Anti-condensation paints are special paints with “antifreeze” additives that prevent the formation of condensation between two surfaces, usually metal and plastic. Anti-condensation paint is used in refrigeration systems to prevent condensation forming on the system’s cold surfaces, which can cause corrosion and mechanical damage. An anti-condensation primer is often used before painting these surfaces to increase the effectiveness of the paint.
Anti-condensation paints are typically applied over an existing primer coat to ensure full protection against corrosion of the base metal of refrigeration equipment. One important characteristic of anti-condensation paint is that it must not cure too quickly or too slowly.
Ant-Condensation paints are designed to coat external surfaces of pipe-work, valves, fittings and vessels which are liable to condensation. The coating prevents moisture from forming on the surface by converting it into a vapour. This vapour is then carried away by the movement of air passing over the paint film.
Vapour pressure is reduced to a minimum on cold surfaces thereby reducing the likelihood of condensation forming on the cold surfaces.
Anti-Condensation Paint Methods
There are two main types of anti-condensation paint: Vapour Retarder Paint and Vapour Barrier Paint. Both work in a similar manner to form a barrier between the surface they are applied to and the air surrounding them.
Vapour retarder paints will allow moisture vapour to escape through the paint layer, helping prevent severe build ups of moisture. Many areas do not need this type of coating, but should the area be susceptible to high amounts of vapour or large temperature fluctuations, then vapour retarder paints should be used.
The other type of anti-condensation paint is vapour barrier paints. The term ‘vapour barrier’ is actually quite misleading; these paints act more like insulation than true barriers.
Advantages
- Anti-Condensation Paint can be used in many different ways. It is very good for preventing condensation on the inside of your car windscreen or windows.
- Anti-Condensation Paint is also fantastic for use in cold rooms, because it prevents condensation forming on the walls and windows.
- It will also prevent condensation from forming on the outside of your windows by keeping the warm air in your home during Winter months.
- Anti-Condensation Paint can be applied to any surface. It dries quickly to form an effective, water resistant barrier against cold air and moisture. Anti-Condensation Paint will not crack or peel and is easy to wash off with warm soapy water if you change your mind about where you want to apply it.
- Anti-Condensation paint is great for ensuring that you don’t get condensation anywhere in your home or car where this would be bad news. Anti-Condensation Paint will help to prevent damage caused by condensation in places where you would not wish it to occur, such as inside the walls of your garage, underneath sinks, behind bathtubs, behind radiators and other places where condensation can cause damage over time.
