Decorative Liquid Metal Coating: The Innovative way to Achieve a Metallic Finish

The liquid metal coating is a system using cold sprayable or brushed liquid metal-containing almost 85% of real metal. A cold preparation allows its use on delicate substrates extending its usage from foam, fibreglass to stone, etc. The metal content is what sets a liquid metal coat from metallic paints. That's 85 to 90% genuine metal in a flexible and ready to use form. It's no wonder it effectively replicates the solid metal look. Liquid metal coats are easy to apply following a proper surface preparation to ensure a smooth and beautiful finish.

Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is a key factor in the success of liquid metal coatings. There are two things you need to organise prior to liquid metal applications. These include: 1. Correcting all surface imperfections like holes and dents with a primer, and; 2. Removing rust and existing paint (if any). Take note that correct surface preparation can affect the visual result and lifespan of your project.

Aesthetics To create a professional-looking kitchen, add a fresh metallic coat complementing your stainless steel appliances. This gives a clean looking culinary space that will inspire you to prepare flavorful gastronomic creations. Lifespan Following the correct surface preparation will extend your metals' life for applying a coat is primarily based on beauty and protection. Let's have a look at this vintage chandelier as an example. A new brass or bronze LIQMET liquid metal coat will upgrade its beauty back to the Edwardian Era. Removing its current paint together with any rust formation will save it from further degradation. Rust is produced when the iron content is exposed to water and oxygen. This is the primary source of metal degradation. If left unattended, a small site will continue to grow due to the continuous expansion of rusted metals breaking the coat beside it. So if you see any rust formation on any metal-based furniture, be sure to address it as soon as possible.

Uses of Liquid Metal Coat

A liquid metal coat can be applied on any surface for both indoor and outdoor use. These include:

• automobile
• signage
• furniture
• door
• bathroom
• feature walls and panels
• kitchen
• sculpture

Note that outdoor surfaces need a polyurethane coating. Polyurethane is a polymer-coated over liquid metal coats for added protection against water, heat and abrasion.

Advantages of Liquid Metal Coat

1. Cost A liquid metal coat replicates an authentic metallic look, making it more cost-effective than using a solid metal sheet. You can use the highly affordable MDF and transform it into a glamorous feel and look of a solid metal wall panel with just a single application. 2. Weight Liquid metal coats are lightweight. Each single spray application is around 0.8mm to 1.0mm thick. A 1mm thick metal sheet weighs around 7.8kg; using a theoretical steel weight chart and mild steel as a material. 3. Flawless Finish Fusing together metal sheets will always result in noticeable welding or soldering segments. Using LIQMET spray viscosity, you'll achieve a seamless and flawless finish no matter how extensive the wall maybe without any hassle. 4. Flexibility variety of end finish A liquid metal coat gives you the freedom to apply to almost every surface. It will provide an excellent finish even on uneven surfaces like the trellis patterns on cupboards or the nooks and crannies of a sculpture. Using LIQMET brush viscosity, you'll be able to create a textured surface using spatulas, rollers or brushes. 5. Freedom from sheet metal limitations Working with metals as decorative arts is challenging, as these are hard to manipulate. The only way to transform metals into detailed artworks with curves is by melting the metal and casting it into a mould. You can just imagine the cost that comes with the artwork. The practical solution to this challenge is using liquid metal coats on easy to manoeuvre substrates like polystyrene. Carve your chosen 3D sculpture design using polystyrene and layer it with a liquid metal coat to replicate a solid metal appearance. 6. Cold process A liquid metal coat is much more convenient and user friendly compared to its counterpart, powder coating. Powder metal coating involves a tedious process of first applying power to the substrate using electrostatic spray on an electrically grounded material. Curing comes next, where the substrate is placed in an oven melting the metal powder. Lastly, it is allowed to dry and harden. As you can see, powder coating is limited to small objects, requiring heat and machines. Heat is known to damage some base materials. On top of that, the metal substrate must be electrically grounded. Using non-metals needs a fluidized bed powder, which is another costly equipment to use.

Why Choose a Liquid Metal Coat?

Liquid metal coats are the most effective, cost-affordable, user-friendly way to achieve high-end metal surfaces, especially in lightweight constructions and interior designs. It's like a transportable metal offered in different colours making the life of architects, designers and homeowners easier. Anyone can use it provided with some basic training to achieve optimal results. Know more about using LIQMET liquid metal and how it can upgrade your artworks to the next level. Join our series of online training, where we will share information about how to make metal textures, types of surfaces and preparations, viscosities and so much more! These are precious information we have gathered from our 20-year experience in the metal coating industry. That's 20 years compiled into a series of training tailored to help you quickly understand liquid metals. Register here: https://mailchi.mp/liqmet.com/short-free-training