Paints are liquids which on applying to a surface are changed into an opaque solid layer. Paints are used o protect or embellish an object or a surface. Color paints are used for decoration purposes. They add color and character to a room.
Components of Color paints:
Color paints have three main components; pigments, binder and solvent .
Pigments in color paints give out color and opacity and enhances gloss, flow and protective properties. Most color paints use Titanium Oxide as a white hiding pigment. Some pigments, like lead paint are toxic.
Binders are the film forming components of paint . They have adhesive properties and exercise influence on other properties like gloss, exterior durability, flexibility and toughness. Binders comprise of synthetic or natural resins like acrylics, polyurethanes, polyesters, melamine resins, epoxy or oils. Binders are of two categories, drying and curing.
Solvents are used to control the viscosity of color paints. Solvents are volatile and are not a component of the paint film. The solvent is the carrier of the non volatile constituents. Water based paints have water as solvents. Other solvents include oils, alcohols and ketones. Low molecular weight synthetic resins sometimes serve as diluents.
Other Ingredients in Color Paints:
Apart from the three main components color paints also have other ingredients added to it to improve qualities like wet edge, antifreeze properties, foam control, anti bacterial properties and pigment stability. Ingredients like fillers thicken the film and increase the volume of the color paint. Fillers are not always used by all color paints. Common fillers are talc, lime, barite and clay . These are cheap and non reactive. Paints are applied as solids, gas (aerosols) as well as liquids. Color paints need to be stored with care or they separate into layers. The heavy particles settle at the bottom and the solvents float on top. Color paints should be stored with the containers turned upside down to ensure a proper seal. Before using, the paint should be thoroughly mixed with a flat stick or mixing instruments. Mechanical mixers are available that shake the can vigorously for several minutes.
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