Long known as oil paint, glycerophtalic paint (short for glycérophtalique) is a blend of pigments, resin and organic solvent.
Its main advantages are unfailing resistance and a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish.
Toxic for the environment and users, it is increasingly being replaced by acrylic paints.
Characteristics of glycerol paint
It is one of the so-called oil-based paints, in the same way as polyurethane or epoxy paint.
It contains a glycerophtalic resin that acts as a binder, preventing it from being diluted with water.
Strengths and weaknesses of glycerine-based paint
Its impact resistance, high coverage and ultra-smooth finish are second to none.
On the other hand, it has major drawbacks. It has a persistent odour that lasts for several days, it takes longer to dry than water-based paints, and chemical products are needed to clean the work tools.
Toxicity of glycerol paints
Glycerine-based paint is toxic and requires the indoor air to be renewed until it is completely dry.
It should therefore not be used to paint a windowless room, and under no circumstances should you live in the house during the drying phase.
In March 1999, the European Union adopted a European directive to reduce VOC emissions by 57% between 1999 and 2010. The aims of this directive are to better protect the health of end users and customers, while protecting the environment.
To find out more, read our article on volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Glycerine or acrylic paint?
For some years now, under the impetus of the European Union, manufacturers have been working on the development of new water-based paints.
The planned disappearance of paints containing solvents and chemical products has led to the emergence of new so-called “mixed” or alkyd paints.
They combine the advantages of acrylic paint (low V.O.C. content) with those of glycerine (resistance and quality of finish).
What kind of work and surfaces can you use glycerine-based paint for?
This paint can be used on all types of surface, but its high resistance makes it particularly suitable for exterior surfaces exposed to the elements.
These include ironwork (gates and metal parts) and wooden parts (shutters and other joinery).
In addition, the outside temperature should not exceed 25°C, the ideal being to paint between 10 and 20°C, and to avoid direct exposure to the sun.
Airless application of acrylic paint
As with any paint, there are a few rules to follow when using it. The most important is dilution and cleaning of the equipment.
This oil-based paint must be diluted and cleaned with the appropriate solvent recommended by the manufacturer. This is generally a product such as White Spirit.
More information on spray painting here.
Because of its toxicity, glycerol paint needs to be applied with a few extra precautions:
- Ventilate the room for several days at the end of the work
- Use of a breathing mask, gloves and protective goggles
And if you don’t want to drip paint during application, opt for an airless paint roller.
This is used like a conventional paint roller, produces no spray mist and connects easily to most airless pumps.
To find out more about types of paint
We’ve put together a whole series of articles devoted to different renovation paints. Here are the links to these pages:
- Matt paint
- Satin paint
- Velvet paint
- Gloss paint
- Ecological paint
- Anti-humidity paint
- Anti-rust paint
- Tar paint
- Latex paint
- Enamel paint
- Elastomer paint
- Epoxy paint
- Polyurethane paint
- Silicate paint
- Pliolite paint
- Fire-retardant paint
Now you’re ready to make the right decisions when it comes to glycerol paint for your work.
And if you decide to use an airless spray gun for your paints, don’t hesitate to contact us for the best advice on the subject.
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