Features of using polystyrene foam varnish for painting concrete floors and recipes for its preparation

Concrete floor painting provides durability and a modern aesthetic that can completely change the appearance and feel of any area. Polystyrene foam varnish is a standout option due to its protective properties and versatility. This kind of varnish not only makes concrete look better, but it also gives it a hard, resilient layer that can tolerate foot traffic and heavy use.

The ability of polystyrene foam varnish to leave concrete surfaces with a glossy, smooth surface is one of its main characteristics. Because of this, it is perfect for environments that value durability and aesthetics equally, such as homes and businesses. The varnish provides a seamless and easily cleaned surface for a variety of concrete floor types, including those in garages, workshops, and basements.

The polystyrene foam varnish application procedure is a simple one that yields the best possible outcomes. In order to obtain the appropriate consistency and coverage, recipes for its preparation frequently call for combining the varnish with a suitable solvent or thinner. The varnish’s longevity and performance are improved by this preparation step, which makes it possible for the varnish to stick to the concrete substrate successfully.

To achieve a professional finish, it’s imperative to adhere to recommended techniques when applying polystyrene foam varnish. A well-prepared surface, which includes cleaning and maybe etching the concrete, guarantees good adhesion of the varnish and keeps it from peeling or cracking too soon. Applying several thin coats as opposed to one thick coat also ensures a smoother, more durable finish and helps prevent uneven application.

What it is?

Polystyrene is dissolved in xylene, toluene, or other fuels and lubricants to create foam plastic varnish. Solid polystyrene is known as polystyrene foam. A range of solvents, including acetone and gasoline, are used to change it into a liquid state.

It is produced for use in industry as epoxy varnish E-4100 and as a dielectric for coating high-frequency parts. includes solvents

• 30% acetone;
• 40% xylene;
• 30% ethylcellulose;
• hardener.

Released under the same name as well. It is a 14–25% polystyrene plastic solution with organic ingredients like toluene and solvent. Plasticizers, such as castor oil in tiny amounts (0.5%) and chlorinated paraffin, are used to improve the strength characteristics.

Typically, homemade varnish is made with either xylene or a gasoline and xylene mixture. Its performance characteristics are therefore marginally inferior to those produced in an industrial setting.

Requirements

Concrete floors need to be protected by homemade varnish:

• From moisture. Rainy weather or snowfall should not affect the integrity of the concrete pavement.
• Oils and other liquids. The coating must be neutral to chemical solvents.
• Low temperature. The floors do not crack in the cold season.
• Mechanical damage. It is desirable that the friction of the wheels on the floor or the fall of heavy objects does not lead to the peeling of the paint.

Furthermore, the varnish should seal in cracks, give the coating a decorative appearance, and shield the owner’s health from cement dust.

Typical attributes:

• Does not withstand temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius.
• Protects from moisture.
• Does not conduct electric current.
• Protects metals from corrosion.

Acetone, iron oxide, Berlin blue, titanium dioxide, and chromium oxide are permissible collars for concrete floor varnish.

In which case will fit?

A composition like that It works best in non-residential spaces, like the garage or an extension of a farm. Low temperatures are tolerated by the coating, but temperatures over 70–110 degrees are not.

It is therefore not advised to use in hot workshops or other locations where welding is done. Breathing issues and poisoning can result from melting polystyrene.

Although this coating is not resistant to anti-slip chemicals, it can still be used on country paths.

Prerequisites for the premises:

• Availability of windows and/or doors for ventilation. While the varnish dries, toxic fumes can be harmful to health.
• Free access to water and other fire protection measures, since fuels and lubricants are used as polystyrene solvents.

The concrete floor needs to have its surface thoroughly cleaned and sanded. Eliminating dust will help paint adhere better to the screed. To get rid of the loose layer of the concrete base, or "cement laitance," floor grinding is required. This will enhance the coating’s adhesive qualities and allow the coloring composition to be absorbed more effectively through the opening of the pores.

Cooking instructions

You’ll need the following parts for manufacturing:

• Foam plastic (foamed polystyrene).
• Solvent (gasoline, xylene, toluene, acetone, solvent).
• Plasticizer (castor oil, coal tar – optional component).

These are the estimates for a typical 15 square meter garage.

Recipe with acetone

Components:

• Xylene – 1 l.
• Acetone – 2 l.
• Polystyrene foam brand PS-1 – 9 cubic meters. dm.
• Coloring pigment – 1 or 2 bottles of 100 ml.

To get ready, combine the two liquids in a plastic bottle and fill it with chunks of packaging foam that you take out of the TV or refrigerator. The substance will eventually dissolve and thicken. You can add any neutral industrial color to the polystyrene at the end of the process.

The main substance’s solution needs to be at least 14%, and at most 25%, when determining the necessary quantity of polystyrene foam. When the varnish is done, it should flow from the stick like thread and have the consistency of sour cream.

Acetone and gasoline have similar uses. Although a solution based on it might not offer as uniform of a coating as in the first instance, it is less expensive.

With xylene

What is required:

• Pure xylene – 3 l.
• Expanded polystyrene grade UPM (HIPS).
• Chlorinated paraffin in an amount of 0.3% (improves the viscosity of the finished product).

Expanded polystyrene sheets, or HIPS, are frequently used as facade insulation for homes. You must dissolve the material in xylene in order to get ready. Using a wooden stick, stir the mixture until a thick paste is formed. If plasticizer is available, use it.

Buying xylene that is produced in accordance with specifications is advised. It combines with polystyrene foam to create the required homogenous solution. GOST states that xylene creates a very viscous mixture.

With solvent

Ingredients listed:

• Polystyrene grade PS-S.
• Solvent – ​​3l.
• Tar – 0.3% of the total mass of the finished solution.

It is necessary to thoroughly crumble the packing foam into tiny fragments. The final product is better the smaller the fraction. Once the foam has completely dissolved, crumble it into the solvent and stir. Add 9 g of tar to 3 liters of solution, for example, depending on the final mass’s weight.

Paints and varnishes based on toluene are made similarly, but without resin.

Coverage Rules

You should first get a mixing container ready. It is sufficient to use a five-liter plastic bottle that is neutral to basic substances.

You will require a brush or roller to apply liquid varnish. A standard construction spatula works well for viscous polystyrene compositions. Using a tool, the mixture must be applied to the surface and leveled. To strain the final solution, you will also need to prepare a sieve or piece of gauze.

To get ready paintwork supplies, you’ll need:

• Mix liquid solvents.
• Add polystyrene foam piece by piece.
• Stir until completely dissolved.
• Add additives (plasticizer and pigments).

Safety precautions must be taken during operation because every component is extremely flammable. After allowing the final product to infuse for 20 to 40 minutes, strain it before using. If all technologies are used, the paint should start to cure in one to two hours.

Safety precautions when working with paintwork materials

It is necessary to mix the composition in a well-ventilated area while wearing goggles, gloves, and a respirator. It is not permitted to use power tools, matches, or lighters while at work.

Since paint and varnish do not stop being flammable until they are fully cured, safety precautions must be strictly followed until the varnish has hardened on the concrete surface.

Instructions for coating with polystyrene

Paint application stages:

• Preparing the floor surface – sanding and removing dust using a construction vacuum cleaner, a rag.
• Applying a viscous mass to the surface and leveling with a spatula. If the mixture is liquid, you should use a brush, which must first be dipped in oil so that the paint does not stick to the brush.
• Leveling the paint over the entire floor surface one area at a time.
• Waiting for the paint layer to dry for 12 hours.
• Reapply foam varnish if necessary.

If the first layer is thin and translucent, or if there is surface irregularity, a second layer is needed.

Difficulties and errors in work

It will be necessary to add more solvent if the paint is extremely thick. This occurs when cooking is done with pure gasoline without acetone.

Since solvent or xylene are used in industry to make varnish, they are the best options.

Gasoline use can cause the polystyrene foam varnish to have an uneven, bubble-filled surface. Xylene is a better material for this purpose.

average price

Average cost of paint and varnish supplies in Moscow:

• Xylene – 200 rub/l
• Gasoline – 50 rub/l
• Acetone – 220 rub/l
• Solvent – 180 rub/l
• Toluene – 230 rub/l
• Kohler – 100 rubles per 0.1 l.
• Depending on the proportions, the cost of creating paintwork materials will be no more than 700 rubles per 3 liters of mixture.

One liter of ready-made, premium industrial polyurethane varnish will set you back 3,200 rubles, and three liters will set you back 9,600 rubles. One liter of a cheap option will set you back roughly 1000 rubles.

When you make your own paints and varnishes, you can clearly save money.

Pros and cons of this treatment

The following are some benefits of applying homemade varnish:

• Low price. The cost of finished factory-produced paints and varnishes is much higher than homemade products.
• Decorative look of concrete floors.
• Protection against moisture and mold.
• Durable, abrasion-resistant surface.

When manufactured with the right technology, foam plastic varnish has performance characteristics that are comparable to those of an industrial product.

Homemade paints and varnishes come with drawbacks in addition to benefits. The primary one is that maintaining all proportions precisely at home is not possible.

Additionally, the type of solvent and the brand of polystyrene foam used as raw materials affect the final product’s quality. Because of these unequal components, different people may have different results with the same proportions.

The buyer has no control over the solvent’s quality, which often dictates how thick and dense the finished product will be.

This product’s instability in hot temperatures is another drawback. Sparks from a power tool will melt the coating if they strike such a surface. If you place a hot kettle on it, you will get the same outcome.

Unlike do-it-yourself paint jobs, an epoxy or polyurethane analog primer will effectively prevent the concrete coating from being destroyed and will also be resistant to temperature fluctuations. While polystyrene varnish loses its properties after three years, they will last for over ten years.

The use of foam plastic varnish is justified if we only view it as a short-term, low-cost fix. However, industrial coatings are the best option when it comes to long-term protection for the owner of a garage or other technical room.

Cost of work

In the event that painting requires labor, the cost per square meter will be approximately 200 rubles. Therefore, the cost of work for a 15 square meter garage would be 3000 rubles.

In this article, we delve into the practical aspects of using polystyrene foam varnish to paint concrete floors, offering straightforward guidance and easy-to-follow recipes for preparation. We explore why polystyrene foam varnish is an effective choice, discussing its benefits and application techniques. Whether you"re looking to enhance durability, achieve a glossy finish, or add a protective layer, understanding how to prepare and apply this varnish can make a significant difference in your concrete floor projects. We break down the steps involved in preparing the varnish mixture, ensuring you have the right consistency and quality for optimal results. This guide aims to empower DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike with practical insights for successful floor finishing with polystyrene foam varnish.

Useful video

Advice on the coating procedure from the expert:

Painting concrete floors with polystyrene foam varnish has a number of advantages that make it a sensible option for both residential and commercial spaces. It is remarkable how well it can improve the strength and visual appeal of concrete surfaces. By acting as a barrier against stains, moisture, and normal wear and tear, varnish protects floors.

The secret to making polystyrene foam varnish is to follow the recipe exactly and keep it simple. The base is usually made of a mixture made of polystyrene foam and an appropriate solvent. This mixture makes it easier to apply and guarantees proper adhesion to concrete. To get the best results, it’s essential to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding application methods and proportions.

The application versatility of polystyrene foam varnish is one of its most notable qualities. The varnish has a transforming effect on floors, whether it is applied to freshly laid concrete or ones that already exist. It can revitalize worn-out concrete surfaces, giving them a shiny, new look that improves the room’s overall atmosphere.

All things considered, polystyrene foam varnish is an excellent option for anyone wishing to protect and improve concrete floors. Its ease of application and ability to enhance appearance and durability make it an invaluable tool for remodeling and building projects.

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