emulsion in the desired colours on to the idols.

. Allow to dry for 4-5 hours before handling.

Royale can also be used to decorate your walls to give your festivities that Royale touch.

Happy Painting!! Happy Ganesha Chaturthi!!

Asian Paints Royale Luxury Emulsion is a trade mark wholly owned by Asian Paints Ltd.