FAQ – Frequently Asked Technical Questions
Below, we would like to provide you with brief explanations of frequently asked questions and key terms relating to our products. In the Downloads section under "General Downloads" You will find even more detailed answers on these and other topics, which can be downloaded as a PDF file to save.
What does the VOC Directive mean?
The abbreviation "VOC" stands for "Volatile Organic Compounds", i.e. volatile organic compounds (chemically, organic solvents).
The VOC levels at LEINOS are calculated precisely by our software. They are all below the statutory EU limit values applicable from 1 January 2007, and almost all are already below the EU limit values applicable 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 speaking, they are metal soaps, e.g. based on cobalt, manganese, zinc, zirconium or calcium.
LEINOS uses only lead-free drying agents. These are firmly bound within the product and do not exist as free metal. When processed correctly, the products are not classified as hazardous substances. Drying agents have always been used to accelerate the natural, otherwise slow drying process of vegetable oils such as linseed oil.
What does ‘nature-identical’ mean?
LEINOS uses both natural substances 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 in short supply, 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 derived 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 allergenic potential and are in some cases considered harmful to health.
For this reason, LEINOS made a conscious decision to use isoparaffins as early as the 1980s, as these pose fewer toxicological concerns and are better suited for people with allergies, those sensitive to chemicals, and for ensuring healthy indoor air quality.
Why can oil-soaked rags catch fire on their own?
Due to their fine structure, oil-soaked rags have a very large surface area. When they come into contact with oxygen, heat is generated as they dry. If the rags are left crumpled up, this heat can build up and lead to spontaneous combustion.
Therefore, such work materials must – as stated on the labels – be soaked in water, laid out to dry and only then disposed of.
Why is it important to ensure a supply of fresh air during the drying process?
Oily binders require sufficient oxygen to dry. If there is an insufficient supply of air, short-chain fatty acids are produced, which can cause unpleasant odours.
It is therefore important to ensure that air is circulating throughout the entire drying period, using a fan if necessary. This applies to all oil-based systems – regardless of whether they are water-based, solvent-based or solvent-free.