What is Paint?

Paints are thin coatings applied to surfaces in a liquid form. They dry
and become flexible solids. They have many uses, the protection of the
surface from sunlight, dampness, dust, abrasion, and weathering.

They provide easily cleanable surfaces that help keep the substrates
clean and tidy. They can alter the interior by the use of color, light or
darkness, matt or reflective surfaces and not to forget with texture.

Components
The binder, commonly called the vehicle, is the film-forming
component of paint. It is the only component that must be present.
Components listed below are included optionally, depending on
the desired properties of the cured film.
The binder imparts adhesion and strongly influences properties
such as gloss, durability, flexibility, and toughness.
Binders include synthetic or natural resins such as alkyds, acrylics,
vinyl-acrylics, vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE), polyurethanes,
polyesters, melamine resins, epoxy, or oils. Binders can be
categorized according to the mechanisms for drying or curing.
Although drying may refer to evaporation of the solvent or thinner,
it usually refers to oxidative cross-linking of the binders and is
indistinguishable from curing. Some paints form by solvent
evaporation only, but most rely on cross-linking processes.[3]
Diluent or Solvent[edit]
The main purposes of the diluent are to dissolve the polymer and
adjust the viscosity of the paint. It is volatile and does not become
part of the paint film. It also controls flow and application
properties, and in some cases can affect the stability of the paint
while in liquid state. Its main function is as the carrier for the non
volatile components. To spread heavier oils (for example, linseed)
as in oil-based interior house paint, a thinner oil is required. These
volatile substances impart their properties temporarily—once the
solvent has evaporated, the remaining paint is fixed to the surface.
This component is optional: some paints have no diluent.
Water is the main diluent for water-borne paints, even the co-
solvent types.
Solvent-borne, also called oil-based, paints can have various
combinations of organic solvents as the diluent, including
aliphatics, aromatics, alcohols, ketones and white spirit. Specific
examples are organic solvents such as petroleum distillate, esters,
glycol ethers, and the like. Sometimes volatile low-molecular
weight synthetic resins also serve as diluents.

Pigment and Filler[edit]

Main article: Pigment
Pigments are granular solids incorporated in the paint to contribute
color. Fillers are granular solids incorporate to impart toughness,
texture, give the paint special properties, or to reduce the cost of
the paint. Alternatively, some paints contain dyes instead of or in
combination with pigments.
Pigments can be classified as either natural or synthetic. Natural
pigments include various clays, calcium carbonate, mica, silicas,
and talcs. Synthetics would include engineered molecules,
calcined clays, blanc fixe, precipitated calcium carbonate, and
synthetic pyrogenic silicas.
Hiding pigments, in making paint opaque, also protect the
substrate from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Hiding
pigments include titanium dioxide, phthalo blue, red iron oxide, and
many others.
Fillers are a special type of pigment that serve to thicken the film,
support its structure and increase the volume of the paint. Fillers
are usually cheap and inert materials, such as diatomaceous
earth, talc, lime, barytes, clay, etc. Floor paints that must resist
abrasion may contain fine quartz sand as a filler. Not all paints
include fillers. On the other hand, some paints contain large
proportions of pigment/filler and binder.
Some pigments are toxic, such as the lead pigments that are used
in lead paint. Paint manufacturers began replacing white lead
pigments with titanium white (titanium dioxide), before lead was
banned in paint for residential use in 1978 by the US Consumer
Product Safety Commission. The titanium dioxide used in most
paints today is often coated with silica/alumina/zirconium for
various reasons, such as better exterior durability, or better hiding
performance (opacity) promoted by more optimal spacing within
the paint film.
Additives[edit]
Besides the three main categories of ingredients, paint can have a
wide variety of miscellaneous additives, which are usually added in
small amounts, yet provide a significant effect on the product.
Some examples include additives to modify surface tension,
improve flow properties, improve the finished appearance,
increase wet edge, improve pigment stability, impart antifreeze
properties, control foaming, control skinning, etc. Other types of
additives include catalysts, thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers,
texturizers, adhesion promoters, UV stabilizers, flatteners (de-
glossing agents), biocides to fight bacterial growth, and the like.

Additives normally do not significantly alter the percentages of

individual components in a formulation.[6]

TYPES OF PAINTS

OIL PAINT

Contains pigments usually suspended in linseed oil, a drier, and

mineral spirits or other type of thinner. The linseed oil serves as
the binder for the pigments, the drier controls drying time, the
thinner controls the flowing qualities of the paint. As the thinner
evaporates, the mixture of pigments and oil gradually dries to an
elastic skin as the oil absorbs oxygen from the air or "cures". The
curing action bonds a tough paint film to the applied surface. Oil
paints are used inside and outside and are regarded as the
traditional house paint.

V ARNISH

Consists of a solution of resins in a drying oil. Varnish contains little or no

pigment. It dries and hardens by evaporation of the volatile solvents,
oxidation of the oil, or both.
Varnish is recommended for both outdoor and indoor applications
where a hard, glossy finish that is impervious to moisture is desired. For
a satin finish, the gloss varnish surface can be rubbed down with steel
wool, or a "satin" varnish can be used. As a floor finish, varnish provides
a hard, durable film that will not greatly alter the tone of the wood.

ENAMEL
Enamel is a varnish with pigments added. Enamel has the same
basic durability and toughness of a good varnish. It produces an
easy- to-clean surface, and in the proper formulation, can be used
for interior and exterior applications. For the highest quality interior
work, an undercoat is required.

LATEX PAINT

Consists of a dispersion of fine particles of synthetic resin and pigment in

water. Latex paints are quick‐drying, low in odor and thinned with water.
They permit the repainting and decorating of a room within a day.
Because latex paints set quickly, tools, equipment and spattered areas
should be cleaned promptly with warm, soapy water.
No special primer is required for interior applications except over
bare metal or wood, or over highly alkaline surfaces. Spot-priming
with shellac should be avoided because shiny spots will bleed
through the latex film.

Exterior latex house paint can be applied directly to old painted

surfaces. On new wood, it should be applied over a primer. For
other surfaces, follow specific label directions.

WATER-REDUCIBLE PAINTS

This term has come into wider use in the paint business within the past
few years. These products are also called "water‐base" or "water‐borne"
paints. They include the well‐known latex products, as well as products
based on new synthetic polymers. While both groups employ water as
the reducing agent, the chemistry of each is different.
For example, most latex coatings dry by solvent evaporation or
coalescence. The new synthetic polymeric paints dry by a combination
of solvent evaporation and chemical cross‐ linking.

Chemical cross‐linking frequently requires the blending of two materials

(these products are called "two‐component" coatings) and a "digestion"
time before the coating can be applied. The blending of specific
materials results in chemical cross‐linking and outstanding performance
features, such as mar resistance, scratch resistance, washability and
stain resistance.

ALKYDS
Alkyd finishes are produced in four sheens: flat, semi‐gloss, low‐luster
and high‐gloss. Flat finishes have a velvety texture and are used to
produce a rich, softly reflective surface. Alkyd flats can often be applied
to painted walls and ceilings, metal, fully cured plaster, wallboard and
woodwork without a priming. When required, the primer should be of a
similar material. For high alkaline surfaces, an alkali‐resistant primer
should be used.

Semi‐gloss or low‐luster types add just enough sheen to woodwork and

trim for contrast with flat‐finished wall surfaces. Each offers great
resistance to wear and washing. Low‐luster enamels are preferred in
such areas as kitchens, bathrooms, nurseries and schoolrooms.
Alkyd high‐gloss enamels are often used for even greater serviceability
and wash ability.

EPOXY

A two-part formulation which is thoroughly mixed just before use.

Epoxy finishes are extremely hard and durable and excellent for
demanding applications. They can be used for protecting materials
such as steel, aluminum and fiber glass. The paint film dries to a
brilliant gloss. The tile-like finish is smooth, easy to clean and lasts
for years under the most severe conditions.

POLYESTER-EPOXY

Two‐component materials that are usually mixed prior to application.

Polyester‐epoxy combines the physical toughness, adhesion and
chemical resistance of an epoxy with the color retention and permanent
clarity of polyester. The film is stain resistant and moisture resistant.
Polyester‐epoxy is available in gloss and semi‐gloss sheens, and can be
applied to any firm interior surface. Pot life is a full working day.

ACRYLIC-EPOXY

Two‐component coatings developed by Pittsburgh Paints include Pitt‐

Glaze Water Base Coatings. Chemically, acrylic‐epoxy coatings provide
the resistance to staining, yellowing and scuffing of acrylic resins,
combined with the toughness, acid and alkali resistance of epoxies. Their
performance characteristics are almost equal to those of polyester‐
epoxy solvent based products and their stain‐ resistance is superior.
Acrylic‐epoxy coatings are available in gloss and semi‐gloss finishes ‐ in
both clear and pigmented formulations. Colorant can be added to the
pigmented products to achieve hundreds of colors.
Though priced higher than conventional enamels, acrylic‐epoxy coatings
offer superior washability, non‐yellowing characteristics, and generally
3‐5 times longer life, which makes them an outstanding value for
interior walls continuously subjected to hard‐use conditions.

POLYAMIDE-EPOXY

Tough, two‐component finish with outstanding hardness, abrasion

resistance, alkali and acid resistance, and adhesion when dry. Excellent
as a concrete floor finish where heavy traffic wears through an alkyd
finish in a short time.
For exterior applications, polyamide‐epoxy will chalk and lose gloss on
prolonged exposure; however, film integrity is not lost.

URETHANE-MODIFIED ALKYDS

One-component finishing material for outstanding abrasion

resistance on wood floors, furniture, paneling, cabinets, etc. Good
resistance to normal household materials such as alcohol, water,
grease, etc. It may yellow to some degree with age.

ACRYLIC-URETHANE COATINGS

Recommended for areas that demand superior chemical and stain

resistance, plus color and gloss retention. They are suitable for both
interior and exterior application on properly primed steel, aluminum and
masonry which are subjected to high acids and alkalinity.
These products are designed to be used in commercial and industrial
applications but not in homes.

Acrylic‐urethane coatings have high performance properties including

excellent resistance to salt, steam, grease, oils, many coolants, solvents
and general maintenance type machinery fluids. They also have
excellent film properties and resistance to scratching, marring and
chipping. The tile‐like gloss and semi‐gloss finishes provide superior
corrosion and abrasion resistance, while maintaining excellent gloss and
color retention on exterior exposures for long periods of time.
The color and gloss retention, and chemical resistance of acrylic‐
urethane coatings will exceed those of conventional high performance
coatings. They also dry to the touch faster than any other heavy duty
topcoat in the trade sales line.

ALUMINUM PAINT

An all‐purpose aluminum paint formulated with varnish as the vehicle

for aluminum flake pigment. As the paint dries, the aluminum flakes
float to the surface, providing a reflective coating. Highly resistant to
weathering. Also suitable for interior use on wood, metal or masonry.
When formulated with an asphalt base, aluminum paint offers maximum
adhesion and water resistance at low cost when applied to asphalt
composition.

SHELLAC

A long‐standing favorite for finishing wood floors, trim and furniture.

Shellac is thinned with alcohol and should be applied in dry, warm air to
avoid clouding. It dries dust‐free in 15‐20 minutes.
Shellac can be used as a pre‐staining wash coat to obtain an even stain
tone on porous or soft wood such as pine. It can also be used to change
the tone of an already shellacked surface by tinting it with alcohol‐
soluble aniline dye.

Instead of re‐staining, pigmented shellac, also called shellac enamel, is

often used as a sealant over stained finishes for a uniform, freshly
painted surface.

Failure of a paint[edit]
The main reasons of paint failure after application on surface are
the applicator and improper treatment of surface.
Application Defects can be attributed to:
Dilution
This usually occurs when the dilution of the paint is not done as
per manufacturers recommendation. There can be a case of over
dilution and under dilution, as well as dilution with the incorrect
diluent.
Contamination
Foreign contaminants added without the manufacturers consent
can cause various film defects.
Peeling/Blistering
Most commonly due to improper surface treatment before
application and inherent moisture/dampness being present in the
substrate.
Chalking
Chalking is the progressive powdering of the paint film on the
painted surface. The primary reason for the problem is polymer
degradation of the paint matrix due to exposure of UV radiation in
sunshine and condensation from dew. The degree of chalking
varies as epoxies react quickly while acrylics and polyurethanes
can remain unchanged for long periods.[16] The degree of chalking
can be assessed according to International Standard ISO 4628
Part 6 or 7 or American Society of Testing and Materials(ASTM)
Method D4214 (Standard Test Methods for Evaluating the Degree
of Chalking of Exterior Paint Films).
Cracking
Cracking of paint film is due to the unequal expansion or
contraction of paint coats. It usually happens when the coats of the
paint are not allowed to cure/dry completely before the next coat is
applied. The degree of cracking can be assessed according to
International Standard ISO 4628 Part 4 or ASTM Method D661
(Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Cracking of
Exterior Paints).
Erosion
Erosion is very quick chalking. It occurs due to external agents like
air,water etc. It can be evaluated using ASTM Method ASTM D662
(Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Erosion of
Exterior Paints).
Blistering
Blistering is due to improper surface exposure of paint to strong
sunshine. The degree of blistering can be assessed according to
ISO 4628 Part 2 or ASTM Method D714 (Standard Test Method for
Evaluating Degree of Blistering of Paints).

Uses
Paint can be applied as a solid, a gaseous suspension (aerosol) or
a liquid. Techniques vary depending on the practical or artistic
results desired.
As a solid (usually used in industrial and automotive applications),
the paint is applied as a very fine powder, then baked at high
temperature. This melts the powder and causes it to adhere to the
surface. The reasons for doing this involve the chemistries of the
paint, the surface itself, and perhaps even the chemistry of the
substrate (the object being painted). This is called "powder
coating" an object.
As a gas or as a gaseous suspension, the paint is suspended in
solid or liquid form in a gas that is sprayed on an object. The paint
sticks to the object. This is called "spray painting" an object. The
reasons for doing this include:
• The application mechanism is air and thus no solid object
touches the object being painted;
• The distribution of the paint is uniform, so there are no sharp
lines;
• It is possible to deliver very small amounts of paint;
• A chemical (typically a solvent) can be sprayed along with the
paint to dissolve together both the delivered paint and the
chemicals on the surface of the object being painted;
• Some chemical reactions in paint involve the orientation of the
paint molecules.
In the liquid application, paint can be applied by direct application
using brushes, paint rollers, blades, other instruments, or body
parts such as fingers and thumbs.
Rollers generally have a handle that allows for different lengths of
poles to be attached, allowing painting at different heights.
Generally, roller application requires two coats for even color. A
roller with a thicker nap is used to apply paint on uneven surfaces.
Edges are often finished with an angled brush.
• Using the finish flat one would most likely use a 1/2" nap roller
• Using the finish eggshell one would most likely use a 3/8" nap
roller
• Using the finish satin or pearl one would most likely use a 3/8"
nap roller
Using the finish semi-gloss or gloss one would most likely use a
3/16" nap roller