Beginners Guide To Applying Bitumastic Paint [2023]

Bitumen Paints, as the name suggests, are manufactured with Bituminous materials. Bitument Paints are very handy in fixing issues relating to underwater structures, steel, or ironworks such as weather protection, waterproofing, stone and bricklayers, masonry structures, metal fabrications, castings, asbestos-cement sheets, etc. Bituminous paint for a concrete foundation is extremely efficient as a protective layer.

Bituminous materials, the main ingredient in Bitument paints, are very dark and sticky liquids with great viscosity. That is left behind from the process of crude oil distillation and hence Bitument Paints. Those are available in a liquid or semi-liquid form containing hydrocarbons as their primary content.

What is Bitumastic Paint?

Bitumastic Paints are a special paint used in building constructions as a protective coating, waterproofing, corrosion-resistance, and damp-proofing. Bitumastic Paints are made-up of Bitumen or coal tar dispensed in naphtha, a mineral spirit.

Bitumastic Paints are also termed asphalt coating. Bitumastic paint comprises 87% carbon, 11% of Hydrogen(H), and 2% oxygen (O). The usage of Bitumastic Paint depends upon the different forms of Bitumen used; they are as follows:

• Bitumen_Emulsion: It is in liquid form that is mostly composed of Bitumen in an aqueous medium, dispensed by some appropriate stabilizing agents. Bitumastic Paints with this form of Emulsion Bitumen are used in the liquid medium.
• Cut-back Bitumen: This is the form in which Bitumen is produced from asphaltic Bitumen in the presence of some liquid forms of petroleum or coal tar. Bitumastic Paints with this cut-back Bitumen are used in chilly weather conditions.
• Plastic-Bitument: The plastic Bitumen comprises bitumen thinner and suitable inert fillings ranging from 40% to 45%. The Bitumastic Paint with this form of plastic Bitumen is used for repairing damages in masonry structures and for stoppage of any leakages etc.,
• Straight Run Bitument: This form of Bitumen can be received by distillation to a particular viscosity, which is also used in bituminous paints.

The consumption quantity of Bituminous Paints depends upon the porosity of the surfaces. These Bituminous Paints are variedly applied for Road-construction, in many kinds of hydraulics, and in erosion-control areas, Dam-grouting, Dam inner, and outer linings, reservoirs, swimming pools, waterproofing, drainage gutters, etc.,

Pros and Cons of Bitumastic Paints:

Pros:

• Bitumastic paint can be modified using Polyurethane or Acrylic Polymer materials through which their durability and flexibility can be increased.
• Bituminous Paints are Alkaline resistant and odor-free.
• Bitumastic Paints have good adhesive properties to act as an excellent barricade against air and moisture penetration.
• Bitumastic Paints are considered very advantageous in various applications due to their quality of strongness, waterproofness, and durability, and they can resist the impacts of harsh chemicals. It can also mitigate the effects of Ultraviolet lights (UV lights).
• The application of Bitumastic Paint protects surfaces from rusting.
• Bitumastic Paints are readily available for usage and do not require thinning before use. It is available in different quantities 1Lit, 2.5Lit, 5Lit, and 25Lit.
• Bitumastic Paint application can be made with the help of an ordinary paintbrush, roller, or conventional or airless spray.
• Bitumastic Paints are very economical, have the required minimum time for drying, and are, importantly, quite easy to use.
• Bitumastic Paints are applied both above and below water or ground.

Cons:                 

• The application of Bitumastic Paints on some surfaces is not considered the most attractive option, for example, indoor walls.
• Bitumastic Paints are available only in Black color. Very few are available in the green shade, but even they are in very dark color.
• Only after complete drying can Bitumastic Paints withstand freezing weather conditions, but at the time of frigid conditions applying the first time Bitumastic Paint is difficult.
• Despite the quality, Bitumastic Paints can withstand extreme hot and even resists UV lights, reducing their lifespan in most hot countries.
• About certain topcoats, you are very restricted and have only a few options that can be overcoated since most of them will start bleeding through.

What Is the Purpose of Bitumastic Paint?

The most interesting fact about Bitumastic Paint is its versatility. The purpose of bitumen paints is to be used in all situations. The main purposes of Bitumastic Paints are listed below:

• Bitumastic Paints are commonly used over metals like ferrous and non-ferrous.
• The main purpose of Bitumastic Paints is to consider the usage in the construction of water-proofings, resistance against corrosion, and applications in damp-proofing in case of various structural layouts.
• Bitumastic Paints have a strong-adhesive property and hence act as a successful protective coating on various materials starting from wood, iron, or steel, in different types of masonry activities. Bitumastic paint for concrete layouts is highly effective.
• Despite Bitumastic Paints being associated with roofing and flat roofing, they also considerably contribute to Industrial roofing.
• In addition to application in roofing as a primary purpose, they also play a remarkable role in quick and smart repairs, such as fixing any patchwork or seal cracks.
• Bitumastic Paints are also used for waterproofing foundations below the ground level since it protects against contaminants, and there will not be any odor once it gets dried. Black Bitumastic Paint used in water tanks has the drawback that it cannot be used in drinking-water tanks.
• Bitumastic Paints are also used to seal up wooden porous surfaces. Even it plays an excellent role in adding a layer of waterproofing to the wooden plyboards.
• When mixed with other materials like roofing products, Bitumastic Paints enable it to plug_up a hole and seal any surface cracks.

Bitumastic Paint: How to Apply It?

Let us read further about how to apply Bitumastic Paint. Before applying the Bitumastic Paint, ensure that your eyes and skin are properly protected, and if it is an indoor place, ventilate the area as much as possible. The steps are as follows:

Surface Cleaning

The secret to getting maximum results in applying Bitumastic Paint very easily lies in proper surface cleaning from all sorts of debris, rust, or grease. Once the surface is cleaned and dried, start applying the first coating.

If the surface is metal, use a wire_brush and remove any rust formation. You can also follow other methods using mechanical devices, shot blasting, but the only thing to be keen on is the surface should be well-cleaned before applying.

Apply Thinner for Galvanized surfaces

If it is a galvanized surface, then with the help of an etch-primer, just rough it up the surface and wire brush to enable the paint to stick properly. Next, apply an anti_corrossive primer to the surface for a better result. Next, after completely drying within the next few hours, apply Anti Corrosive Bitumastic Paint for a good result.

Applying Bitumastic Paint

Suppose the surface area contains numerous porous, thin Bitumastic Paint of about 20% to enable the paint to penetrate through the pores and protect the top surface of the material. Next, you can apply the paint using conventional methods or a brush. Whichever method is used to apply the paint, it is mandatory to apply a topcoat with more Bitumastic Paint after 24 hours.

Apply Second coat

After the first coat, four to five hours later, apply the second coat once dried to have a better result.

How Long Does Bitumen Paint Last?

Bitumen Paint is a durable product. Under ideal conditions, the painting will last for a long time. Whereas, in the case of roof painting, you need to make a tough-up every two to three years to prevent any cracking. You can apply a further coat with sun reflective Bitumen Aluminum Painting to get more durability.

Key takeaways:

• Bitumastic paint for waterproofing is considered bliss; it seals cracks in the roof. It is corrosion-resistant and prevents rust formation.
• Bitumastic paint is used in water tanks but is not recommended for drinking water tanks.
• It can be used as a protective coat over various materials like wood, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and concrete layouts.
• Bitumen paints are available only in black color.
• There is no need for thinner before using Bitumen Paints; it can be used readily.
• No special brushes are required for painting this Bitumastic Paint; it can be done with a normal painting brush or spray.
• Bituminous Paint Price in India is Rs. 53 per liter.

Conclusion

Bituminous Paints are a typical kind of paint and are more commonly used on building surfaces. Because of their resistance and fast-drying nature, these paints are also used in outdoor painting. Being inexpensive and easily available, it would be the most economical choice.

Despite various advantages, before you pick this choice, Bitumastic Paint ensures all the products pros and cons, whether it suits your need.