Ironbond uses the highest quality preparation and paint products, which have been specially formulated and designed for sheet metal.

Unfortunately our products are not suitable for terracotta tiles or cement tile roofs, as explained below.

Our products outperform quality and durability of both water based acrylics and solvent based alkyds (oil based) paints. The graphs below outline the superior performance of our quality Acrylic lacquer paint Dulux 403 Line (shown in green) in both gloss retention and colour retention.

The point of difference for Ironbond protective solutions can be attributed to the use of only top quality products and equipment, as follows:

1. Stripper NMP (N-METHYL-2-PYRROLIDONE)

2. High grade water blaster

3. Silicone Modified lacquer (Car paint,Dulux 403 Line silicone modified lacquer)

These products and equipment have been used in conjunction with BlueScope Steel for ultimate superior finishes. Read below to see more about each product, the environmental factors and quality performance.

1. Stripper NMP

Ironbond uses a stripper which has a main ingredient of N-METHYL-2-PYRROLIDONE (NMP). Ironbond were at the forefront during trials of NMP as a stripper for roof coatings.

This product has been found as highly effective in the breakdown and removal of existing roof coatings.

The use of NMP allows the stripping back to bare metal and therefore results in superior adhesion of new coatings to the core metal product.

Only a small amount of NMP is used during our processes and in fact, the product will provide fertilisation for your lawns.

NMP is recyclable by distillation, readily biodegradable and essentially non-toxic to aquatic life.

Because of its broad solvency, low volatility and relative toxicity profile, NMP is the leading substitute for methylene chloride in paint strippers, graffiti removers and other products for industrial clean-up.

2. High grade water blasting equipment

Contrary to popular belief, the pressure provided by water blasting units is not the only important factor.

It is actually also the volume of water exerted from a machine which provides the abrasive force and the cleaning power.

Therefore, you will get better quality surface preparation with both high pressure and a high volume of water.

In comparison to other restoration companies Ironbond uses higher-calibre water blasting equipment and in combination with NMP stripper the cleanest surface for application of protective coatings is possible.

Ironbond water blaster (in combination with NMP)	Generic water blaster (not generally used with a stripping agent)
Water pressure of 5200psi	Water pressure between 3-4000psi
Water volume of 37L/minute	Water volume between 12-18L/minute
Cleans back to bare metal allow	Cleans superficially and leaves residual paint

3. Silicone Modified lacquer (Dulux 403 Line silicone modified lacquer)

Acrylic Lacquer paint is a premium quality thermoplastic acrylic lacquer. Acrylic Lacquers are based on top quality pigments and raw material components, including special UV absorbing additives.

This results in an extremely durable, high quality finish. Dulux Dulon Lacquer was originally designed in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s as exterior vehicle paint. The Silicone Modified lacquer boasts ultimate colour retention and gloss retention.

Dulux 403 Line silicone modified lacquer was formulated to perform as well as the original material used by BlueScope Steel.

This finish may seem expensive when initially compared to quotes from other suppliers, but will provide you with a longer lasting, quality finish. This product is manufactured by the same company that supplied the original coating material used by BlueScope Steel.

Most generic roof painting or roof restoration companies use Acrylic membrane paint. This type of paint is suitable for concrete tiles due to its film thickness and filling capabilities.

However, if you have a sheet metal roof, it is unsuitable as it is softer which allows for mould growth and increased fading. Further, with sheet metal roofs the surface should be thoroughly stripped and not require any areas of filling.

A comparison of the two paint products used within the industry is shown below.

Silicone Modified lacquer (Dulux 403 Line silicone modified lacquer)	Acrylic membrane paint
Used primarily for the automotive industry and by Ironbond for the roofing industry	Used by most generic roof restoration companies
Dry time of 45 minutes at 25 degrees Celsius	Dry time of 2 hours at 25 degrees Celsius
Longevity of 15-20 years	Longevity of 5-7 years
Requires specialised training for application	Requires little training for use
Increased adhesion to metal surfaces	Increased adhesion to concrete surfaces
Does not provide filling properties, due to the smooth surfaces of metal	Provides filling properties due to the rough surfaces of concrete tiles