Paints: A handbook for construction

industry professionals

Paint is a pigmented coating used to protect, preserve, decorate, or add

functionality to a surface or object. There are a number of paint companies in
India offering a wide range of products such as exterior and interior coatings,
oil coatings, acrylics, emulsion, enamel, textures, etc. to prevent defects.

In addition, it is a liquid or mastic material. It remains suitable for application

to surfaces to color, protect, and provide texture. It categorizes as decorative
when applied on-site, or industrial when applied in factories as part of the
manufacturing process.

These serve the following purposes:-

 Covering a metal to resist corrosion

 Adding festive trims to a house’s interior
 Protecting the material from oxidation
 Modifying light reflection
 Heat radiation
 Differentiation products or items on the basis of their properties,
functions, etc.
These form a solid film when applied to a surface. This film protects the
surface from many dangers like corrosion, weathering, chemical attacks, etc.
Timber or metal structures can extend their life by coating them with these.

Constituents of paint
Typically, paint comprises four main components: pigment, binder, liquid, and
additives. The application methods depend on the particular kind but can
include spray application, brush methods, and electrostatic spraying.
Therefore, the main constituents are as follows:-

Pigment
Pigments refer to the granular solids that impart colour. Dyes or colorants get
dissolved in paints and fillers or granular solids, incorporated to impart
toughness, texture, or reduce the cost of the product. However, some types
contain dyes or a combination of dyes and pigments.

The pigments provide color and opacity. These constitute either natural or
synthetic derivatives.

Binder or resin
This component acts as a binder to hold the pigment particles together. In
addition, it provides adhesion to the surface. It is the actual film-forming
component.

Categorized on the basis of drying or curing mechanisms, these are essential

elements of paints.

Solvent
Solvents act as a carrier for the pigment and binder. It may be an organic as
well as an inorganic material.

It mainly serves the purpose of adjusting the viscosity. Moreover, it affects

the stability, flow, and application of the paints in a liquid state.

That said, MTO or Xylene and water are the main solvents for industrial and
water-based coatings respectively.

Additives
Added in small amounts, additives enhance certain properties of paints. This
includes ease of application, mould resistance, modification of surface tension,
improved finish, pigment stability, and flow properties.

These include catalysts, thickeners, adhesion promoters, emulsifiers, and

stabilizers.
Types of paints
Many people are unsure which wall coating is better for their homes. The type
you choose is as important as the color of it. It majorly affects the final
product.

On the basis of application area

Interior
Made to cover the interior walls of your home, these contain silicone and
epoxy resin.

These kinds of wall paints resist stains and remain easy to scrub without
damaging the surface. Moreover, these possess low levels of volatile organic
compounds and other harmful chemicals, thus safer for breathing and indoor
application.

Paints meant for interior walls, like emulsion, oil coatings, etc. do not suit
house exterior applications as they contain organic pigments. These pigments
tend to fade away very quickly in sunlight.

Exterior
Meant for outdoor applications, these contain additives to make the wall paint
waterproof. In addition, these can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight
without cracking or fading.

Their formulation combats the changing weather. Moreover, like oil coatings
and emulsion, these paints resist mold, mildew, fading, cracking, chipping,
and more due to the presence of mildewcides and other chemicals.
Industrial
Industrial paints possess several characteristics which remain easy to
manipulate to provide application-specific coverage. These protect metal,
wood, and a wide range of other materials.

In addition, these characteristics largely depend on the paint ingredients and

the performance specifications of the selected application.
On the basis of the paint surface
Walls
In most cases, the word ‘paint’ refers to wall paint. It protects as well as
beautifies the walls. Wall paints add colour, pattern, and texture to the walls.

These are of several types, such as acrylic, emulsion, enamel, metallic,

textured, oil paint, etc.
Metals
Specific types of paints prevent rusting and any change in colour of metals. A
water-based, as well as oil paint, is suitable for metals.

Thus, alkyd resin-based synthetic enamels and emulsions best suit metal
applications. They provide a smooth finish and protection against corrosion.
Wood
Different from the usual wall paints, these paints are specifically formulated
for wooden surfaces. They provide better adhesion to wooden surfaces.
Moreover, these enhance the wood texture and appeal of the painted surface.

These include specialized emulsions, sealers, varnishes, preservatives,

lacquers, chalk powder, etc.

On the basis of paint solvent

Water-based
The most common type of wall paint sold today is water-based. The primary
reason is its availability and ease of use.

Although very functional, these can be difficult to use on any surface

previously treated with oil paint. Due to the presence of oil, these lose their
adhesive property. In such situations, dampen the surface and then scrub it
all over with a medium to smooth grit sandpaper. This not only makes it
clean, dry, and workable but also prevents the peeling of the new coat.
Oil-based
These suit almost all surfaces. Due to their high durability and rich finish, like
emulsions, these are not washable.

However, one needs to be cautious with its usage as these emit strong fumes.
These emissions can be quite overwhelming and slightly toxic.
On the basis of function
Distemper
Distempers are durable and economical water-based paints. They majorly
constitute colouring agents, chalk, and lime. Considered an excellent budget
painting solution, these mostly offer a flat finish.

Distemper paint is thin, non-durable, and economical. Moreover, it can

withstand limited and careful washing making it suitable for ceilings. It can
achieve nearly any color.

However, distempers are not suitable for application in damp areas such as
the kitchen, bathroom, etc. They exhibit poor durability and workability.
Enamel
Produced by adding lead or zinc to varnish, enamel paint dries to a hard and
glossy finish. Unlike oil-based paints, these contain glass powder or metal
flakes instead of colour pigments.

Achieving a wide variety of colors becomes possible due to the addition of

pigments. Characterized by being waterproof and chemically resistant, these
offer good coverage, color retention, and ease of application.

The following are some common application areas of enamel paints:-

 Interior and exterior walls

 Wood trims, doors, and flooring
 Windows
 Stairs
 Surfaces like wicker, masonry, concrete, plaster, glass, and metals
Their main drawbacks include slow drying and the requirement of a titanium
coating before application.
Emulsion
Emulsion uses polyvinyl acetate and polystyrene as binding agents. They
contain driers like cobalt and manganese. Emulsion paints can either be
water-based or oil.

Moreover, emulsions are characterized by their fast drying and easy to clean
properties. Post application, emulsions offer durability, good color retention,
and alkali resistance.
Emulsions are commonly used for interior walls, ceilings, and masonry work.
However, some specialized emulsion types suit woodwork as well.
Cement paint
Available in powder form, cement paint is mixed with water to achieve the
desired consistency. The base material is white or colored cement, with or
without pigments, accelerators, and other additives. Commonly used in rough
internal and external surfaces, it is durable and waterproof.

In addition, it has a long drying time, typically 24 hours. To prevent any

dampness issues, it must be applied in two coats.
Bituminous paint
Made from dissolved asphalt or tar, bituminous paint has a distinct black
colour. It is waterproof as well as alkali-resistant in nature. However, it is not
considered suitable for application in areas exposed to the sun.

Generally, it is used in underwater ironworks, 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 weather exposure.

Therefore, it is commonly used for metals and wood. Some of its specific
applications include gas tanks, oil tanks, water pipes, and radiators.
Anti-corrosive paint
As the name suggests, anti-corrosive paint is characterized by its chemical
resistance. It is made from linseed oil, zinc chrome, and fine sand.
Additionally, it possesses a black color, is highly durable as well as affordable.
It is typically used for metallic surfaces and pipes.
Synthetic rubber paint
It comprises dissolved synthetic resins and pigments. It has a moderate cost
and offers several other benefits, such as chemical resistance, fast-drying,
and weather resistance.

Moreover, synthetic rubber paint is used for concrete surfaces in general,

including fresh concrete.
Cellulose paint
Cellulose paint comprises celluloid sheets, amyl acetate, and photographic
films. Its adhesive property can be improved by adding castor oil. Quick
drying time, smooth finish, and resistance to water, smoke, and acids
contribute to its distinguishable characteristics.

Therefore, cellulose paint finds its application in cars and airplanes. However,
its high price still remains a major drawback.
Plastic paint
This paint uses water as a thinner and is available in a wide range of colours.
It dries fairly quickly and offers high surface coverage.

Hence, it is most commonly used on walls and ceilings of auditoriums,

showrooms, display rooms, etc. as well as decks and slabs.

On the basis of finish

Matte
It is the most popular interior wall finish. It offers ease of application without
an overwhelming surface sheen. An opaque and solid colour becomes
achievable by applying more than one single coat. However, matte paint
requires regular retouching.

In general, a matte finish is similar to a flat finish but offers superior

washability and coverage.
Satin
Satin or pearl finish is highly durable in terms of washability and moisture
resistance. It provides protection against dirt, moisture, and stains. Therefore,
it is highly suitable for bathrooms, furniture, and kitchens.

However, it is even more prone to show imperfections as it is shiny looking.

Eggshell
An eggshell finish offers subtle shine but not the same smoothness as that of
a satin finish. Since they are partially reflective, they do not highlight
imperfections. Thus, considered highly suitable for application on interior
walls.
They are easy to apply and can often cover well with a single coat. This finish
provides great washability. The eggshell finish is valued for bathrooms as it
doesn’t peel in a wet environment.
Semi-gloss
A semi-gloss finish is usually used for trimmings such as baseboards,
mouldings, and doors rather than walls. It emphasizes the details and
elegance of the woodwork.

In addition, it is suitable for heavy usage and offers ease of cleaning. A single
coat is usually sufficient for a good covering.

It provides a shiny surface and protection against moisture and wall stains.
High-gloss
This is commonly used on woodwork and metal as it provides a high shine.
However, high-gloss paints often require several coats.

High-gloss finishes reflect light and possess a mirror-like sheen. It pairs well
with other finishes. Apart from being highly durable and easy to clean, high-
gloss finishes tend to show imperfections like scratches, dents, etc.
Flat Finish
This finish generally suits ceilings or walls that are in bad shape. It is useful
for hiding imperfections in walls. In addition, it is economical in effectively
covering relatively larger areas. However, this finish is not easily washable
and is subject to staining.
Process of wall painting
Pre-painting surface preparation
Surface preparation directly affects the final results. First of all, check the
surface for any dampness or moisture seepage. If found, rectify the problem
at the source and get rid of any damage caused by it.

Next, use sandpaper to remove any flakes and ensure that the surface is free
from dust, dirt, or grease. After that, all the cracks should be filled with
plaster and sealed properly with a sealant.

Application of primer
Right after evening out the surface, application of a coat of primer starts.
Moreover, in case of porous walls or have water damage, the application of
primer becomes essential.

It provides a smooth surface for painting. Additionally, it makes the surface

less absorbent, thereby enhancing the spreading capacity.

To aid the prevention of mildew, experts recommend using primer on the

kitchen, bathroom, and exterior walls. Primer imparts a uniform colour and
texture to the surface and provides better adhesion to the topcoats.

However, the type of primer to be used largely depends on the kind of

surface to be painted. Therefore, different primers exist for interior walls,
exterior walls, wood, metals, etc.

Application of putty
Generally, putties are used for freshly done walls that require total revamping
and modification. After the first primer coat has completely dried, a wall putty
should be applied.

It fills in minor cracks and surface imperfections, thus providing a protective

sub-layer for the final coat. As per the requirement, 1-2 coats of putty can be
applied only after allowing the previous coat to dry.

Application of second primer coating

A single coat of primer is required in case of repainting services. However,
freshly painted surfaces or surfaces needing considerable leveling require two
primer coats.
Moreover, ensure the application of the second primer coat only after the
previous putty coat has dried out completely.

Application of final coat

Typically, the achievement of desired finish and colour needs two coats of the
finish coating. Application of the first coat takes place in a ‘W’ shape with the
help of brushes or rollers. Next comes checking of errors and repairing using
putty.

Then, after the application of the second coat in the same pattern, final
repairs need to be made if required. Then, the final coat application takes
place on the wall to enhance its visual appeal.

Properties of an ideal paint

Painting your house imparts a sense of completion and newness. It increases
the aesthetic value of your house. Choosing the right variant is crucial to
avoid any painting failures and defects.

List of qualities an ideal paint must possess

Any homeowner must know the following before painting the house:

 Being a determinant of cost, it should possess a good spreading power.

It must have the potential to cover the maximum area of the surface by
the minimum quantity of the paint. Typically, the brochure given by the
manufacturer contains all coverage information.
 When applied to the surface, it should form a thin film of uniform
nature.
 The colour should withstand adverse environmental conditions for a
long period of time. It should not fade away or change over its useful
life.
 It must be able to withstand changes in weather conditions.
 The consistency should be such that it could be easily applied with a
brush or a spraying device.
 It should adhere well to the surface to which it is applied.
 Additionally, it should have an attractive and pleasing appearance.
 The initial cost must be fairly low and must prove to be cost-effective in
the long run.
 After drying, the surface should not show any cracks.
 It should be corrosion-resistant and protect the material on which it is
used.
  It should be such that it dries in a reasonable time and not too rapidly.
 On drying, any signs, such as brush marks, shrinkage marks, cracks,
patches, etc. should not be left behind on the surface.
 In addition, it must prevent the growth of moulds and algae.
 The application process should be easy and convenient. Typically, brush
or spray painting devices ideally fit their application.
Note: Evaluate the properties of paints at all three stages- before, during, and
after the application. An ideal variant will provide the perfect finish and ensure
a longer useful life.

Most common paint defects

The main reasons for failure after application are the application tools,
techniques, and improper treatment of the surface.

Hence, the paint defects or degradation remain attributed to:-

 Bad workmanship
 Salts and alkalis
 Moisture
 Painting conditions and tools
 Unsuitable surfaces
 Wrong choice of variants
Following are the most commonly occurring defects:

Efflorescence
Efflorescence is associated with the painting of bricks. Mostly, it takes one of
the following forms:-

 Fluffy white deposits caused by sodium, magnesium, or calcium

sulphates.
 Formation of white films due to calcium carbonate or hydroxide.
 Hard glossy patches caused by potassium salts.
 Yellowish green stains produced by the presence of chromium salts.
Bleeding
Bleeding refers to the diffusion or mixing of a dye from the substrate into the
topcoat. Generally, bleeding results in a spot-like discoloration of the topcoat.
Common causes of this paint defect are:-

 Use of excessive peroxide with the putty

 Inadequate mixing of the hardener with the putty
 Lack of isolation-sensitive colours
 Improper surface cleaning
 Dissolution of soluble dyes from the old paintwork in the solvent of the
repair materials
 Residues from bitumen and tar

Blistering or peeling
It occurs due to improper surface treatment and the presence of moisture or
dampness in the substrate.

Thus, blistering defect refers to the lifting of the paint film from the
underlying surface. In addition, it appears to be a bubble or a blister, usually
caused by heat, moisture, or both. Eventually, this leads to another defect
called peeling of the paint, if not taken care of.

Causes of blistering or peeling are:-

 Painting in direct sunlight or on a hot surface

 Application of an oil-based or alkyd over a damp or wet surface
 Exposing a freshly coated film to high humidity
 Moisture passing through interior walls from common household
sources such as bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
Blooming

Blooming defect on a door

Image Source: Harper Painting

Blooming refers to the formation of dull patches on the surface due to

improper ventilation, weathering, defective products, etc. In this case, the
topcoat of a surface dries out and develops haziness.

Blooming occurs due to the migration of water-soluble compounds. When

migrated water compound evaporates from the surface, it appears as sticky
deposits on the topcoat.

Eventually, when sticky deposits dry out, it appears as milky and hazy spots
on the topcoat causing significant surface irregularities.

Chalking
Chalking still remains the most common defect seen on the house exterior
and interior after painting.

As the name suggests, this defect is the formation of a white, chalky powder
on the painted surface. This occurs due to the absence of sufficient oil in the
primer. Moreover, all the paints will have this defect if subjected to outdoor
exposure over an extended period of time.

Therefore, use weather-resistant paint for areas exposed to UV light to avoid

this defect.
Flaking

Flaking of the painted film occurs due to improper application of primer coat
over putty. It can also occur due to shrinkage or expansion of a surface.

Typically, it occurs due to the presence of moisture underneath the coating. If

applied over oil, dirt, grease, or a poorly prepared, powdery surface, chances
of flaking increase.

In addition, it also occurs when the bond between surface and paint film is
poor. Its prevention requires surface cleaning and rubbing with abrasive
paper before painting.

Cracking
Cracking defect refers to the chipping of the paint film. It is often visible on
both exterior and interior surfaces. This defect mainly occurs in paints
containing inadequate adhesion and flexibility. Premature application of the
final coat before the previous coat has completely dried also contributes to
cracking.

On the exterior surface, cracking occurs due to prolonged exposure to the

atmosphere. However, on interior walls, this defect mainly occurs due to
faulty application of paint and insufficient drying time between coats. In
addition, it also occurs on wooden surfaces.

Cissing
Cissing refers to a defect in which freshly applied paint recedes from the
surface. Moreover, it leaves small craters or bare areas on the entire surface
resulting in irregularities. Usually, cissing occurs due to contamination of the
surface.

Moreover, this defect may also occur when water-thinned paints are applied
over glossy oil-based coatings. Its prevention becomes possible by cleaning or
scrubbing off the oil-based coatings before the application of water-thinned
materials. When cissing has occurred, allow the paint to harden before
rubbing and recoating it.
Sagging
The surface, when painted with a thick layer of paint, results in the film
running downwards. This results in sagging. Similar to running, sagging
occurs considerably quicker.

It also identifies as curtaining or running of paints. Additionally, its common

causes include uneven application, flat surfaces, or over-application to
mouldings and rough surfaces. Therefore, avoid heavy coats in order to
prevent sagging.

Saponification
Saponification refers to the effect of alkali on oil-based paints in the presence
of moisture. In this case, the formation of soap patches occurs on the paint
surface. Eventually, this leads to peeling.

In mild cases, the paint softens and discolours. However, in severe cases, the
paint may be completely destroyed.

Alkali in damp cement, concrete, lime plaster, asbestos, or similar materials

and contact with alkaline solutions will cause saponification of oil-based
paints.

In the event of saponification, scrubbing, washing, and drying of the surface

before repainting becomes necessary.

Top paint companies in India

Asian Paints
This paint brand has come a long way since its small beginnings in 1942.
Asian Paints became a corporate force and a leading paint company in India
with products like Tractor Emulsion & Apcolite.

This paint company manufactures a wide range of paints for decorative and
industrial use in India. Moreover, it offers wall coverings for exterior and
interior, wood and metal, adhesives, and services under its portfolio.

Berger Paints
Berger Paints India Limited is the second largest paint company in India with
a consistent track record of being one of the fastest-growing companies for
the past few years.
This paint company in India manufactures interior and exterior wall coatings,
undercoats, waterproofing solutions, exterior textures, emulsion, and finishes
including oil, metal, wood, and glass.

Nerolac Paints
Nerolac Paints, a leading paint company in India offers a wide range of colors
& decorative wall solutions for homes & offices. It is a subsidiary of Kansai
Paint of Japan.

It offers a wide range of industrial paints, oil-based, enamel, emulsion,

powder coatings, coil coatings, interior, and exterior coatings, and colours.
Moreover, it also manufactures wood and metal surface paints and
automotive coatings.

Nippon Paint
Nippon Paint, a company in India, produces high-quality products with an
emphasis on innovation and eco-friendliness. Choose your wall design with its
colour catalogue for interior, exterior, waterproofing solutions, wood and
metal, primers, emulsion, oil paint and undercoats, and construction solutions.

Dulux Paint
An internationally available brand, Dulux, is the most popular company for the
decorative paint and coatings company in India while the performance
coatings business provides solutions to many industries and sectors.

Indigo Paints
Started in the year 2000 in India, Indigo Paints covers most segments of
water-based products like exterior emulsions, interior emulsions, distempers,
primers, enamels, putties and primers, oil base, wood coatings, etc. for
homes and offices.

Shalimar Paints
Shalimar Paint Color & Varnish Company was established in 1902 in India.
Rapidly expanding presence and reach, Shalimar has become a leading paint
company in India.

The brand manufactures emulsion, oil-based interior and exterior paint,

distemper, enamel, putty, primer, varnish, etc.
Conclusion
Painting is a fast and inexpensive alternative to revamp an old room. It gives
the space a breath of fresh air making your house more inviting.

Since walls enhance the appearance of buildings, it is an ordinary component

of any renovation project. However, wall paints have supplementary uses
apart from amplifying looks. Knowing the performance characteristics of each
type is primary for their selection.

In addition, there are various types of wall paints with totally different
applications. The reasons to use paint in construction include visual appeal,
surface durability, chemical protection, and protection from termites.

Therefore, as an architect, it is pivotal for you to know all about paints since
they play a major role in building construction.

After reading this article, you must be certain that each classification is
designed for specific applications. Therefore, it is important to understand
their properties in detail. Efficient selection of ideal wall paint reduces project
costs and improves performance.

Painting your house can be an expensive and tedious task. Hence, check the
paint by comparing its characteristics to the characteristics of ideal wall paint.
If it is not of good quality, the paint will deteriorate quickly and will not serve
its purpose properly.