How does Insulating Paint Work
Insulation paint simply reflects heat like a mirror. It works best on areas of a building that are exposed to direct sunlight, such as the roof of a house. It has small particles of ceramic integrated into its formula. These particles do not transfer heat easily. When the paint is applied to a surface, it forms a barrier. This barrier can absorb and reflect heat. It prevents temperature conduction across walls, ceilings and other interfaces or barriers.
The ceramic particles in the paint do not allow heat to transfer through the paint. Some insulation paints are also characterized by high emissivity, which effectively sheds heat away from the surface of the paint. Low conduction coupled with a high radiation rate assists in slowing down heat transfer.
White insulating paint can reduce surface temperature by over 10 degrees.
Insulation paint is a very effective means of insulating a building. Keep in mind the following considerations while applying insulation paint to your building:
1. Number of Coats
The higher the number of coats, the better the heat reflection. A thick layer of insulation will be able to reflect most of the heat and keep your building cool.
It is advised to apply four or five layers for the best result.
2. Color
White paint reflects heat more than dark colors. White paint can absorb more heat in terms of thermal radiation than darker shades, making it preferable.
3. Climate Conditions
Insulating paint is known to work much better in relatively warmer and sunny environments than in overcast or cold conditions. Insulation paint is mainly used to block the sun’s heat in tropical and sunny areas.
4. Application Surface
Ideally, the surfaces to be painted should be smooth and bare to allow for the best reflection. A rough surface can leave spaces through which heat can pass.
Insulation paint can minimize heat transfer through the walls and roof surfaces by up to 50%.
What Paint is Best for Foam Boards
The best type of paint that can be used on foam boards is 100% acrylic latex paint. This insulation paint enables the foam to swell and shrink without straining the paint, leading to chalking and peeling off.
The latex base changes shape as the foam changes shape, bridging minor cracks. Acrylic paint does not seal the surface completely, letting water vapor through. These also help prevent moisture damage under the paint. Some additives assist the paint's adhesion requirements on surfaces. If these additives are not included, the paint will fail to adhere and peel off quickly.
How Effective is Thermal Paint for Foam Boards
100% acrylic paint is very effective in reflecting infrared heat. Its bright white color gives it maximum insulation capability. Because of the acrylic base used in making it, this paint is long-lasting, especially when used outdoors. It will also not be affected by extreme weather conditions such as sun, rain, snow and extreme temperatures.
Insulation paint can reduce cooling costs by as much as 10–20%.
How to Apply Insulation Paint to a Surface
Applying the layers of insulation paint to a surface needs some preparation. You will first need to sand the surface using 100–140 gird sandpaper. Also remove any dust from the surface with a cleaning cloth. You can use a paint brush or a roller to apply a thin layer of primer coat. This will act as the base, so do not leave any spots untouched on the surface. If available, you can also use a spray can of insulation paint.
Leave the surface untouched for some time so that it can dry. If you paint another layer on top of a wet layer, it can lead to improper adhesion. Begin by applying the 2nd layer of coat and follow the same procedures above. Make sure to let each layer dry before applying the next one.
You should apply at least two layers of paint to have optimal results.
The right insulation paint provides all the benefits of a tough and reflective surface, improving the building’s insulation. Proper paint adhesion also enhances the durability of the paint, which is likely to last longer. Because of its quality and features, insulation paint is a good investment in both the short and long run.