The main way to protect the body from external influences to this day is the application of polyurethane. It is a relatively affordable and effective metal-based coating that performs a decorative task. Nevertheless, the range of processing options is expanding, and a considerable part of motorists are paying attention to more modern methods of protecting a metal surface. In particular, the painting of the car with "liquid rubber" has spread. The pros and cons of this method of protecting the body will help determine the choice of the type of exterior design of the machine.
Technology features
In many ways, the application process and the operational characteristics of “liquid rubber” resemble paint and varnish and polyurethane coatings. All differences are in the composition and technical and physical qualities of the applied layer. The basis of the material is silicone, as well as oily products (approximately 70%). The remaining components are additives and solvents, which each manufacturer makes at his discretion. Despite the high density, “liquid rubber” for painting a car in some cases causes less trouble when applying than traditional types of body treatment.
However, there are some nuances in operation. The opinions of experts regarding the resistance of the coating to mechanical stress are not so clear. But here a lot depends on the composition used, the consistency and proportion of ingredients. For example, for SUVs that are used for fishing trips, the composition should be more solid, and for city sedans you can choose a standard elastic coating.
How is painting done?
The entire process of applying a silicone coating is divided into several stages. At the first stage, a kind of design solution is being developed, during which stylistic and operational requirements for the protective layer of the body are determined. The following is the preparation of the machine for future processing. All target surfaces are cleaned and degreased, and areas not intended for coating are pasted over with a film. The main stage is the direct painting of the car with "liquid rubber" using a spray gun. Outwardly, the operation resembles the traditional application of a paint and varnish composition, but the technical requirements for the characteristics of the equipment used are somewhat different. In terms of the variety of design designs of the coating, “liquid rubber” also provides ample opportunities. For example, many masters practice the implementation of double and transition zones, which differ not only in colors, but also in texture.
How much “liquid rubber” is needed to paint a car?
The amount of rubber and solvent used depends on the particular model you plan to paint. By the way, the ratio of these components determines the quality of the future coating in terms of performance. If we talk about the standards for passenger cars, then as a minimum it is worth considering 4 liters of silicone base, which is diluted with a similar volume of solvent. But such painting a car with "liquid rubber" rarely gives a good result, although it is cheaper. The optimal combination is considered to be 8 liters of the main rubber component and about the same amount of solvent, not counting additives.But even the use of a saturated composition will not give the expected effect if the processing technique itself has been violated. Typically, errors are made in the calculation of the time of application of the layers. In this case, speed can play a negative role - the best result is achieved if at least 15 minutes are spent on one coating.
Using technology in business
As the experience of many car services shows, the costs of organizing these types of services quickly pay off. The most profitable option is to expand the range of offers due to such painting in a working company. The presence of the room will eliminate the need for additional costs, and for the work itself only a spray gun with a compressor and a spray is required. The success of the enterprise will depend on how well the car is painted with “liquid rubber”. A business of this kind can have prospects only if branded components are used. Today, such brands of "liquid rubber" as Rubber Paint, Plasti Dip, etc. are popular.
Advantages of painting with "liquid rubber"
Silicone coatings clearly demonstrate how the use of new technologies is not only beneficial, but also cheap. Cost is one of the main advantages of this method of painting in comparison with the application of paints and varnishes. A traditional upgrade of the exterior of a body can cost about 40 thousand rubles, while painting a car with "liquid rubber" is estimated at 20-25 thousand rubles. There are advantages of a different kind. The main competitor of silicone coatings, in addition to paint and polyurethane, is considered a film. This coating also provides good body protection, but it will not be possible to remove it in the future. In turn, correctly applied “liquid rubber” is easily eliminated from the surfaces. And this does not mean at all that it does not hold well and can “move away” arbitrarily during operation.
Cons painting
Rubber coatings are available today with a matte or glossy finish. But in both cases, you should prepare for the unusual appearance of the car. This nuance can be considered as a plus, but after long-term operation many people get bored with the specific type of machine. It is also worth noting the harmful fumes, which entails painting the car with "liquid rubber". Cons of this kind are due to the chemical composition of the silicone mixture diluted with the solvent. Manufacturers are trying to dispel this assumption, but cheap and low-quality compounds raise doubts in environmental safety even among specialists. There are also negative aspects of such coatings in terms of protective properties. The formation of small cuts, deformation marks and all kinds of chips is common after prolonged use of the machine in harsh conditions. Another thing is that you can get rid of such flaws during the implementation of the corresponding body wash.
Reviews on the use of "liquid rubber"
Motorists themselves so far with caution are approaching a new type of coating. Although the first time many were fascinated by a solid matte gleam, a stylish look and other pleasant trifles of such a painting. It is difficult to talk about its serious use as a full-fledged protective layer for a machine. At least low durability makes it difficult to consider this option as the best. And yet there are many reasons due to which the spread of car paint "liquid rubber". User reviews, for example, emphasize the speed with which the coating is applied. And the matter is not even in the processing of the body itself, but in the short crystallization period of the base of the mixture. This takes several hours, while conventional painting in aggregate can stretch for a week.
Conclusion
The developers of this technology focused on the most attractive side of the paint from the point of view of the ordinary consumer.In particular, it is a low price, high speed of execution and an original look as a result. But in terms of other qualities, painting a car with "liquid rubber" looks less attractive. First of all, this relates to protection against physical influences, although if compared with alternative options, the result will be good. It is also worth noting an important feature of rubber coatings, which is the resistance to chemicals. This is especially important in the winter, when many motorists observe traces of rust even through paint layers.
