Editing Ceramic insulation

==What is ceramic insulation?== Ceramic insulation products are liquid coatings that are typically applied to body parts to reduce heat transfer and noise, while protecting surfaces from moisture and corrosion. They are commonly used as an alternative to sheet-type insulation products. Ceramic insulation coatings are often applied with an undercoating gun, but can also be brushed or rolled on in some situations. They are water-resistant, biodegradable, non-toxic, able to withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and can be cleaned up with soap and water. ===LizardSkin=== "LizardSkin" is the popular name for one of two ceramic insulation products available from LizardSkin, LLC. LizardSkin, LLC sells only three products to the public: their standard [http://www.lizardskin.com/pages/ceramic.php LizardSkin Ceramic Insulation], which retails for $189 per 2-gallon container, [http://www.lizardskin.com/pages/sound_control.php LizardSkin Sound Control Formula], which retails at $169 per 2-gallon container, and the [http://www.lizardskin.com/pages/spray_kit.php LizardSkin SuperPro Spray Gun Applicator kit], a spray gun "designed to handle the high density and viscosity" of LizardSkin products (most likely a standard undercoating gun). LizardSkin's website says that LizardSkin Ceramic Insulation is "an advanced, water-based composition of high-grade acrylic binders with air-filled insulating/reflective and sound-absorbing particles." LizardSkin Sound Control Formula is described as "an advanced, water-based composition of high-grade acrylic binders with sound-damping particles". ===CoolCar Ceramic=== CoolCar Ceramic sells a single product, described as a sound-deadener, insulator, and undercoating in one. It retails for $150 per 2-gallon container. [http://www.coolcarceramic.com/about_us.htm According to CoolCarCeramic.com], CoolCar Ceramic is "made up of microscopic, air-filled, ceramic and silicon beads which are held in suspension by resin binders". ==Prohibitively expensive== Though spray-on ceramic insulation products appear to have a solid reputation, they are prohibitively expensive. Applied at the standard thickness of 40/1000ths (40 mils), LizardSkin.com reports that a 2-gallon container of LizardSkin Ceramic Insulation [http://www.lizardskin.com/pages/ceramic.php will cover approximately 46-50 square feet]. This comes out to about $3.94 per square foot. However, they recommend a maximum thickness of 60 mils ($5.91 per square foot), and they also say that for "maximum sound control and insulation performance both LizardSkin coatings may be used". Using the Ceramic Insulation at 60 mils, and the Sound Control formula at 40 mils, this comes out to $9.85 per square foot. CoolCar Ceramic will reportedly cover [http://www.coolcarceramic.com/How%20to%20Apply.htm 40 square feet per 2-gallon container], when applied at 40 mils. This comes out to $3.75 per square foot, or about $5.63 if the maximum recommended thickness of 60 mils is used. ==Alternatives to automotive ceramic insulation== ===Micro balloons for radio-control aircraft enthusiasts=== One suggested alternative to commercial ceramic insulations is adding ceramic spheres (called "Micro Ballons") to inexpensive paint. "Micro balloons", also referred to as glass and quartz bubbles, are tiny hollow glass spheres that are about as thick as a human hair. Because the glass is so crush-resistant, it strengthens, stiffens, and adds water-resistance. Micro balloons are commonly used among radio-control aircraft enthusiasts, and are available from [http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cmpages/bubbles.php Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Co.], or [http://www.wicksaircraft.com/catalog/product_cat.php/subid=1160/index.html Wicks Aircraft supply], for under $10 per gallon. =====How to mix and apply micro balloons===== Aircraft Spruce lists three consistencies associated with micro balloons: #A "slurry", which is a one-to-one by volume mix of epoxy and bubbles. #"Wet micro", about two to four parts glass bubbles by volume to one part epoxy. #"Dry micro", about five parts glass bubbles by volume to one part epoxy -- enough to obtain a paste that will not sag or run. Don't use a power mixer as it can shatter the micro balloons. Apply two coats. The painted surface will have a slight texture. Wearing a respirator is suggested when handling micro balloons. ===Hy-Tech micro balloon insulating additive=== Hy-Tech Thermal solutions offers a ceramic sphere mix-in paint additive. According to them, their product can be mixed into ANY kind of paint, and, unlike other solutions, is specifically designed for thermal insulation. It's unknown whether Hy-Tech's additive is the same as the micro balloons available from RC aircraft supply stores. However, Hy-Tech says that "A great majority of ceramic and glass 'microspheres' or 'beads' being produced today are for applications ranging from medical, electronic and every day household use each having different chemical and physical properties." Hy-Tech has a research relationship with NASA, and was featured [http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/spinoff2003/er_4.html in a NASA publication] devoted to highlighting technologies that were spun off from the space program. Hy-Tech offers a [http://www.hytechsales.com/buy_ceramicadditive.html "1-gallon package" of ceramic additive] (NOT 1 gallon of spheres, but a pre-measured amount of spheres for mixing in with 1 gallon), for $12. The instructions say to mix 1 part additive in with 4 parts paint. In addition, Hy-Tech offers [http://www.hytechsales.com/buy_ceramicpaint.html#specialty two specialty coatings that may be suitable for automotive use]: a "Hi-Build rubber-like Thermal/Sound Control Coating" for $40 per gallon, and a "Super Hi-Build rubber-like Sound/Thermal Control Coating" for $60 per gallon. It has been suggested that micro balloons NOT be mixed with a power mixer, as it may crush the spheres. However, Hy-Tech [http://www.hytechsales.com/buy_ceramicadditive.html sells a power mixer on their ceramic additive page], which suggests that it may be suitable to use one. ''Need to confirm this''. ===Metal Shield=== Metal Shield is the brand name of a product manufactured by Hy-Tech Thermal Solutions, for use as an automotive [[Rust|rustproofing]], sound deadening, and insulating product. It's described as containing "a blend of space age ceramic insulating microspheres and an industry standard setting anti-corrosion resin." Metal Shield costs [http://www.metalshield.com/buyrustproofing.html $50 per gallon]. It can be sprayed on, brushed, or rolled. Hy-Tech recommends 6-8 mils per coat, which yields approximately 150 square feet per gallon ($3 per square foot). However, they also say that Metal Shield "can be applied up to 20 mils thick for additional soundproofing and insulating properties with no sagging or running". At 20 mils, this would be closer to $9 per square foot. ===KoolSeal=== ''Need more info on KoolSeal.'' ==References== *http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/alternative-lizard-skin-103610.html

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