A Cheaper Way to Conserve Energy: Ceramic Additives for Paint

Energy saving is not only great for the environment but also for the pocket book. We're all familiar with the typical insulation you put in your attic or walls or investing in costly energy saving systems like radiant heat systems or solar panels. I recently came across a new type of insulation that takes state-of-the-art energy savings to a new level but keeps the costs much lower than any other type of energy saving material. It's called insulating ceramic paint.

This kind of paint is a highly energy efficient for insulating interior or exterior surfaces. However unlike typical house paint coming in colors, this paint is meant to be added to traditional paint—giving people many color options.

The ceramic paint uses a complex blend of microscopic, hollow ceramic spheres. The ceramic spheres in have a vacuum inside similar to mini-thermos bottles. Ceramic's ability to reflect heat causes these products to prevent heat loss from within the home during cold seasons and heat gain caused my solar radiation during the summers. This is the same technology NASA used for the tiles on the Space Shuttle's surface. They absorb heat while staying relatively cool to the touch.

One of the examples of insulating ceramic paint is a product called Insuladd Thermal Block. It was produced by Tech Traders Inc. Several years ago, the company participated in a NASA Technology Exchange Program. After several research experiments, they discovered the value of applying micro-sphere to paint. This in turn led to the creation of various Insuladd insulating paint product lines also known as "liquid radiant barrier paints." These products have been refined through years of testing.

In the summers, insulating ceramic house paint has been shown to produce up to a 40 percent reduction in heat gain on average from the heat generated by the sun on a typical home. This result can largely influence the reduction of cooling demands in the summer for homes and businesses making it less expensive to maintain a comfortable environment.

During winters, much of the heat generated by a home's heating system is absorbed into walls and ceilings where it then is wasted as it migrates to the cold outside air. Common when using Insuladd Thermal Block insulating ceramic paint, people experience reductions in heating expenses of 20% or more as well as the reduction and elimination of moisture condensation problems.

Additional benefits to this kind of additive are:
* High Impact Resistance.
* Resistant to atmospheric pollution.
* Non-toxic & environmentally friendly.
* Highly scrubable on all surfaces.
* Resistant to UV degradation.
* Mildew resistant.
* Rapid drying for quick re-coating.
* Easy cleanup with soap and water.
* Dampens sound.
* Prevents condensation.
* Non-yellowing.
* Highly resistant to salt spray & air pollution.
* Contains safe yet effective Algaecides and mildewcides.
* Chemical and alkali resistant, chemical, high impact resistance to chipping.
* Environmentally safe, low VOC, no hazardous pigments.

Using this additive is as simple as applying traditional house paint. You first add one packet of the ceramic powder per gallon of paint. Then you simply apply it in the conventional manner with brush, roller, conventional spray or airless sprayer with an average coverage rate of 275 sq.ft. per gallon. A two coat application is recommended for optimum performance and appearance. It's designed to be easily applied to a wide variety of surfaces. Due to its natural thickening, it helps smooth over minor surface imperfections.

There are a lot of options to save energy. This option is probably the most economically effective option requiring very few modifications. Check into it.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Jason Murer is a journalist interested in green products and energy saving constructions. Murer has written many articles on ceramic additives and insulation paint products.