Paints and Coatings

Our pumice products are widely used in the paint and coatings industry as an alternative to traditional fillers such as nepheline syenite, calcium carbonate and silica. The low density and unique particle morphology of the vitreous pumice imparts many desirable properties to the formulation. There are two distinct types of pumice used in these applications differentiated by their particle size distributions.

SAFSIL PRODUCTS

Safsil is the trade name for our ultrafine range of pumice powders. Our Safsil range are high performance functional fillers that contain less than 0.1% respirable crystalline silica.  Safsil is effectively used as a replacement for nepheline syenite, silica, calcium carbonate, and other extender fillers.

Formulating with our Safsil pumice can produce environmentally friendly paints meeting the “Leadership in Energy and Design” (LEED) and “MPI Green Performance” requirements.

Links:

http://www.nrdc.org/buildinggreen/leed.asp

http://www.specifygreen.com/EvrPerf/EnvironmentalPerformance.html

http://www.paintinfo.com/GPS/gps.pdf

Safsil pumice comes in three grades to meet the diverse requirements of the coating industry.  Safsil can be used in formulations of both latex and solvent-based coatings.

Physical Properties of Safsil Pumice

 Safsil – Typical Physial Properties
Grade CT200 CT450 CT550
Median Particle Size 12 7 5
Hegman Grind 2.0 – 3.0 c4.5 – 5.5 5.0 – 6.0
Oil Absorption (ASTM D281) 39 40 40
Specific Gravity 2.4 2.4 2.4
Bulking Value (Gallons/100lbs.) 5 5 5
Hardness, Mohs 5.5 – 6.0 5.5 – 6.0 5.5 – 6.0
GE Brightness 77 78 79
pH (10% in water) 8.0 – 10.0 8.0 – 10.0 8.0 – 10.0
Moisture < 1% < 1% < 1%

Use in Interior Paints

  • Safsil pumice provides interior paints with:
  • Burnish resistance
  • Flatting
  • Low Sheen and uniformity
  • Low film porosity
  • Enhanced film integrity

Safsil can also replace ceramic microspheres and diatomaceous earth in their specialty applications in interior paints.

Use in Exterior Paints and Stains

  • Safsil pumice provides exterior paints and stains with:
  • Outstanding tint retention
  • Mildew resistance
  • Acid resistance renders frost free surface
  • Decreased acid binder degradation
  • Improved cracking and flaking resistance

Use in Floor Paints

The hardness, chemical resistance, and abrasive qualities of Safsil pumice makes it an ideal candidates for floor and deck coatings. Pool deck coatings have also been successfully formulated with Safsil pumice.

Use in Primers and Undercoats

Safsil pumice is ideal for both architectural and industrial primer applications. The low soluble salt content helps minimize corrosion in maintenance primers. The film texture of paints containing Safsil CT 450 provides ‘tooth’ for subsequent topcoat adhesion.  Primers containing Safsil CT 450 exhibit very good sanding qualities.

Use in Powder Coatings

Safsil grades have been used successfully in powder coatings for a number of years. The hardness of Safsil pumice is an attribute, and angular sheen control and reinforcement are provided.

Use in Industrial Maintenance Finishes

Safsil CT 550 has been used successfully by a number of manufacturers to produce quality OEM finishes.

Use in EIFS Systems

Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS) basecoats and topcoats may be improved with the use of Safsil pumice. In basecoats Safsil grades can help bridge large nodular sand grains and enhance reinforcing. Safsil pumice is a proven asset for improving tint retention in topcoats.

Use in Tennis Court Coatings

Safsil pumice has been successfully formulated in tennis court coatings, where it provides film reinforcement, sheen control, and tint retention, as well as durability.

Use in Traffic Paint

Our safsil grades are efficacious in traffic paint applications. The hardness of the material makes it ideal in replacing calcium carbonate in these systems. Safsil CT200 can also replace diatomaceous earth in traffic paints. Improved performance will occur due to greater free binder.

Use in Driveway Sealers

Safsil pumice has been used successfully in driveway sealers. The material contributes to ideal rheology and helps film reinforcement.

Use in High Heat Coatings

Safsil pumice has successfully been used in high heat coatings. Because of its vitreous nature, it can easily withstand temperatures well over 1000 F.

Please feel free to contact us to discuss our full range.