Friday 26 August 2011

Step by Step Epoxy Application for Outstanding Results

Often referred as a magical potion, Epoxy is extensively used in industry and commercial settings for its durability, versatility, superior performance. Fantastic looks and resistance to the chemicals that epoxy coating offers make it a very widely used product.


However, preparation prior to actually using the paint is the secret to a great paint job. You not only have to choose the right product but also prepare the surface where the coating is to be applied in order to get outstanding results. Since epoxy paints are formulated keeping in view the particular task, it’s a good idea to take a stock of expected use of the surface and environmental factors before applying the paint. Selecting the right paint would go a long way in increasing the durability of the finished coating.


Preparing the surface is the next important step once the paint has been selected which is done by blasting. For floors, shot blasting is used and for structures, mostly sand blasting. It not only removes stains or remains of any old paint that may interfere with adhesion of the new application of epoxy but also cause a profile.


The epoxy begins to cure the moment base and curing agent is mixed so paints are mixed in a set proportion right at the job site and then you have a very limited amount of time to apply the mixture on the surface.
Just like other paints, epoxy also has optimum film thickness which can only be achieved when right amount of mixture is applied to the surface. Only an expert can brush, roll or trowel the coating into place so that it is neither too thick nor too thin.


You would need epoxy application with several coats for its finish to be durable. Between coats, epoxy is left to cure for a fixed amount of time and next coat has to be applied at the right time when the previous coat has reached the most favorable condition. If left for too long, the new coat won’t settle into the previous layer. Alternatively, if left for too less a time the new coat would interfere with the previous layer's curing process.

Once epoxy application is complete and final coat is laid, it is left for curing which may take several days. Final curing makes epoxy coating a strong and lasting shield which not only saves the underlying surfaces from any harm but also makes it more attractive.




Wednesday 3 August 2011

All You Need To Know About Basic Dye

When people think about dyes, the image that comes to their minds is generally of colored aromatic compounds having the ability to ionize, making them capable of interacting with tissue components that are oppositely charged. Dyes are generally classified as basic dye and acidic dye depending on the type of charge they possess. Acidic dyes are negatively charged dyes that can interact with positively charged tissue components, while basic dyes are positively charged and can bind themselves with negatively charged tissue constituents.


The naming scheme of basic dyes follows a specific pattern in which the word “Basic” is followed by the name of the base color and a unique number. For example, Basic Red 9 and Basic Green 4 are the names of some basic dyes. The names of the basic dyes just provide the functional and color information about the dye and do not convey any information related to the chemical properties of the dye. It is also important to understand that dyes having unique names but similar numbers are not related in any manner. For example, it is wrong to assume that basic Brown 4 and basic Violet 4 are related in any manner.


The colored part of a basic dye exhibits a positive charge, when the dye is dissolved in water. They are generally very bright and washfast hence are largely used to dye acrylic fibers. However, they are not sufficiently washfast to prove as good dying agents for protein fibers such as wool. Moreover, in order to make them bind with cotton fiber, the fiber first needs to be mordanted as otherwise the dye tends to fade quickly when exposed to sunlight. The natural tannin content of reeds, raffia, grasses and barks acts as a mordant making it possible to use basic dyes efficiently with these materials.


Like most other dyes, basic dyes are also toxic in nature and need to be handled with extreme care. It is vital to follow all the safety precautions and obtain the MSDS information before purchasing any type of basic dye. Although most companies supplying basic dyes readily provide the MSDS information, it is advisable not to purchase these dyes from those few companies that are not willing to give this information as it can prove extremely hazardous to the health and safety of the buyers. It is also advisable to buy these dyes in liquid or paste form, whenever possible.


Royce is a fully diversified international company which was founded in 1929 to manufacture chemicals for textile industry. Today more than 80 years later, they have a resounding presence across the world and offer solution to diverse needs of chemicals to their customers which also include basic dye. For detailed information, logon to http://www.royceintl.com