Roger Bisby tries out some of the Plastikote range
Plastikote is a well-known brand among spray paints, but up until now I hadn’t appreciated just how much their range has grown from the core products, such as radiator enamel. Looking down the list of spray paints and technical maintenance sprays I found it really difficult to narrow my selection down. I decided to look at things a builder would find handy to keep in the back of the van.
Leak Detector
This is a spray-on leak detector for gas lines, but it also works on air. As I use air to detect leaks in central heating and plumbing this is ideal. Spray it on and watch it bubble up. You can of course achieve the same effect with washing up liquid, but as the soap dries it can end up masking a leak rather than revealing it. This lightweight liquid is clean and leaves no residue.
Quick Drying Satinwood
If you want a factory finish spraying is the way to achieve it. Satinwood is a modern finish with less sheen than full gloss, so it hides blemishes better and just gives a classier finish on interior woodwork. Oddly, the instructions on the can say it is suitable for updating window sills of wood, metal, stone and plastic. This seems to me a very narrow application for a product that is called a trim paint. That suggests touching up skirtings and architraves.
Metal Paint and Primer
It is always good to have a quick drying paint for metal. This one is a primer and matt finish in one. I used it on a soil stack and steel downpipe. It is touch dry within the hour.
Cold Zinc Primer
If you have some galvanised iron that you need to cut or touch up this is a very quick and easy way to do it. You can also use it for blending in bare metal to existing galvanised products or treating the cut ends of threaded bar.
4-in-1 Rust Stop Paint
This is a rust-neutralising paint that can be used to coat existing rusty surfaces. You need to remove any loose rust first with a wire brush, and then you can apply the paint. The four functions are primer, corrosion resistance, colour, protection.
