PAINTS

BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 1
Paint is any liquid, liquefiable, or mastic
composition that, after application to a
substrate in a thin layer, converts to a solid film.
It is most commonly used to protect, color, or
provide texture to objects. Paint can be made or
purchased in many colorsand in many
different types, such as watercolor, synthetic,
etc. Paint is typically stored, sold, and applied
as a liquid, but most types dry into a solid.
COMPONENTS OF PAINTS

Paints consist of a blend of components, each

with their specific function. Commonly these
include the binder (or medium), solvent, base,
extenders, pigments and driers, although other
additives may incorporated into specialist
paints.
The binder solidifies to produce the paint film.
Traditionally,the binder was natural linseed
oil,which
set by gradual oxidation on exposure to air.
However,
linseed oil has now largely been replaced by alkyd
resins which oxidise in air, or vinyl and acrylic
resins
which solidify by drying.
To ensure adequate fluidity of the paint during
application by brushing or spraying, either
water or organic solvents (hydrocarbons,
ketones or esters) are incorporated; paint
thinners have the same effect. Driers which
induce the polymerisation of the binder ensure a
rapid drying process.
The base material, usually white titanium
dioxide, produces the required opacity, although
the body of the paint may be increased by the
incorporation of inert extenders such as
silica,calcium carbonate, china clay or barytes.
Colouring materials are frequently a mixture of
organic and inorganic dyes and pigments
PAINT TYPES

Most paints fall into one of the general categories

of eggshell, semi-gloss, flat or gloss. You may also
need to apply primer or first coat, depending on
the surface being painted. These basic paints will
answer most of your needs but it is worth looking
for formulas that will perform better in specific
situations. Always apply paint as recommended
by the manufacturer.
Base Coats

For a decorative finish coat to last and look as

good as possible, the right base coats are
essential. For interiors, a combined primer-first
coat is a good option.
Primer

Used on new, uncoated surfaces, primer protects

the material beneath and provides a good base
for further coats. Most paints can be sprayed
with the right sprayer.
First Coat

A specially formulated paint used to build up opacity

beneath finish coats, one or two coats of first coat
paint are usually required before the decorative
finish coat is applied. Use pale first coat beneath
pale finish coats and a dark first coat beneath dark
finish coats.
Finish Coats

Once you have applied the base coats, or washed

down previously painted surfaces and rinsed
them thoroughly, you are ready to apply the
decorative finish.
Flat

A latex-based, versatile paint type, flat is normally

used for walls and ceilings. Many types of finish
are available: dead-flat matt, matt, a water-based
eggshell and silk. Some formulations contain vinyl
to make them more hardwearing. Flat is also best
used on siding materials. It can help the material
cope with moisture. Exterior flat is available with
a smooth or rough texture. Apply all flat using as
many coats as are necessary for even coverage.
Eggshell

More durable than flat, eggshell has a slight

sheen. Always check the exact finish because the
degree of sheen varies between manufacturers. It
is most commonly used on interior wood surfaces
as an alternative to semi-gloss, although some
manufacturers will specify that the paint may be
used on exterior surfaces. Eggshell can also be
used on wall surfaces where a hardwearing finish
is required as it is easier to clean.
Gloss and Satin

A very hardwearing finishing paint, gloss is used

mainly on wooden and metal surfaces. Satin is
used in the same way as gloss but is slightly less
shiny and is increasingly popular, especially for
interior woodwork.
Water-Based and Solvent-Based Paints

Paints are made up of pigment and a binder. Water-

based (latex or acrylic) paints use water for a
binder, solvent-based paints use mineral spirit, and
some specialty paints use thinner. Natural wood
finishes are also water- or oil-based. If you are
using a mineral spirit- or thinner-based product
(also sold as solvent-based) plan how you will
dispose of excess paint. There are regulations.
Specialty Paints

Good-quality paints will perform well in all

domestic situations as long as they are used
with the right primer and applied on the surface
they were designed for. However, sometimes it
can be worth using paint formulated for a
specific task.
Acrylated Rubber Paints

Acrylated rubber paints are suitable for internal and

external applications exposed to chemical attack or
wet and humid atmospheric conditions. Acrylated
rubber paints are tending to replace chlorinated
rubber coatings which rely on carbon tetrachloride
solvent, now considered environmentally damaging.
Acrylated rubber paints may be applied to metal or
masonry by either brushing or spraying. Usually a
film of dry thickness 100 microns is applied
compared to 2530 microns for most standard paint
Heat-Resisting Paint

Aluminium paint, which has a lustrous metallic

finish, is resistant to temperatures up to 230
60C. A dry-film thickness of 15 microns is
typical. Acrylated rubber paints can usually be
used satisfactorily to 100C.
Flame-Retardant Paints

Flame-retardant paints emit non-combustible

gases when subject to fire, the usual active
ingredient being antimony oxide. Combustible
substrates such as plywood and particleboard
can be raised to Class 1 (BS 476 Part 7) surface
spread of flame. Products include matt, semi-
gloss and gloss finishes, and may be applied by
brush, roller or spray.
Intumescent Coatings

Thin-film intumescent coatings, typically 1 or 2

mm in thickness, offer fire protection to
structural steel
without noticeable visual effect. In the event of
fire, the thin coating expands up to 50 times to
form a layer of insulating foam. The
carbonaceous material in the coating, typically
starch, is charred, whilst the heat also causes
the release of acids.
Fungicide Paints

Fungicide paints for application in areas where

mould growth is a recurrent problem usually
contain a blend of fungicides to give high initial
activity and steady long-term performance. The
latter can be achieved with fungicide
constituents of low solubility which are
gradually released to the surface during the
lifetime of the paint.Matt acrylic finishes are
available in a range of colours
Enamel Paints

Enamel paints based on polyurethane or alkyd

resins give highly durable impact-resistant
easily cleaned hard gloss surfaces. Colours tend
to be strong and bright, suitable for machinery
and plant in interior and exterior locations.
Water-Repellent and Waterproofing Paints

Silicone water-repellent paints can be applied to

porous surfaces including brick, concrete, stone
and renderings to prevent damp penetration. Such
treatment does not prevent rising damp,but will
allow the continued evaporation of moisture
within the masonry.
Epoxy Paints

Epoxy ester paint coatings are highly resistant to

abrasion and spillages of oils, detergents or dilute
aqueous chemicals. They are therefore frequently
used as finishes to concrete, stone, metal or wood
in heavily trafficked workshops and factories.
Many are produced as two-pack systems
requiring mixing immediately before application.