Additive Turns Paint Into Energy-Saving Radiant Barrier

Additive Turns Paint Into Energy-Saving Radiant Barrier FARM SHOP Painting 34-5-35 A paint additive developed to protect NASA space shuttles from the extreme temperatures of space travel is now available to help lower heating and cooling costs of homes and other buildings. The product is a fine, white powder called Insuladd that can be mixed into any type of paint to create a heat-reflecting barrier. When mixed into interior paint it'll reflect heat back inside during the winter. The powder contains hollow, microscopic ceramic spheres that are coated to create a vacuum that reflects heat. "This truly is a way of saving on heating costs, especially in northern climates," says Gene Grabiec, national marketing director for Resource Partners, which has the worldwide rights to Insuladd. It's a good fit with another of the company's products, EdenPURE infrared heaters. The product was developed in 1996. Since that time, Grabiec notes it has been sold both nationally and abroad with excellent satisfaction. Tests of the American-made patented Insuladd indicate energy savings starting at 12 percent. It comes packaged for different-sized jobs ($14.95/gal., $64.95/5 gal., etc.). Simply pour the powder in any type of paint ù acrylic or oil ù mix and paint. It can be brushed on or sprayed (with the filters removed). Savings apply to rural and commercial buildings as well. Storage silos, livestock and poultry buildings and other agriculture buildings can be made warmer or cooler with Insuladd in the paint. "You can test it by painting a piece of metal with Insuladd, and it will stay cool enough to touch when you heat the metal with a torch on the other end," Grabiec says. The radiant characteristics last as long as the paint does, Grabiec says. Primer paint with Insuladd is also available. While there are other paint additives on the market, Insuladd is the only one developed in conjunction with the NASA Product Exchange Program (www.nasa.gov and search "Insuladd"). Besides NASA, the additive is in paint that has been used by Pratt & Whitney Aerospace, Hyundai, Samsung, The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Gene Grabiec, Resource Partners, 7584 Whipple Ave., NW, North Canton, Ohio 44720 (330-494-5504, ext. 5125; www.insuladd.com).

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