FAQ - Frequently asked questions
In the following, we would like to provide you with brief explanations of frequently asked questions and generally important terms in connection with our products. In the downloads area under "General downloads" you will find more detailed answers to these and other topics, which can be downloaded as a pdf file for saving.
What does the VOC Directive mean?
The abbreviation "VOC" stands for "Volatile Organic Compounds", i.e. volatile organic compounds (chemical organic solvents).
The VOC values at LEINOS are calculated precisely by our software. They are all below the statutory EU limit values from 1 January 2007 and almost all are already below the EU limit values from 1 January 2010.
What are drying agents?
Drying agents (also known as siccatives) accelerate the drying of oil-based paints by promoting the chemical reaction (polymerisation) triggered by oxygen. Chemically, these are metal soaps, e.g. based on cobalt, manganese, zinc, zirconium or calcium.
LEINOS only uses lead-free drying agents. These are firmly bound in the product and are not present as free metal. When processed properly, the products are not considered hazardous substances. Drying agents have always been used to accelerate the natural, otherwise slow drying of vegetable oils such as linseed oil.
What does "nature-identical" mean?
LEINOS uses both natural and nature-identical substances. Nature-identical substances have the same chemical composition as natural raw materials, but are produced synthetically.
This is necessary when natural raw materials are not sufficiently available, heavily contaminated or not economically viable. Examples include synthetic iron oxides as a substitute for contaminated natural earths or synthetically produced ultramarine, which was originally extracted from the very expensive semi-precious stone lapis lazuli.
Why does LEINOS use isoparaffins as solvents?
LEINOS attaches great importance to the careful selection of raw materials and safety. Natural solvents such as turpentine or orange oil have a high allergy potential and are sometimes considered harmful to health.
For this reason, LEINOS made a conscious decision in favour of isoparaffins back in the 1980s, as these are less toxicologically harmful and are better suited for allergy sufferers, people sensitive to chemicals and for healthy indoor air.
Why can oil-soaked cloths ignite spontaneously?
Oil-soaked cloths have a very large surface area due to their fine structure. Heat is generated on contact with oxygen during the drying process. If the cloths are left crumpled up, this heat can build up and lead to spontaneous combustion.
Therefore, such working materials must be soaked in water as indicated on the labels, spread out to dry and only then disposed of.
Why should fresh air be provided during the drying process?
Oily binding agents require sufficient oxygen to dry. If there is a lack of air, short-chain fatty acids are formed, which can cause unpleasant odours.
Therefore, moving air should be provided during the entire drying time, if necessary with a fan. This applies to all oil-based systems - regardless of whether they are water-based, solvent-based or solvent-free.