Chapter 13 PAINTS, VARNISHES AND DISTEMPERS General: In this chapter, the final finishing of all surfaces such as walls, ceilings, woodwork, metal work, etc. will be discussed. According to the nature of the surface and the finishing required, the surface should be coated with paint or varnish or distemper, etc. The paints are coatings of fluid materials and they are applied over the surfaces of timber and metals. The varnishes are transparent or nearly transparent solutions of resinous materials and they are applied over the painted surfaces. The distempers are applied over the plastered sur- faces. The protective power granted by the application of paints, varnishes and distempers decreascs with the passage of time and hencc they are to be periodically applied at intervals of about 2 to 5 years. Painting: Following are the objects of painting a surface: (1) It protects the surface from weathering effects of the atmosphere. . (2) It prevents decay of wood and corrosion in metal. (3) It is used to give good appearance to the surfacc. Decorative effects may be created by painting and the surface becomes hygienically good, clean, colourful and attractive. Characteristics of an ideal paint: (1) It should possess a good spreading power, i.e., maximum area of the surface should be covered by minimum quantity of the paint. (2) The paint should be fairly cheap and economical. (3) The paint should be such that it can begasily and freely applied on the surface.PAINTS, VARNISHES AND DISTEMPERS 347 (4) The paint should be such that it dries in reasonable time and not too rapidly. (5) ‘The paint should be such that its colour is main- tained for a long time. (6) ‘The paint should form a hard and durable surface. (7) The paint should not he affected by weathering actions of the atmosphere. (8) The paint should possess attractive and pleasing appearance. (9) The surface coated with paint should not show cracks when the paint dries. (10) When applicd on the surface, the paint should form a thin film of uniform nature. Ingredients of an oil borne paint: An oil paint essentially consists of the following ingredients: (1) a hase, (2) a vehicle or carricr, (3) a drier, (4) a colouring pigment, and (5) a solvent. (1) Bases: A ‘base’ is a solid substance in a finé state of division and it forms the bulk of a paint. It determines the character of the paint and imparts durability to the surface which is painted. Table 13-1 gives the list of bases which are commonly used for paints. (2) Vehicles : The vehicles are liquid substances which hold the ingre- dients of a paint in liquid suspension. They are required mainly for two reasons: (i) to make it possible to spread the paint evenly on the surface, and348 ENGINEERING MATERIALS (u) to provide a binder for the ingredients of a paint so that they may stick or adhere to the surface. Table 13-2 gives the list of vehicles which are commonly employed in preparing a paint. TABLE 13-1 BASES FOR PAINTS Name Description 1. | White lead This is a carbonate of lead and it forms the base bf ! lead paints. It possesses good bulk and is the most j widely used base. It is dense, permanent and water: proof. It is not suitable for delicate work as lead hecomes discoloured when exposed to sulphur vapours. It is most suitable for wood surfaces and not used for | iron. surfaces as it does not afford protection against rusting. 2. | Red lead ‘This is an oxide of lead and it forms the base of lead paints. It is quite suitable for painting iron surfaces and for providing a priming coat to wood surfaces. It solidifies in a short time with linseed ofl and hence | itis used as a drier also. an oxide of zinc and it forms the base of all zinc paints. It is smooth, transparent and non- | poisonous, “It is not discoloured when exposed to | sulphur vapours, It has less bulk and hence it is costly. It is less durable and it is difficult to work, 4. | Oxide of iron | ‘This is an oxide of iron and it forms the base of all iron painis. The tint of paint varies from yellowish brown to black. It mixes easily with the vehicle. It is effective in preventing rusting of iron surfaces. It is cheap and durable. It is generally used for priming coat of iron surfaces. Oxide of zine or white 5. | Titanium white | This material possesses intense opacity. It is non- isonous and provides a thin transparent film. It is used for the receiving coat of an enamel. 6, | Antimony white | This is nearly similar to titaniu-1 white. 7. | Aluminium This forms the bulk of alumin 21 paints. It keeps powder moisture content of wood s practically the same. It also prevents cracking and warping of wood. Itis generally used for a priming coat to new woodwork. This is mixture of zine sulphide and barytes. Tt is similar in appearance to oxide of zinc. It is cheap and it can easily be applied on the surface. However, when exposed to daylight, it changes colour. Hence it is used for interior work of inferior nature. LithophonePAINTS, VARNISHES AND DISTEMPERS 349 TABLE 13-2 VEHICLES FOR PAINTS Sr.No. Name Deseri 1, | Linseed oil | This is the most common material used as vehicle of a paint. It is extracted from flax seeds. Linseed oil prepared from fine full- , grown ripe seeds is clear, transparent, pale, | sweet to the taste and practically odourless. IL is used in various grades. (a) Raw linseed oil | Raw Hinsced oil is thin and pale. It requires i | more time for drying and is used for interior | work of delicate nature. | (b) Boiled linseed oil | This oil is thicker and darkly coloured than raw oil. It dries quickly. It is prepared by adding some quantity of drier such as litharge or red lead to the raw oil. It cannot be used for interior delicale work. It is used for | exterior surfaces. (c) Pale boiled This is similar t boiled linseed cil except linseed oil that it docs not possess a dark colour. Tt is more suitable for painting plastered surfaces, (a) Double boiled This oil dries very quickly and is suitable for linseed oil external work. Tt however requires a thin ning agent like turpentine. (c) Stand oil Formerly this oil was prepared by exposing raw linseed oil to sun till it thickened like honey. At present, heat treatment is used for this purpose. This oil dries slowly and provides a durable, clear and. shining finish. Tung oil ‘This oil is far superior to linseed oil and is used for preparing paints of superior quality. | This oil is prepared from poppy seeds. It | dries slowly. But its colours last long. It is used for making paints of delicate colours. | Nut oil | ‘This oil is extracted from ordinary walnuts, Tt is nearly colourless and dries rapidly. It docs not provide a durable finish and is used | for ordinary work. 3. | Poppy oil (3) Driers: These substances accelerate the process of drying. A drier absorbs oxygen from the air and transfers it to the linseed oil, which in turn, gets hardened. Driers have a tendency to injure the colour of a paint and to destroy the elasticity of a paint. They are, therefore, not generally used for the final or finishing coat of the paint. Various patented350 ENGINEERING MATERIALS driers are available in the market. They may be either in the form of soluble driers or paste driers. The former driers are compounds of metals such as cobalt, lead, manganese, etc. dissolved in linseed oil or some other volatile liquid. The Jatter driers are compounds of the samc metal. But they are mixed with inert fillers such as barytes, whiting, etc. and then ground in linseed oil. The imert fillers serve as adulterants and the weight of inert filler in a paint should not exceed one-fourth the weight of base. They are used for the following purposes: (i) to bring down the cost of paint; (ii) to improve the durability of paint; (iii) to modify the weight of paint; and (iv) to prevent shrinkage and cracking. Litharge, red lead and sulphate of manganese can also be used as driers. Litharge is the most commonly used drier. Red lead is less effective than litharge and it is to be used when. its addition does not interfere with the tintof the paint. Sulphate of manganese is used with zinc paints so as to climinate the risk of discolouration of a lead drier, Great care is required in mixing sulphate of manganese. Otherwise spots will be formed on the painted surface. (4) Colouring pigments: When it is desired to have a different colour than the base of a paint, a colouring pigment is to be added. Following are five divisions of colouring pigments: (i) Natural earth colours such as ochres, umbers, iron oxides, etc. (ii) Calcined colours such as lamp black, Indian red, carbon black, red lead, etc. (iii) Precipitates such as Prussian blue, chrome green, chrome yellow, ctc. (iv) Lakes prepared by discolouring barytes or china clay with the help of suitable dyes, (v) Metal powders such as aluminium powder, bronze powder, copper powder, zinc powder, etc.PAINTS, VARNISHES AND DISTEMPERS 351 Table 13-3 shows the colouring pigments which are used to create a particular tint of a paint. TABLE 13-3 COLOURING PIGMENTS FOR PAINTS Tint of paint Pigments Black | Graphite, lamp black, ivory black, vegetable black. Blue | Indigo, Prussian blue, Brown Burnt umber, raw umber. Chrome green, copper sulph Carmine, red lead, vermilion Chrome yellow, raw sienna, yellow ochre, zine chrome. (5) Solvents : The function of a solvent is to make the paint thin so that it can be easily applied on the surface. It also helps the paint in penetrating through the porous surfaces. The most commonly used solvent is the spirit of turpentine. Other solvents containing some part of spirit of turpentine are avail- able. But they are inferior to pure spirit of turpentine. ‘The purity of spirit of turpentine can be tested by evaporation. Pure spirit of turpentine docs not leave any residue on evaporation. Turpentine is greatly affected by weather and hence, for exterior works, it should be taken in minimum quantity to make the paint workable on the surface. Types of paints: The brief descriptions of different types of paints are given below. (1) Aluminium paint: Very finely ground aluminium is suspended in cither quick-drying spirit varnish or slow-drying oil varnish as per requirement. The spirit or oil evaporates and a thin metallic352 ENGINEERING MATERIALS film of aluminium is formed on the surface, Advantages of an aluminium paint are as follows: (i) Tt is visible in darkness. (ii) It resists heat to a certain degree. (iii) Surfaces of iron and steel are better protected from corrosion by this paint than any other paint. (iv) It possesses a high covering capacity. A litre of paint can cover an arca of about 200 m°. (v) It gives good appearance to the surface. (vi) It is impervious to moisture. (vii) It possesses high electrical resistance, The aluminium paint is widely used for painting gas tanks, hot water pipes, marine picrs, oil storage tanks, radiators, etc. (2) Anticorrosive paint : This paint cssentially consists of oil and a strong dricr. A pigment such as chromium oxide, lead, red lead or zinc chrome is taken and after mixing it with some quantity of very fine sand, it is added to the paint. Advantages of an anticorrosive paint are as follows: (i) Tt is cheap. (ii) It lasts for a long duration. (iii) The appearance of the paint is black. (3) Asbestos paint: This is a peculiar type of paint and it is applied on the surfaces which are exposed to acidic gases and steam. (4) Bituminous paint: This paint is prepared by dissolving asphalt or mineral pitches or vegetable bitumen in any type of oil or petroleum. A variety of bituminous paints is available. The paint pre- sents a black appearance and it is used for painting ironwork under water.PAINTS, VARNISHES AND DISTEMPERS 353 (5) Cellulose paint: This paint is prepared from nitro-cotton, celluloid sheets, photographic films, etc. An ordinary paint hardens by oxi- dation. A cellulose paint hardens by evaporation of thinning agent. It thus hardens quickly. It is a little more costly, but it presents a flexible, hard and smooth surface. Also, the surface painted with cellulose paint can be washed and easily cleaned. The ccllulose paint is not affected by contact with hot water and the surface can stand extreme degrees of cold and heat. (6) Cement paint : This paint consists of white cement, pigment, accelerator and other additiv. available in dry powder form. Cement paint is available in varicty of shades and it exhibits excellent decorative appearance. It is watcr-proof and durable. It proves to be useful for surfaces which are damp at the time of painting or are likely to become damp after painting. For external finish, on cement-plastered walls, it is mixed with water immediately before its application. It is desirable to provide cement paint on rough surface rather than on smooth surface because its adhesion power is poor on smoothly finished surface. For painting surfaccs like corrugated iron sheets, ete., cement paint is mixed with boiled linseed oil, The mixture is constantly stirred during use. (7) Colloidal paint: No incrt material is mixed in this type of paint. It requircs more time to scttle and in the process of settlement, it penetrates through the surface, It may be used for interior as well as exterior walls. (8) Emulsion paint: A variety of emulsion paints is available. It contains binding materials such as polyvinyl acetate, synthetic resins, etc. This paint is easy to apply and it dries quickly in about 1} to 2 hours. The colour of the paint is retained for a long period and the surface of paint is tough and it can be cleaned354 ENGINEERING MATERIALS by washing with water. There is absence of odour and the paint possesses excellent alkali resistance. The application of emulsion paint can be carried out either by brush or spray gun. For long service life, it is recommended to apply two coats of emulsion paint. For rough cement plastered surfacc, a thin coat of cement paint may first be applied to smoothen the surface. It is necessary to have a sound surface to receive the emulsion paint. (9) Enamel paint: i This paint is available in different colours. It cont4ins white lead or zinc white, oil, petroleum spirit and resinous matter. It dries slowly and forms a hard and durable surface. The surface provided with this paint is not affected by acids, alkalies, fumes of gas, hot and cold water, steam, etc. It can be used for both internal and cxternal walls. In order to improve the appearance, it is desirable to apply a coat of tita- nium white in pale linseed oil before the coat of cnamel paint. (10) Graphite paint: The paint presents a black colour and it is applicd on iron surfaces which come in contact with ammonia, chlorine, sulphur gascs, ctc, It is also uscd in mincs and underground railways. (11) Znodorous paint: No turpentine is uscd in this paint, but white lead or zinc white is mixed with methylated spirit. White lead or zinc white is well ground in oil, Shellac with some quantity of linseed oil and castor oil is dissolved in methylated spirit. The paint is not durable, but is dries quickly. The methy- Jated spirit evaporates and a film of shellac remains on the surface, (12) Luminous paint: This paint contains calcium sulphide with varnish. The surface on which luminous paint is applied shines like radium dials of watches after the source of light has been cut off. The paint should be applied on surfaces which are free from corro- sion or any other lead paint.PAINTS, VARNISHES AND DISTEMPERS 355 (13) Oil paint: This is the ordinary paint and it is generally applied in three coats of varying composition. They are respectively termed as primes, undercoats and finishing coats. This paint is cheap and easy to apply and it possesses good opacity and low gloss. It should be remembered that oil paint should not be applied during humid and damp weather, The presence of dampness on wall surface also considerably affects the life of oil paint coating. It is advisable to redecorate the surfaces finished with oil paint with a coating of fresh oil paint only. The layer of old oil paint serves as a foundation for fresh paint. (14) Plastic paint: This paint contains the necessary variety of plasties and it is available in the market under different trade names. The application of plastic paint can he done cither by brush painting or spray painting. This paint possesses pleasing appearance and it is attractive in colour. ‘This paint is widely used for show rooms, auditoriums, etc. (15) Silicate paint: This paint is prepared by mixing calcined and finely ground silica with resinous substances. The paint when dried forms a hard surface and it is durable. It can stand extreme heat and it adheres firmly to brickwork also. It is not affected by alkalics. No chemical action takes place on metals by this paint. Drier used with this paint should be of a special silicate drier type. Silicate paint can directly be applicd on brick, plaster or conercte surfaces. These surfaces should be made wet before the paint is applied. ‘Two or three coats of silicate paint are recommended and it is not necessary to have a priming coat. The tool which is used to apply silicate paint should be immediately cleaned with water after use. The surfaces should not be painted with silicate paint in hot weather. (16) Synthetic rubber paint: This paint is prepared from resins. It has the following advantages:356 ENGINEERING MATERIALS (i) It offers good resistance to water and is not affected by heavy rains. (ii) Tt dries quickly. (iii) A uniform colour is maintained when this paint is applicd on the surface. (iv) It is little affected by weather and sunlight. (v) It can be applied on surfaces which may not be completely dry, e.g., fresh conercte. (vi) It is moderate in cost and covers a sizeable are’. (vii) It is casy to apply on the surface. . (viii) It possesses excellent chemical resisting propcrty.| Notes for guidance in the process of painting: Some of the important points to he noted before we take up the discussion of process of painting are mentioned below: (1) Brushes : It is necessary to have good brushes for painting. The brushes should be composed of bristles and not of horse hairs. Bristle brushes are clastic and possess good paint-holding capacity. Bristles are split at ends and in this respect, they can be distinguished from horse hairs. It is preferable to use a round brush in painting. New brushes should be soaked in water upto level of bristles for a period of about two hours and then they should be allowed to dry for a period of about one hour. During painting, the brush should be immersed in paint upto about one-third length of the bristle and the excess paint in the brush is removed by gently pressing the bristles against the inside surface of the pot. After the work is over, the brushes should be cleaned with kerosene oil. (2) Paints: Ready mixed paints of different make and various brand are available in the market. They are available in different tints and can be applied in the same form as reccived. Ready mixed paints are normally expensive. The procedure for preparing paint from stiff paint is as follows:PAINTS, VARNISHES AND DISTEMPERS 357 (i) Sufficient stiff paint is taken in a pot. The remain- ing stiff paint is to be covered or left with a layer of linseed oil. (ii) Linseed oil which may cither be raw or boiled or pale is then mixed with stiff paint by a stick. (iii) The other ingredients of paint are then added. (iv) If a colour is required, suitable pigment is added and thoroughly mixed. (v) Asecond potis taken and it is covered with a canvass which is tied tightly. (vi) The mixed paint is then allowed to pass through the canvass of second pot. Brushes may be used for this purpose. (vii) The paint is then rcady for use. The mixed paint may be prevented from drying by maintaining a thin film of linseed oil or of water at top. (3) Knotting: The term knotling is used to indicate the covering or killing of all knots in woodwork with a substance through which the resin cannot exude or come out. There are three methods of knotting as mentioned below: (i) Ordinary or size knotting: This is applicd in two coats. For the first coat, red Icad ground in water and mixed with strong gluc size is used in hot condition. This coat dries in about ten minutes and then second coat is applied. The sccond coat consists of red Icad ground in oil and it is thinned by boiled oil and turpentine. (ii) Patent knotting: This is applied in two coats. For both the coats, varnish prepared by dissolving shellac in methylated spirits of wine is used. (iii) Lime knotting: The knot is covered by hot lime and it is left for 24 hours. The surface is then scraped off and then ordinary knotting is carried out. (4) Stopping: The term stopping is used to indicate the rubbing down of the surface after the first coat of paint is applied. The358 ENGINEERING MATERIALS rubbing is done by means of pumice-stone or glasspaper or both. Before rubbing is commenced, the holes, cracks, etc. on the surface are filled with ordinary putty made from whit- ing and linsced oil. Putty becomes hard when it dries. The term hard stopping is used when instead of ordinary putty, an admixture of one-third white lead and two-third ordinary putty, is filled in holes, cracks, etc, It is adopted for superior work. (8) Coats: ; The paint is usually applied in three or four coats. Th first coat is known as priming coat, the second one as unde coat and the remaining as finishing coats. \ Priming coat creates a layer or film which provides ' adhesion -of the paint with the surface. It also protects the surface from weathering actions. Suitable material for priming coat should be uscd, depending on the nature of surface to be painted. Undercoat serves to provide foundation or support to the finishing coat. The surface is made even and all irregu- laritics of the surface are removed by this coat. Finishing coat or coats are then applied as per require- ments. (6) Spray painting: Instead of ordinary brushes, a spraying pistol may be used for painting work. The pistol works under compressed air and the paint thrown through the pistol on the surface forms a thin uniform film or layer of paint on the surface. Spray painting is superior to painting by brushes. Follow- ing are the advantages of spray painting: (i) The speed of work increases considerably. (ii) An experienced painter can create artistic patterns or designs on the surface by spraying paints of different sheds. (iii) It is found to be economical in material and labour. Two coats of spray would suffice whereas ordinary brush painting would require three or four coats.PAINTS, VARNISHES AND DISTEMPERS 359 (iv) The mechanical equipment is such that the paint remains always in a state of motion. This ensures uniform mixing of ingredients of the paint. Painting on different surfaces: The process of painting depends on the nature of the surface to be painted. A brief description of painting on cach of the various surfaces is given below: (1) Mew woodwork: Normally four coats of paint are required for new wood- work, The process of painting is carried out as follows: (i) The surface of woodwork is prepared to receive the paint. For satisfactory working, it is necessary that the woodwork is sufficiently scasoned and it does not contain more than 15 per cent moisture at the time of painting. The surface of woodwork is thoroughly cleaned and the heads of nails are punched to a depth of 3 mm below the surface. (ii) The surface of the woodwork is then knotted. (iii) The priming coat is then applied on the surface of new woodwork. Gencrally the priming coat is applied before the woodwork is placed in position. (iv) The process of stopping is then carricd out. (v) The subsequent coats of paint, namely, under coats and finishing coats, are then applicd on the surfacc. Extreme care should be taken to see that the finishing coat presents smooth and even surface and that no brush marks are seen on the finished work. (2) Repainting old woodwork : If the paint on the old woodwork has cracked or has developed blisters, it is to be removed. If the surface has become greasy, it should be cleaned by rubbing down sand- paper or fine pumice stone. Old paint can also be removed by applying any one of the following three paint solvents: (i) A solution containing 200 gm of caustic soda to # litre of water is prepared and used to wash the surface. The paint dissolves and the surface becomes clean.360 ENGINEERING MATERIALS (ii) A mixture consisting of one part of soft soap and two parts of potash is prepared and one part of quicklime is then added afterwards. This mixture is applicd on the surface in a hot state and allowed to stay for about 24 hours. The surface is then washed with hot water. (iii) A mixture consisting of equal parts of washing soda and quicklime is brought to a paste form by adding required quantity of watcr. It is applied on the surface and kept for about an hour. The surface is then washed with water. After removing old paint from the surface, the woodwprk is painted as in case of painting on new woodwork. (3) New ironwork and steelwork : The surface of iron or stcel to reccive the paint should be free from rust, grease, dirt, ctc. Suitable equipment such as wirebrushes, scrapers, ctc. are used to remove all loose scales, marks, ctc. from the surface. Water with caustic soda or lime is used to remove grease. The cleaned surface is provided with a film of phosphoric acid. This film protects the surface from rust and it also facilitates the adhesion of paint. The coats of paint arc then applied. Paint suitable to iron and stecl surfaces should be selected for cach coat. The finishing’ coat should present a smooth finish and precaution should be taken to avoid the presence of brush marks on the final painted surface. (4) Repainting old ironwork and steelwork: The old surface should be thoroughly cleaned by the application of soapwater and if grease is present, it should be removed by washing the surface with lime and water. If it is necessary to remove old paint, the surface should be burnt, usually by a blow lamp and then old paint should be scraped off or dissolved and removed by using any paint solvent. After the surface is thus prepared, painting is carricd out as in case of new ironwork or steelwork. (5) Galvanised ironwork: As the paint will not adhere to the surface of galvanised ironwork, some treatment is to be given to the surface before a priming coat is applied. It is a gencral rule not to paint the galvanised ironwork until it has been exposed to weatherPAINTS, VARNISHES AND DISTEMPERS 361 for a period of one year or so. However, if it is necessary to paint new galvanised ironwork, any one of the following two. solutions is applied on the surface: (i) A solution containing 40 gm of copper acetate to a litre of water. (ii) A solution containing 13 gm each of muriatic acid, copper chloride, copper nitrate and sel-ammoniac to a litre of soft water. This much quantity of solution will cover an area of about 250 to 300 m*. The solution is taken in a glass vessel or earthenware vessel. This will prevent the precipitation of copper salts. When the solution is applied on the galvanised ironwork, the surface is turned black and after a period of about 12 hours, the coat of paint may be applied on the surface. Alternatively, a wash of washing soda or zine sulphate may be given on the surface and when it drics, a priming coat of red lead mixed with linseed oil and turpentine may be applied on the surface. When priming coat dries, a suitable paint may be applied on the surface. (6) Metals: The surface of the metal to be painted should be clean and free from dirt, grease, etc. It should be such as to provide key for the paint. Depending upon the nature of metal, suitable paint is sclected. For instances, the priming coat for aluminium surface should be of zinc chromate and that for zinc surfacc, it should be of zinc oxide. (7) Plastered surfaces: For successful application of paint on cement plastered surfaces, the following factors should be carefully considered: (i) There is considerable amount of moisture in newly constructed wall with cement plaster. It is necessary to allow the moisture content to escape. The actual time required for drying of wall surface will depend on atmospheric conditions and ventilation. But it usually requires about 3 to 6 months for the surface to be ready to receive paint. Artificial heating may in some cases be employed in combination with ventilation.362 ENGINEERING MATERIALS (ii) Cement plaster is alkaline in nature because lime is liberated during the hydration of cement. Hence oil based paints and distempers are liable for alkali attack, especially in presence of moisture. Hence coats of alkali resistant primer paints should be applied or paints not containing any oil should be used. (iii) Defects in cement plastered surfaces develop due to various reasons. Such defects should be removed and the surface should be prepared to receive the paint. (iv) Spots showing efflorescence should be brushed off and the surface should be watched for few days. If spots o efflorescence develop again, the process of brushing off should\ be repeated. It is desirable to postpone painting till such’ spots ccase to appear. (v) If there are chances for the discolouration of the painted surface, it is necessary to clean the surface and to sterilise it with an antiseptic wash. The organisms responsible for discolouration are algac, mould, lichen, etc. They may be black, green, purple or red in colour. The conditions favourable for their casy and free growth arc dampness and high humidity. With the above remarks in view, the usual paints recom- mended for cement plastered surfa are cement paints, emulsion paints, oi] paints, silicate paints, etc. (8) Goncrete surfaces : Cement paint is used to paint conercte surfaces. The paint is available in a powder form and it is dissolved in water to a workable consistency. The paint thus prepared should be consumed within 2 to 3 hours. Two coats at an interval of 24 hours are just cnough, Water should be sprayed at intervals to provide curing to the painted surface. (9) Flonr surfaces: Enamels arc used for painting floor surfaces. The selected enamel should be strong enough to resist abrasion, moisture and alkali action. It should also be of shining nature and quick drying type.PAINTS, VARNISHES AND DISTEMPERS 363 Defects in painting: Following are the usual defects bias are found in the painting work: (1) Blisting: This defect is caused by the water vapour which is trapped behind the painted surface. The formation of bubbles under the film of paint occurs in this defect. (2) Bloom: In this defect, the formation of dull patches occurs on the finished polished surface. It is due to defect in paint or bad ventilation. (3) Fading: The gradual loss of colour is known, as fading and it is mainly duc to the effect of sunlight on pigments of paint. (4) Flaking: A small portion of the painted surface is sometimes sccn loose. It is known as flaking and is due to poor adhesion. (5) Flashing: Sometimes glossy patches are seen on the painted surface. This is known as flashing and it is mainly due to poor workmanship, cheap paint or weather actions. (6) Grinning: When the final coat of paint has not sufficient opacity, the background is clearly scen. This is known as grinning. (7) Running: The paint runs back and leaves small areas of surface uncovered. This defect occurs when the surface to be painted is too smooth, (8) Sagging: When a vertical or inclined surface is too thickly painted, the defect of sagging occurs. (9) Saponification: The formation of soap patches on the painted surface is termed as saponification and it is duc to chemical action of alkalies, (10) Wrinkling: When a horizontal surface is too thickly painted, the defect of wrinkling becomes prominent. Varnishing: The term varnish is used to indicate the solution of resins or resinous substances prepared either in alcohol, oil or turpentine.364 ENGINEERING MATERIALS Following are the objects of varnishing a surface: (1) It brightens the appearance of the grain in wood. (2) It renders brilliancy to the painted surface. (3) It protects painted surface from atmospheric actions. Characteristics of an ideal varnish: (1) It should render the surface glossy. (2) It should dry rapidly and present a finished surface which is uniform in nature and pleasing in appearance. (3) The colour of varnish should not fade away wiien the surface is exposed to atmospheric actions. (4) The protecting film developed by varnish should be tough, hard and durable. (3) It should not shrink or show cracks after drying. Ingredients of a varnish; Following are the ingredients of a varnish: (1) Resins or resinous substances (2) Driers (3) Solvents. (1) Resins or resinous substances: The commonly used resins are copal, lac or shellac and rosin. Copal is a hard substance and is available from the earth at places where pine trees existed in past. It is availa- ble in variety of forms. Lac or shellac is obtained by exuda- tion of some types of insects in India. Rosin is obtained from pine trees. Other resins are amber, mastic, gum dammar, etc. (2) Driers : The function of a drier in varnish is to accclerate the process of drying. Common driers used in varnishes are litharge, white copper and lead acctate. (3) Solvents: Depending upon the nature of resin, the type of solvent is decided. Table 13-4 gives solvents for different resins.PAINTS, VARNISHES AND DISTEMPERS 365 TABLE 13-4 SOLVENTS FOR RESINS Sr.No. Solvent Resins 1 Boiled linseed oil - ‘Amber, Copal, 2) | Methylated spirits of wine Lae or shellac. 3 ‘Turpentine Mastic, Gum dammar, Rosin, 4 Wood naphtha | _ Cheap varieties of resin. Types of varnishes: Depending upon the solvent, varnishes are classified into Sour categories: (1) Oil varnishes (2) Spirit varnishes (3) Turpentine varnishes (4) Water varnishes. (1) Oil varnishes: Linsecd oil is used ag solvent in this type of varnish. Hard resins such as amber and copal are dissolved in linseed oil and if the varnish is not workable, a small quantity of turpentine is added. Oil varnishes dry slowly. But they form hard and durable surface. (2) Spirit varnishes: Methylated spirits of wine are used as solvent in this type of varnish. Resins are of soft variety such as lac or shellac. Spirit varnishes dry quickly. But they are not durable and are easily affected by weathering actions. They are generally uscd for furniture. French polish is a varicty of this class of varnish and the desired colouring tinge can be obtained by addition of suitable colouring pigment. French polish is one of the finest finish for ornamental furniture prepared from superior quality of wood. (3) Turpentine varnishes: ‘Turpentine is used as solvent in this type of varnish. Resins adopted are of soft variety such as gum dammar, mastic and rosin, These varnishes dry quickly and possess light colours. They are not durable and tough as oil varnishes.366 ENGINEERING MATERIALS (4) Water varnishes: Shellac is dissolved in hot water and enough quantity of either ammonia or borax or potash or soda is added such that shellac is dissolved. These varnishes are used for varnishing maps, pictures, etc. Process of varnishing: The application of varnish on woodwork is carried out in the following way: (1) Preparation of surface: ~The woodwork is thoroughly rubbed down by mcans of sandpaper or pumice stone. The surface is then made smooth and clean. . (2) Knotting: The process of knotting is then carried out as in case of painting. : (3) Stopping: The surface of woodwork is then stopped. ‘This is done by means of hot weak glue size. It will fill up the pores on the surface. One kg of glue will form about 10 litres of gluc size. Alternatively, boiled linseed oil can be applied in two coats. When the surface becomes dry, it should he once again rubbed down with sandpaper. (4) Goats of varnish: The varnish is then applied on the surface in thin coats. The next coat is applicd after the previous one has thoroughly dried up. The varnishing should not be done with ordinary paint brushes. But fine haired varnishing brushes should be used. Distempering: The main object of applying distemper to plastered surfaces is to create a smooth surface. Distempers are avail- able in the market under different trade names. They are cheaper than paints and varnishes and they present a neat appearance. They are available in a variety of colours. Properties of distempers: Following are the properties of distempers: (1) On drying, the film of distemper shrinks. Hence it leads to cracking and flaking, if the surface to reccive distemper is weak. (2) The coatings of distemper are usually thick and they are more brittle than other types of water paints.PAINTS, VARNISHES AND DISTEMPERS 367 (3) The film developed by distemper is porous in charac- ter and it allows water vapour to pass through it. Hence it permits new walls to dry out without damaging the distemper film. (4) They are generally light in colour and they provide a good reflective coating. (5) They are less durable than oil paints. (6) They are treated as water paints and they are easy to apply. (7) They can be applied on brickwork, cement plastered surface, lime plastered surface, insulating boards, ete. (8) They exhibit poor workability, (9) They prove to be unsatisfactory in damp locations such as kitchen, bathroom, etc. Ingredients of a distemper: A distemper is composed of hase, carrier, colouring pig- ments and size. For base, whiting or chalk is used and for carrier, water is used. Thus it is more or less a paint in which whiting or chalk is uscd as base instead of white lead and water is used as carricr instead of linseed oil. Distempers are available in powder form or paste form. They are to be mixed with hot water before use. Oil-bound distempers are a varicty of an oil-paint in which the drying oil is so treated that it mixes with water. The emulsifying agent which is commonly used is glue or cascin. As the water dries, oil makes a hard surface which is washable. It should be remembered that most of the manufacturers of ready made distempers supply complete directions for use of their products. These directions are to be strictly followed to achieve good results. Process of distempering: ‘The application of distemper is carried out in the follow- ing way: (1) Preparation of surface: The surface to receive the distemper is thoroughly rubbed and cleaned. The important facts to be kept in mind are:368 ENGINEERING MATERIALS: (i) New plastered surfaces should be kept exposed for a period of two months or so to dry out before distemper is applied on them. The presence of dampness on surface results in failure of distemper coating. (ii) The surface to receive distemper should be free from any efflorescence patches. These arc to be wiped out by clean cloth. (iii) Irregularitics such as cracks, holes, etc. of thy surface are to be filled by lime putty or gypsum id allowed to become hard before distemper is applic on the surface. (iv) If distemper is to be applied on existing distempercd surfaces, old distemper should he removed by profuse watering. (2) Priming coat: After preparing the surface to receive the coats of dis- temper, a priming coat is applied and it is allowed to become dry. For ready made distempers, the priming coat should be composed of materials as recommended by the makers of distempers. For local made distempers, milk is used for priming coat. One litre of milk will cover about 10 m? of the surface. (3) Goats of distemper: The first coat of distemper is then applied on the surface. It should be of a light tint and applied with great care. The second coat of distemper is applied after the first coat has dried and become hard. Following facts are to be remembered: (i) Distempering should be done in dry weather to achieve better results. (ii) Oil-bound distemper or washable distemper adheres well to oil-painted walls, wood, corrugated iron, etc. But a priming coat of pure milk should be applied before distempering is done on such surfaces. (iii) The application of distemper by a spraying pistol is superior to that by brushes. Spraying affords smooth and durable film of distemper.PAINTS, VARNISHES AND DISTEMPERS 369 ‘Wall paper: The term wall paper is used to indicate a roll paper material with a printed pattern. The matcrial is pasted to the wall or ceiling surfaces and its application thus develops decorative finishing of interior walls. Wall paper is available in a great variety of patterns and colours. Varnished wall paper can be polished after hanging to develop the effect of veneer-panelled wall. Certain types of wall paper are washable and they may be painted with oil paints. Wall paper with sound-absorbing properties is also available. Whitewashing: Fresh lime is slaked at site of work and is mixed thoroughly with sufficient quantity of water in a tub. It is then screened through a clean cloth. Clean gum dissolved in hot water is then added at the rate of 2 kg per m? of lime. Rice may be uscd in place of gum. . The surface to be whitewashed should be cleaned before the work is started. For whitewashing walls which are whitewashed before, the old loose whitewash is to be first removed and repairing to plaster is carried out, if necessary. The whitewash is applied with jute brush and the brush is so worked that a surface with uniform colour is obtained. Three coats are gencrally applied, each after the previous coat has completely dricd. Colourwashing: This is prepared by adding the colouring pigment to the scrcened whitewash. It should be scen that colouring pigment is not affected by the presence of lime. Ordinarily yellow earth is popular for colourwashing. Generally, the walls are colourwashed and ceilings are whitewashed. The mixture is to be kept constantly stirred during use. The colourwash is applied in the same fashion as the whitewash. A satisfactory work does not give out powder when the finished surface is rubbed with the fingers.370 ll. 12, 13, ENGINEERING MATERIALS QUESTIONS Mention the objects of painting and point out the character- istics of an ideal paint. What are the ingredients of an oil borne paint? Describe briefly each of them. Enumerate the different types of paints. Discuss the important points to be noted before the process of painting is started. Give a brief description of the process of painting on differeht surfaces. Mention the objects of varnishing and point out the charac teristics of an ideal varnish. : Write short notes on the following: Colouring pigments for an oil paint Aluminium paint Enamel paint Synthetic rubber paint Cellulose paint Cement paint (vii) Emulsion paint (viii) Silicate paint (ix) Inodorous paint (x) Anticorrosive paint (xi) Vehicles for paints (xif) Plastic paint (xiii) Wall paper. What are the ingredients of a varnish? Describe briefly each of them. Mention the different types of varnishes and describe the process of varnishing on woodwork. Mention the object of distempering and enumerate its ingre- dients. How is it applied? Mention the usual defects which arc found in the painting work. What are the factors to be considered for successful applica- tion of paint on cement plastered surfaces ? Enumerate the properties of distempers.PAINTS, VARNISHES AND DISTEMPERS 371 14. Write explanatory notes on the following: (1) Brushes for painting (2) Spray painting (3) Painting on galvanised ironwork (4) Whitewashing and colourwashing (5) Repainting old woodwork (6) Repainting old ironwork and steelwork (7) Painting on new woodwork (8) Painting on metals (9) Painting on plastered surfaces (10) Solvents for resins (11) Bases for paints (12) Colouring pigments for paints. 15. Differentiate between the following: (1) Base and vehicle (2) Ordinary knotting and lime knotting (3) Blistering and bloom (4) Sagging and wrinkling (5) Varnish and distemper (6) Priming coat and finishing coat (7) Grinning and running (8) Spirit varnishes and water varnishes (9) White lead and red lead (10) Raw linseed oil and boiled linseed oil (11) Poppy oi] and nut oil (12) Emulsion paint and enamel paint (13) Driers and inert fillers. 16, Give reasons for the following: (1) Driers are not generally used for the final coat of the paint. (2) The brushes should be composed of bristles and not of horse hairs. (3) New plastered surfaces should be kept exposed for a period of two months or so. (4) It is desirable to provide cement paint on rough surface. (5) Spray painting is superior to painting by brushes. (6) Cement plaster is alkaline in nature.(13) (14) (15) (16) ENGINEERING MATERIALS The application of distemper permits new walls to dry out without damaging the distemper film. The application of distemper by a spraying pistol is superior to that by brushes. Cellulose paint hardens quickly. It is desirable to apply a coat of titanium white in pale linseed oil before the coat of enamel paint. Oil paint should not be applied during humid and damp weather. i A film of phosphoric acid is provided on the cleankd surface of new ironwork. Inert fillers are uscd in the preparation of paints. For exterior works, turpentine should be taken in minimum quantity. White lead is not used for painting iron surfaces. Red lead is used as a drier also.