Alkyd Coatings

Alkyd coatings are used for a wide variety of applications and have multipurpose use. It is therefore, manufactured in high quantities and sold for reasonable costs in all industries. Alkyd coatings can be used for many different types of substrates. A typical alkyd has high gloss, good drying, good wetting, good adhesion and have good chemical compatibility with other materials. However the true determining factor for all types of alkyds lies within the amount of oils used within their composition.

Alkyds contain a binder that is based on resins. They are formed by the condensation of dibasic acid with polyhydric alcohols. Alkyds are polymers with an ester base. All alkyds contain a certain amount of either oil or fatty acid. The amount used in their composition will give distinct characteristics to separate one alkyd from another.

Saturated polyesters used in the chemical composition of alkyds can be sprayed or dipped and require a chemical cure or bake to dry. The product will provide a very hard finish and high gloss. Long oil added to the chemical compound can be applied using a wide variety of systems included roll, dip, spray and brush. Long-Oil Alkyds have a high-semi gloss, are hard to soft and require slow air dry. The amount of oil will also increase the coatings’ vulnerability to hydrolysis.