Because painting enhances the appearance of buildings, it is a common element in renovation projects. However, paints have additional uses beyond improving appearance. Knowing the performance characteristics of each type of paint is important to select the best product for each application.
Painting is typically carried out for the following reasons:
- Protect surfaces from insects, rain, solar radiation and other external factors
- Simpler maintenance: Well-painted surfaces are easier to keep clean and safe
- Increasing the visual appeal of a surface
- Waterproofing
- Increasing surface durability
Before selecting the type of paint for a specific application, its physical properties must be considered. A good paint will offer the following benefits:
- Ease of application
- Reasonable drying period
- Forming a thin film without cracking
- Forming a hard and durable coating
- Its performance should not be affected by the weather
- Not harmful to users
Are your MEP systems using the right types of paint?
Types of paint
Oil painting
Oil paints use white lead as a base and are applied in three coats: primer, undercoat and finish. Oil paints can achieve both matte and glossy finishes while still being durable and affordable. They are characterized by ease of application and painted surfaces are easy to clean. Oil paint is commonly used on walls, doors, windows and metal structures.
Please note that oil paint is not suitable for wet conditions and takes time to dry completely. Also, before applying oil paints, linseed oil and pigments must be added.
Enamel paint
This type of paint is produced by adding lead or zinc to the varnish. Pigments are added to obtain a wide variety of colors. Enamel paints form hard, shiny coatings that are easily cleaned. They are characterized by being waterproof and chemically resistant, offering good coverage and color retention.
Following are some common uses of enamel paint:
- Interior and exterior walls
- Wooden finishes, doors and floors
- windows
- Staircase
- Surfaces such as wicker, masonry, concrete, plaster, glass and metals.
The main limitations of enamel paint are slow drying and the need for a titanium coating before application.
Emulsion paint
Emulsion paints use polyvinyl acetate and polystyrene as binding materials and contain dryers such as cobalt and manganese. They can be water or oil based, and pigments are used to achieve the desired color. Emulsion paints are characterized by their rapid drying and hardening, and the surfaces can be easily cleaned with water. Once applied, enamel paints offer durability, good color retention and alkali resistance.
Emulsion paints are commonly used for interior walls, ceilings and masonry work. Some specialized types of emulsion paints can be used for woodworking.
Cement paint
Cement paint is available in powder form, which is mixed with water to achieve paint consistency. The base material is white or colored cement, which may also contain pigments, accelerators and other additives. Cement paint is durable and waterproof and is commonly used on rough interior and exterior surfaces.
Consider that cement paint has a long drying time, typically 24 hours. It must also be applied in two coats to avoid moisture problems.
Bituminous Paint
This type of paint is made from dissolved asphalt or tar, which gives it a characteristic black color. It is waterproof and alkali resistant, but is not suitable for applications where it will be exposed to sunlight as it deteriorates.
Bituminous paint is commonly used on underwater steelworks, concrete foundations, wooden surfaces and iron pipes. It also helps provide rust resistance when applied to metals.
aluminum paint
This type of paint is produced by mixing aluminum particles with oil varnish. It is resistant to corrosion, electricity and exposure to the elements. Aluminum paint is commonly used for metals and wood, and some specific applications are gas tanks, oil tanks, water pipes and radiators.
Anticorrosive Paint
Anticorrosive paint is characterized by its chemical resistance, as its name suggests. It is made from linseed oil, zinc-chromium and fine sand. The anti-corrosion paint is black in color and is durable and affordable. It is normally used for metal surfaces and pipes.
Synthetic rubber paint
This paint is made from dissolved synthetic resins and may include pigments. It has a moderate cost and its main benefits are chemical resistance, quick drying and weather resistance. Synthetic rubber paint is used for general concrete surfaces, including fresh concrete.
Cellulose Paint
Cellulosic ink is produced from celluloid sheets, amyl acetate and photographic films. Adhesion can be improved by adding castor oil and surfaces can be easily cleaned and washed once the paint has dried. This type of paint is characterized by quick drying, a smooth finish and hardness, while offering resistance to water, smoke and acids. Thanks to its properties, cellulose paint is commonly used in automobiles and airplanes.
The main disadvantage of cellulosic paint is its high price.
Plastic paint
This paint uses water as a thinner and is available in a wide range of colors. It dries very quickly and offers high coverage. Following are some common applications:
- Walls and ceilings of auditoriums, showrooms, exhibition rooms, etc.
- Slabs
- Deck
Silicate Paint
Silicate paint is made from a mixture of silica and resinous substances. Its performance benefits include good adhesion, hardness, heat resistance and chemical non-reactivity with metals. Therefore, this type of paint is commonly used on metal structures.
Casein Paint
This paint is made from casein mixed with white pigments. It is available in powder and paste, and pigments can be added. Casein paint is commonly used to paint walls, ceilings and woodwork.
Conclusion
As listed above, there are many types of paints and their applications vary greatly. Reasons for using paint in construction include visual appeal, surface durability, chemical protection, and pest protection. Each paint type is designed for specific applications – proper paint selection can reduce project costs while improving performance.
Painting is often considered an aesthetic improvement to buildings, but it also brings many technical advantages. This includes chemical protection and easier maintenance.
