Hamza Amin – ME-224 Page 1 of 11
Hamza Amin – ME-224 Page 2 of 11
1. Paints: Introduction ...................................................................................... 04
1.1. What is Paint? ................................................................................................. 04
1.2. Definition ......................................................................................................... 04
2. Composition of Paints .................................................................................. 04
2.1. Pigments ........................................................................................................ 05
2.2. Binders ........................................................................................................... 05
2.3. Volatile Solvents ............................................................................................. 05
2.4. Additives ......................................................................................................... 06
3. How Paints are made? ................................................................................... 06
4. Classification of Paints ................................................................................. 06
4.1. Based on Their Nature of Solvent ................................................................... 07
4.2. Based on Their Function ................................................................................. 07
4.3. Based on Pigment Used .................................................................................. 08
4.4. Based on Sheen of a Paint .............................................................................. 08
4.5. Based on Binder/Medium ................................................................................ 09
5. Failure of Paint ............................................................................................... 09
5.1. Dilution ............................................................................................................. 09
5.2. Chalking ........................................................................................................... 09
5.3. Cracking ........................................................................................................... 09
5.4. Blistering .......................................................................................................... 09
6. Dangers ........................................................................................................... 10
7. PROPERTIES OF GOOD PAINT ..................................................................... 10
8. USES OF PAINTS ............................................................................................. 10
9. References ....................................................................................................... 11
Hamza Amin – ME-224 Page 3 of 11
Paints
Introduction:
If you don't like it, paint over it. It's certainly true that paint has the power to change things. You
can brighten up a room with a colorful picture in much the same way that you can make your
house look more attractive with a fresh coat of paint. This is probably why we think of painting
as a kind of "alchemy"—a way of using chemicals to change something we don't like into
something we do. But have you ever stopped to think what paint is or how it works, what
chemicals it contains and what they actually do? Let's take a closer look! [2]
What is Paint?
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 colors—and 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. [1]
Definition: Paints are fluids that are applied on a surface to form a hard continuous film on it
for protection or decoration. [3]
Paint is protection—much more than just color in a tin or a tube. You don't necessarily paint
things to make them look better. You paint the outside of your home to keep the rain out. We
paint cars and bicycles partly to make them look good, but also to stop the metal inside them
from going rusty. On airplanes and the Space Shuttle, paint is one of the things that protect the
structure when air, rushing past at high speed, creates friction and heat. [2]
Composition of Paints
We often think paint is just a color chemical dissolved in a liquid to make it spread, but it's a bit
more than that. Most paints actually have three main components called the pigment, the
binder, and the solvent. (The binder and solvent are sometimes collectively called the vehicle.)
There are also typically a number of additives to improve the paint's properties in various ways,
depending on where and how it's going to be used. [2]
Paints are usually composed of three components.
1. Pigments
2. Binders
3. Volatile Solvent
Hamza Amin – ME-224 Page 4 of 11
1. Pigments
Pigments are granular solids incorporated in the paint to contribute color. [1]
The pigment of paint gives it color; it also gives hardness and bulk. It looks a certain color
because it reflects some wavelengths of light and absorbs others. [2]
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. Alternatively, some paints contain dyes
instead of or in combination with pigments.
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. [1]
Common pigments are:
Titanium dioxide - TiO2 (white),
Iron oxide - Fe2O3 (brown or red),
Carbon Black - C (black),
Chrome Yellow - PbCrO4 (yellow)
Organic dyes of various colors. [3]
2. Binders
The binder is the film-forming component of paint.
The binder is the part of the paint that carries the pigment particles and holds the entire film of
the paint on the surface. It is the only component that is always present among all the various
types of formulations. Many binders are too thick to be applied and must be thinned. The type
of thinner, if present, varies with the binder.
The binder imparts properties such as gloss, durability, flexibility, and toughness.
Generally some plant oils such as linseed oil, natural and synthetic resin (liquid plastics) are
used as binders. [1]
3. Volatile Solvents
The main purposes of the solvent are to dissolve the polymer and adjust the viscosity of the
paint. It is volatile (easily evaporated) 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 but does not affect the quality of dry paint.
Hamza Amin – ME-224 Page 5 of 11
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, thinner oil is required. These volatile
substances impart their properties temporarily—once the solvent has evaporated, the
remaining paint is fixed to the surface.
Commonly, water or turpentine is used as solvent. [1]
Additives
Apart from the pigment, binder, and solvent, most paints also have chemical additives of
various kinds. For example, ceramic substances can be added to paints to improve their
strength and durability. Fluorescent pigments added to paints make them glow in the dark.
Additives in paint designed for outdoor use can help to make things waterproof and rustproof,
protect against frost or sunlight, and keep them free of mold and mildew. [2]
How Paints are made?
Although there are many different types of paint, they are broadly all made the same way.
First, the pigment is prepared. If it's made from a metal salt such as titanium dioxide, it'll be
dug from the ground as a mineral ore, so it will need to be refined in various ways to remove
impurities. (Having pure pigment chemical is essential to ensure the final paint has a uniform
color.) The pigment chemical might start off as a lump of rock, so it needs to be ground into a
very fine powder. It may also need to be physically or chemically treated to change its color in
subtle (or not so subtle ways). It might be roasted, for example, to make it darker. Once it's
been ground to a powder, the pigment is mixed with the binder by a huge, industrial machine
that works a bit like a giant food mixer, and solvent and additives are added as necessary.
That's not the end of the process, however. Because it's vital that each sample of a particular
paint looks exactly the same color as every other sample, the mixed paint has to be sampled
and compared with previous batches. If the color isn't exactly right, the factory workers add
extra pigments. Extra solvents are added if the paint is too thick. Once the paint is the right
color and consistency, it can put into cans, bottles, tubes, or other containers and shipped to
the stores. [2]
Classification of Paints
Paints can be classified into different types on the basis of: [5]
Nature of Solvent
Their Function
Pigment Used
Sheen
Binder or Medium
Hamza Amin – ME-224 Page 6 of 11
Based on Their Nature of Solvent:
1. Oil Based Paints
In these paints turpentine is used as solvent. Turpentine is a liquid mixture of hydrocarbon
that is obtained from pine trees. [3]
The oil paints are very widely and commonly used for painting wooden and metallic
surfaces in all kinds of engineering, industrial and other decorative works.
Oil-based paints are made with either alkyd (synthetic) or linseed (natural) oils. Alkyd paint
is more common because it is less expensive and tougher. Oil-based paint is more durable,
but it takes longer to dry, and cleanup requires turpentine or paint thinner (mineral spirits).
These paints are available in different colors and under different trade names. While using
these paints it is proper to give two to three coatings so as to obtain good results. [6]
2. Water Based Paints
In water based paints, water is used as solvent. Both binders and pigments form a
suspension in water. [3]
The water paints are easier to work with and dries more quickly, but it isn't quite as durable
as oil-based paint. Casein is the most common binder used in these paints. A variety of
pigments are used to obtain different colors. These paints are cheap, easily workable and
also washable when properly set. They also give a good finish and are suitable for the
inside walls. [6]
Based on Their Function [5]
1. Primers or Undercoats
A preparatory coating applied before painting for better adhesion
2. Finishing Coats
Polish to create a smooth and shiny surface
3. Floor Paint
Long lasting paints used to provide good and hard surface finish for concrete or other rough
floors, e.g. Urethane Oil-Based Paint
4. Galvanized Iron Primer
It is a water-based anti-corrosive quick drying coat applied on metal surfaces
Hamza Amin – ME-224 Page 7 of 11
Based on Pigment Used [5]
1. Zinc Rich or Zinc Dust Primer
It is used to protect the surface against weathering and corrosion as well as prevention of
under film corrosion attack
2. White Lead Paints
It is the cheapest and decolorizes on exposure and is therefore commonly used for ordinary
buildings.
3. Graphite Paint
It consists of powdered graphite and oil and is used to coat metallic structures
4. Micaceous Iron Oxide
Used for the protection of steel against corrosion
5. Calcium Plumbate Primer
Can be applied both on timber and metal, and is therefore ideal where the two are combined.
6. Zinc Chromate
Used as a corrosion resistant agent and increase the durability of the surface several times
Based on Sheen of a Paint [7]
The sheen of paint is the amount of light reflected by the painted surface. Depending on level
of sheen paints may be of four types;
1. Flat paint is the standard for most walls. It has the lowest sheen available and when it
dries, it appears completely non-reflective with a smooth, matte finish.
2. Satin, or eggshell paint, is also known as low-luster paint. While these paints are low-
luster, they are more lustrous than flat paint and have a nice, slight sheen when compared
to flat paint.
3. Semi-gloss paints are very popular in homes with young children because it is the easiest
to clean among all the paints. This is the reason why semi-gloss paint is frequently used for
children's rooms, kitchens and bathrooms; it is so durable.
4. Gloss paint is the toughest and most durable of all paints - and the shiniest, too! This very
high sheen paint is often used on doors and in areas susceptible to getting dirty.
Hamza Amin – ME-224 Page 8 of 11
Based on Binder/Medium
1. Latex Paint: A paint whose binder consists of latex that is usually a synthetic resin
polymerized in water phase [8]
2. Acrylic paint is a fast-drying paint containing pigment suspension in acrylic polymer
emulsion. Acrylic paints are water-soluble, but become water-resistant when dry. [9]
3. Alkyd Resins: Decorative gloss paints typically contain alkyd polymers (resins). Alkyd
Resin is group of sticky resins derived from di-carboxylic acids in reaction with polyvalent
alcohols. [10]
4. Epoxy: Epoxy resins are often used as the binder in industrial coatings (primers). They
give the paint excellent adhesion together with high resistance to chemicals (corrosion),
and physical resistance necessary, for example, on ships and chemical storage tanks. [11]
5. Distemper: Distemper paints used in decorating and painting pictures. The binder may be
glues of vegetable or animal origin (excluding egg). [12]
Failure of Paint [1]
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 manufacturer’s
recommendation. There can be a case of over dilution and under dilution, as well as
dilution with the incorrect diluents.
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.
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.
Blistering
Blistering is due to improper surface exposure of paint to strong sunshine.
Hamza Amin – ME-224 Page 9 of 11
Dangers [1]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paint are considered harmful to the environment and
especially for people who work with them on a regular basis. Exposure to VOCs has been
related to organic solvent syndrome, although this relation has been somewhat controversial.
In the US, environmental regulations, consumer demand, and advances in technology led to
the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paint and finishes. These new paints are widely
available and meet or exceed the old high-VOC products in performance and cost-
effectiveness while having significantly less impact on human and environmental health.
PROPERTIES OF GOOD PAINT [4]
The main properties of a good paint are as follows:
It should give a thin and uniform coating.
It should be hard and durable on drying.
The painted surface should not crack on drying.
It should be resistant to weathering and corrosive action.
It should be water-repellent (except water paints).
It should have good spread.
It should have good adhesive power. It should give a good finish with attractive color,
design and appearance.
The colors should be fast and permanent.
It should be cheap and economical.
USES OF PAINTS [4]
The main functions performed by paints are:
To give a high-class finish
To give attractive colors
To give pleasing surfaces design and appearance
To protect the material from atmospheric effects
To protect various substances from corrosion
To protect wooden articles from wet-rot and many other types of defects
To make the materials long lasting
Hamza Amin – ME-224 Page 10 of 11
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paint
[2] http://www.explainthatstuff.com/howpaintworks.html
[3] http://www.friendsmania.net/forum/2nd-year-chemistry-notes/25773.htm
[4] http://www.slideshare.net/LATIFHYDERWadho/paints-ppt
[5] http://www.aboutcivil.org/types-of-paints.html
[6] http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/skills-and-know-how/painting/differences-in-water-based-
oil-based-and-latex-paints
[7] http://www.networx.com/article/paint-types
[8] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latex%20paint
[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylic_paint
[10] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/alkyd--resin
[11] http://www.essentialchemicalindustry.org/materials-and-applications/paints.html
[12] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distemper_%28paint%29
Hamza Amin – ME-224 Page 11 of 11