Penlac launches three new products |12 June 2017

In collaboration with BBC Universal Exports, Penlac Co. Ltd has launched a range of three new paint products, namely synthetic plaster, synthetic primer and synthetic paint.

After conducting different tests with the raw materials and new products for over one and a half years, Penlac is now confident to launch and market its new product range. In terms of costing and pricing, the synthetic plaster is by far the cheapest product in the range of new synthetic paint products and it can be applied on old as well as on new buildings.

Seychelles NATION paid a short visit to the Penlac factory and managed to get some useful technical clarifications.

Synthetic plaster

According to a Penlac technician, Penlac synthetic plaster is currently available in one colour only, beige, but in future it should be possible to supply other colours on demand. The company says the synthetic plaster is special because it can serve as a substitute for textured paint.

Penlac’s production supervisor Ericson Bellard reckons that people should be able to do their own wall designs using the synthetic plaster or textured paint.

Penlac’s synthetic plaster is based on synthetic fibres and other chemicals like additives that provide good protection against ultra-violet rays, and resistance to acidity and alkalinity. The synthetic fibres in the product provide flexibility to the plaster coating enabling it to prevent or reinforce against cracks and therefore protecting the building. Penlac’s laboratory technician Eddy Andre Sinon indicates that “the synthetic plaster is resistant to fungus, moss and red or green algae which are common in Seychelles.” The plaster is also resistant to flaking and fading (i.e. loss of shine).

The synthetic plaster or textured paint is so thick that it can cover minor defects or damage to an uneven surface and even add a fresh look to beautifying the wall or concrete surface. Synthetic plaster or textured paint provides protection against changes in weather and can withstand extremes of weather conditions: heat, cold, rain.

How is the synthetic plaster different from painted cement plaster?

Cement plaster retains water and is cured by water whereas synthetic plaster is water-repellent and is cured by air. This means there are chances of water seepage, leakage, cracks or blistering in the cement plaster compared to the synthetic plaster which repels water. Furthermore, synthetic plaster does not require frequent painting and it can be applied on almost any surface i.e. concrete, wood, glass, aluminium etc. because it has good adhesive properties.

Synthetic primer

A primer is a type of paint that goes on new plastered surfaces before applying the finished coat of paint. Primer can be used when painting interior or exterior surfaces. It lays the foundation of your paint job and ensures that the painting surface has a uniform texture (slightly coarse) so that paint adheres effectively.

Paint can be applied to already-painted surfaces without priming. But it is usually better to prime so that your painting work is as durable and long lasting as it can be. Similar to its own range of acrylic (emulsion) primer, Penlac’s synthetic primer seals up porous surfaces and prevents stains or previous colours from showing up underneath your paint job. Lab technician Sinon points out that “Penlac’s synthetic primer is quick to dry and has good binding qualities.”

Synthetic paint

Penlac’s synthetic paint is made with synthetically manufactured resins. It is fast drying and a water repellent and can withstand frequent cleaning without losing its shine. It can be applied on old or new concrete surfaces. However, it should not be used on bitumen surfaces road markings because a certain chemical in the synthetic paint reacts with bitumen.

The synthetic paint is available in plastic containers. It is tough, durable and stain resistant. When applying it, the paint may emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in the air giving out a slight foul (paint) smell, but it provides a durable finish that lasts for years.

What are the methods of applying these synthetic paint products?

“All three common methods of painting can be applied for all three products: brush painting, roller painting or spray painting,” says Penlac chief executive Gafoor Yakub.

Mr Yakub added that Penlac has produced a couple of informative sheets entitled ‘Product Data Sheet & Application Tips’ to advise and provide free support to its customers on how to prepare the surface(s) and how to apply the coats of synthetic plaster, primer and paint. These data sheets are available at its Le Rocher premises.