Lizardskin ceramic insulation alternatives including home-brew

[narly1]

This stuff is fairly expensive here in Canada, looking for alternatives.

Also, I have read elsewhere that it is possible to make your own by mixing ceramic microspheres and paint together. Has anybody done this, and if so how did it work out?

Earl

[narly1]

Thinking this stuff with microspheres mixed in:

https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/stops-rust/flat-aluminum-primer/

Earl

[narly1]

OK, so I found a place where I can buy Second Skin's Firewall product locally for $165 CAD/gallon.

So I think I have answered my own question.

[narly1]

OK so my frugality got the better of me and I subsequently purchased 4 quarts of the above paint ($96 CAD). Micro-balloons I can pick up locally from Aircraft Spruce ($15.90 for a 1lb/1gal bag) and calcium carbonate ($14.30 CAD/5kg bag for thickening) from a local pottery supply house.

I expect this mix to adhere to aluminum better than Lizard skin due to the paint's self-etching properties. That being said I still plan to roughen and clean the aluminum first.

Earl

[RedRaider58]

Earl,

I've got two gallons of sphere's myself to play around with so I'd be very interested in hearing how your experience goes. I've used the insulating paints at work and the product datasheets appear to be nothing more than paint and various ratios of the spheres. The lizard skin hints that it is based on acrylic paint, but it's hard to be sure. I plan to do some level of testing on scrap metal with a heat gun or grill before applying to the car.

Just make sure to wear a respirator when mixing those things!

[narly1]

I'd be very interested in hearing how your experience goes....Just make sure to wear a respirator when mixing those things!

Will do and thanks for the warning to use a respirator.

Earl