DIRECT TO METAL PAINT: SMARTER AND SMOOTHER PAINTING PROCESS

Direct to metal paint, or DTM paint as we call it, can be applied directly to metal substrates without needing a separate primer. DTM paint acts as both a primer and a topcoat. So you can cut down your painting process from two layers to just one! With this approach, less paint is needed, and objects are painted faster.

Why you should consider Direct to metal paint

Cost savings

With one layer, you’ll need less paint and you save time in labour, which also costs.

Speeds up production

Your painting process can be completed in half the time.

Great adhesion

DTM coatings are made to have great adhesion to painted metal surfaces.
It's secured by how well the coating spreads and bonds to the surface. The ability to spread (wetting) depends on the product formulation, application method, and surface preparation. The bonding can be mechanical, chemical, or a combination of both.

Corrosion protection

DTM paint is optimized to resist corrosion. Corrosion happens when water and oxygen reach the metal, and it can be accelerated by several factors.

Palle Gustafsson, Laboratory Manager in Denmark, explains:

“To keep corrosion under control, we use two methods: creating a protective barrier combined with chemical passivation. The protective barrier keeps water and oxygen away from the metal surface. The chemical passivation prevents the oxidation of iron, which causes rust. This combined approach effectively helps to prevent corrosion”.

A more sustainable choice

DTM coatings have lower VOC content and with fewer coating layers, emissions are reduced.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DTM PAINT:

Does DTM paint need a primer?

No, DTM paint is designed to work without a primer. It combines the properties of a primer and a topcoat in one, so you get excellent adhesion and protection with just a single application.

“Direct to metal coatings are formulated with outdoor-durable, high-solid binders that provide the desired gloss and finish. In addition, specific additives and functional pigments are included to improve adhesion and provide corrosion protection, similar to a primer”, says Palle.

How does it perform compared to two-layer systems?

Direct to metal paint performs exceptionally well compared to two-layer systems. They offer similar levels of protection and durability but with the added benefits of cost and time savings.

“New technologies, combined with high solid binders, have made it possible to create coatings that can be applied in thicker layers. This allows for more protection with fewer coats, specifically for DTM applications. By reducing the number of coating layers needed, the risk of potential failures is also minimized”, Palle elaborates.

How does it hold up in extreme conditions?

DTM paints are formulated to withstand harsh conditions, including high temperatures, moisture, and exposure to corrosive substances. However, for very harsh environments, like high temperatures or corrosive exposure, an extra primer layer with DTM paint might be needed for maximum protection.

Palle explains:

“In some cases, specific technologies are required to withstand challenging environments. When these technologies cannot be formulated as DTM coatings, a primer or additional layers are necessary to achieve the needed barrier effect and durability.

For example, if a colored coating system is needed to perform at constant high temperatures (above 200°C) while still providing protection in the highest corrosion categories, you would need to combine a zinc silicate primer with a silicone topcoat”.

IS DTM A SOLUTION FOR EVERYONE?

While DTM paints are fantastic, there are some extreme conditions where you might still need an extra layer of protection. For machines that operate in very harsh environments, like high temperatures or constant exposure to corrosive substances, using a primer with DTM paint can give you even better protection.

CUTTING UNNECESSARY COSTS

If you’re looking to cut costs and simplify your painting process, Direct to metal paint is worth considering.

With the right paint system, you can make a more sustainable choice and increase profitability.