Module 4
Paints, Varnishes & Distemper
Paints – Classification of an ideal paint, Ingredients of oil borne paint, Types of paints – cement paint,
emulsion paint, enamel paint, oil paint, process of painting.
Varnish – classification of an ideal varnish, Ingredients of varnish, Types of varnish.
Distemper – Properties of distemper, Ingredients of distemper, process of distempering
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Paints: - A paint is a mechanical mixture of one or more finely divided pigments with a liquid (called the
vehicle or medium) that, when applied to a surface in a thin layer, forms a hard, adherent, decorative, and
protective coating after drying.
Main Constituents of Paint:-
1. Base:
The main constituent that provides body to the paint and acts as a film-forming material.
Examples: White lead, Zinc oxide, Red lead.
2. Vehicle (Binder):
The liquid that holds the pigment particles together and helps the paint spread uniformly.
Examples: Water, Kerosene, Linseed oil, Tung oil.
3. Pigment:
Provides color and opacity.
Examples: Titanium dioxide (white), Iron oxide (red/brown).
4. Solvent (Thinner):
Reduces the viscosity of paint for easy application.
Examples: Turpentine, Mineral spirits.
5. Drier:
Speeds up the drying of paint.
Examples: Lead acetate, Cobalt naphthenate.
6. Additives:
Improve specific properties (e.g., antifungal, anti-corrosive, UV-resistant).
Classification of Paints:-
1. Oil Paints – Use linseed oil as a vehicle; durable and waterproof.
2. Water Paints – Use water as the vehicle; less durable, used for interior surfaces.
3. Cement Paints – Use cement as the base; good for exterior walls.
4. Enamel Paints – Contain varnish; produce glossy finish.
5. Plastic Paints – Contain synthetic resins; washable and quick drying.
6. Bituminous Paints – Contain asphalt or tar; used for metal, wood, and underwater structures.
7. Aluminium Paints – Contain aluminium powder; reflect light and heat.
Characteristics of an Ideal Paint:-
An ideal paint should have the following properties:
1. Ease of Application: Should spread smoothly and evenly with brush, roller, or spray.
2. Good Hiding Power (Opacity): Should completely cover the surface with a thin coat.
3. Adhesion: Should stick well to the surface without peeling or blistering.
4. Durability: Should resist weathering, moisture, sunlight, and chemical attack.
5. Quick Drying: Should dry in reasonable time without cracks.
6. Smooth and Attractive Finish: Should produce an even, glossy, or matte surface as required.
7. Washability: Should be easy to clean without losing color or gloss.
8. Non-Toxic: Should not contain harmful chemicals or emit toxic fumes.
9. Resistance: Should resist fungal growth, corrosion, and abrasion.
10. Economical: Should be reasonably priced and cost-effective in maintenance.
Types of paints:-
1. Cement Paint
Base: White or colored cement mixed with pigments.
Vehicle: Water.
Use: Applied on rough plastered surfaces like walls, ceilings, and exterior surfaces.
Properties:
Waterproof and weather-resistant.
Gives a matte finish.
Durable and suitable for exterior walls.
2. Emulsion Paint
Base: Pigments.
Vehicle: Water (with synthetic resins such as polyvinyl acetate or acrylic).
Use: Interior and exterior walls, ceilings.
Properties:
Water-based, quick-drying, and easy to clean.
Available in matte and glossy finishes.
Non-toxic and odorless compared to oil paints.
3. Enamel Paint
Base: Pigments.
Vehicle: Varnish or synthetic resin (often oil-based).
Use: Wood, metal, and smooth surfaces.
Properties:
Forms a hard, glossy, and washable surface.
Resistant to water, chemicals, and wear.
Gives a smooth decorative finish.
4. Oil Paint
Base: Pigments mixed with drying oils like linseed oil.
Vehicle: Drying oil.
Use: Wood, metal, plastered surfaces (both interior and exterior).
Properties:
Durable and glossy finish.
Takes longer to dry.
Provides good protection against moisture.
Process of Painting:-
The painting process involves several stages to prepare the surface and apply the paint properly
for a durable and smooth finish.
1. Surface Preparation
The surface (wood, metal, or plaster) is cleaned thoroughly.
Remove dust, dirt, grease, and old paint.
For new plaster, make sure it is completely dry.
Any cracks or holes are repaired using putty or filler.
2. Application of Primer (or Priming Coat)
A primer coat is applied to seal the surface and ensure good adhesion of paint.
It prevents absorption of paint into the surface.
Type of primer depends on the surface:
Red oxide primer for metal.
Cement primer for plaster.
Wood primer for wood.
3. Stopping and Knifing (Putty Work)
Small imperfections, dents, and pores are filled with putty or stopper.
The surface is then smoothed using fine sandpaper.
This ensures an even and smooth base for painting.
4. Application of Undercoat
A thin undercoat (or first coat) of paint is applied.
It provides a uniform surface for the final coat and enhances adhesion.
After drying, light rubbing with fine sandpaper is done.
5. Application of Finishing Coat (Top Coat)
The final coat of paint is applied after the undercoat dries completely.
Usually one or two coats are given for a smooth, glossy, and durable finish.
The final appearance (matte, satin, or glossy) depends on the type of paint used.
6. Drying and Polishing (if needed)
Allow the painted surface to dry completely.
For enamel or oil paints, polishing may be done for a glossy appearance.
Varnish:-
A varnish is a transparent or semi-transparent liquid that, when applied to a surface, forms a hard,
glossy, and protective film after drying. It enhances the appearance of the surface and protects it from
moisture, chemicals, and weather.
Classification / Characteristics of an Ideal Varnish:-
1. Uniform Consistency: It should be of smooth, uniform consistency without lumps.
2. Quick Drying: It should dry quickly and evenly on the surface.
3. Hard and Glossy Finish: The dried film should be hard, durable, and glossy.
4. Non-Sticky: After drying, it should not remain sticky or tacky.
5. Transparent and Clear: It should not hide the natural appearance of the surface.
6. Resistant to Water, Heat, and Chemicals: The film should withstand environmental effects.
7. Good Adhesion: It should adhere well to the surface and not peel off easily.
Ingredients of Varnish:-
1. Resin: Provides the binding agent and determines the varnish's properties (e.g., natural resins like pine
tar or synthetic resins like polyurethane).
2. Solvent: Thins the varnish for easier application (e.g., turpentine, mineral spirits, or water).
3. Driers: Chemicals that help the varnish dry and harden (e.g., cobalt or zirconium).
4. Plasticizers: Additives that improve flexibility and durability.
5. UV stabilizers: Chemicals that protect the varnish from ultraviolet light degradation.
Types of Varnish:-
1. Oil Varnish
Made from resin + drying oil + turpentine.
Slow drying but forms a hard, durable, elastic film.
Used for: Interior and exterior woodwork, furniture.
Example: Copal varnish.
2. Spirit Varnish
Made by dissolving resin in alcohol (spirit) without oil.
Quick drying but less durable.
Used for: Polishing furniture and musical instruments.
Example: Shellac varnish (French polish).
3. Turpentine Varnish
Made by dissolving soft resins in turpentine.
Cheaper and less durable; dries faster.
4. Asphalt Varnish
Made by dissolving asphalt or bitumen in linseed oil or turpentine.
Black in color, waterproof, and durable.
Used for: Iron and metal protection.
5. Water Varnish
Made by dissolving resin (shellac) in water with ammonia or borax.
Non-toxic and odorless.
Used for: Toys, interior walls, decorative works.
6. Flat or Matt Varnish
Modified varnish that dries without gloss (matte finish).
Used for: Decorative interior work where shine is not desired.
Distemper:-
Distemper is a water-based decorative paint made from chalk, lime, and coloring pigments.
It gives a matte finish and is commonly used for interior walls and ceilings. It is cheaper than oil paint or
emulsion paint.
Properties of Distemper:-
1. Water-Based: Distemper is mixed and applied with water.
2. Matte Finish: Produces a non-glossy, smooth finish.
3. Economical: Cheaper than oil or emulsion paints.
4. Porous: Allows walls to breathe, but not waterproof.
5. Moderate Durability: Lasts for 3–5 years under normal conditions.
6. Easy to Apply: Can be applied directly on old coatings after cleaning.
7. Not Washable: Surface cannot be washed frequently — may peel off.
Process of Distempering:-
1. Surface Preparation
Clean the wall surface thoroughly.
Remove dust, grease, and loose particles.
Fill cracks and holes with putty or plaster of Paris.
Rub the surface smooth with sandpaper.
Make sure the surface is dry before applying distemper.
2. Application of Primer Coat (if needed)
A cement primer is applied on new walls to improve adhesion and reduce absorption.
Let the primer dry completely.
3. Mixing of Distemper
Mix the distemper powder with clean water (or as per manufacturer’s instruction).
Stir well to get a uniform, smooth, lump-free paste.
For oil-bound distemper, only little water is needed.
4. Application of Distemper
Apply the first coat of distemper evenly with a brush or roller.
After drying (usually 4–6 hours), apply the second coat for a uniform finish.
Allow the surface to dry completely.
5. Finishing and Drying
After the final coat, allow the surface to dry for 24 hours.
The wall should appear smooth, even, and matte.
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