B.T.

M - V
Third Year B. Arch-2017-18

T.Y BTM – SEM V

PAINT & VARNISHES

Paint is a substance used as a final finish to all surfaces and as a coating to protect or decorate
the surfaces.
Paint is a pigment opaque material that completely covers and hides the surface to which it is
applied.
Paints are available in oil-based and water based formulae.
It is used as a protective coating and is normally sprayed or brushed on. Paint prevents
corrosion. It is a combination of pigments with suitable thinners or oils to provide decorative
and protective coating.
Painting protects surfaces from weathering effects, heat, moisture or gases and also prevents
corrosion of metals, timber and plastered surfaces and improves their appearance.

PROPERTIES OF PAINTS.
a) Wear ability.
b) Covering ability.
c) Ease of cleaning.
d) Protection of under layers.
e) Environmentally friendly.
f) Improves aesthetic.
g) Practical and cost effective.

COMPOSITION OF PAINTS.
Fundamental components of an oil – based paints are
a) Body or Base.
b) Vehicle or Carrier.
c) Pigments.
d) Thinners.
e) Driers.

BODY or BASE:
• Makes the paint film harder and more resistant to abrasion (Scratches).
• Reduce shrinkage cracks on drying. (In white paint Body is also the pigment.)
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• Commonly used bases (body) are white lead, Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxide ( Red Oxide),
Metallic Powder such as Al., Cu, Br. Etc. Paints are more often named after the base as
Lead paint, Zink paint, Aluminium paint.
• The binder or resin is the actual film forming component of the paint.
• It imparts adhesion, binds the pigments together, and strongly influences such as gloss
potential, exterior durability, flexibility and toughness.

VARIOUS BASES OF PAINTS:

1. White Lead – This is a carbonate of lead, forms the base of lead paints. It possesses good
bulk so it is widely used. It is dense permanent and waterproof. It is not useful in work.
It is most suitable for wood surface and not used for iron surface as it is not protecting
against rusting.
2. Red Lead – It is oxide of lead and forms base of lead paints. It is suitable for painting iron
surfaces and for providing a priming coat to wood surfaces. It solidifies in a short time
with linseed oil, hence sometimes also used as dryer.
3. Oxide of Zinc – (Zinc White). Oxide of Zinc and forms base for zinc paint.
It is smooth, transparent and non-poisonous. It has less bulk so very costly. It is less
durable and difficult to work.
4. Oxide of Iron – Oxide of Iron and forms base to all Iron paint. Tint of paint varies from
yellow to brown to black. It mixes very easily to vehicle. It is effective in preventing
rusting of iron surfaces. It is durable and cheaply available.
5. Titanium White – Possesses intense opacity. It is non- poisonous and Provide thin
transparent film. It is used for receiving the coat of an enamel.
6. Antimony White- Similar to titanium white.
7. Aluminum Powder- Bulk of Aluminum paints. It keeps moisture content of wood
surfaces practically the same. It prevents cracking and warping of wood. It is generally
used for priming coat of new wood.
8. Lithopone- Mixture of zinc sulfide and barytes. Similar to appearance of zinc oxide. It is
cheap in cost and can easily be applied on the surface. When exposed to sunlight, it
changes the colour, hence used in interior.

VEHICLE OR CARRIER:
• Oily liquid in which the body and pigments are soluble.
• Facilitate the paint to be conveniently spread over the surface.
• Oils are most commonly used as vehicle.
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• The main purpose of the vehicle is to adjust the viscosity of the paint.
• It is volatile and does not become part of the paint film.
• Its main function is as a carrier for non-volatile components.
• Water is the main vehicle for water base paint.

VEHICLE FOR PAINTS:

The most commonly used vehicle is Linseed Oil. It is transparent and slightly pale cream in
colour. The acids present in it reacts with the oxygen of the atmosphere and form a thin and
hard film of the paint on the surface to be painted. For interior work, generally raw linseed oil is
used.

For external work pale boiled linseed oil is preferred to raw linseed oil, as later is quite thin and
takes a long time to dry. For better and quicker result, double boiled linseed oil is used and is
best suited for external work.

The other commonly used drying oils are dehydrated castor oil, Tung oil, poppy oil, bleached oil
and fish oil etc. Poppy oil is inferior in drying qualities to linseed oil, tough its colour stands
longer. It is used for very delicate colour.

PIGMENTS:
• Pigments are materials which gives the paint its colour. In white paint the body is the
pigment.
• Natural pigments are natural Iron Oxide, Chrome Oxide.
• Synthetic pigments are coal and Tar derivatives.
• Pigments impart qualities such as colour and opacity (sometimes inappropriately called
Hiding) and influences the properties such as gloss, film flow, and protective abilities.

Most of the pigments are derived from animal, vegetable, and mineral sources and are
composed of natural mineral oxides. These days synthetic pigments are used. They are derived
from coal and tar.
The most commonly used pigments to impart in various colours to paints are enlisted below:
• White: White lead, lithopone, titanium white.
• Black : Lamp black, Charcoal black, Carbon black, Graphite.
• Red : Red lead, Natural red oxide of iron, Chrome red.
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• Brown : Contain iron oxide as the necessary agent.

• Yellow : Chrome yellow, Yellow ochers, Zinc chromate.
• Green : Chromium oxide, chrome green, Copper sulphate.
• Blue : Persian Blue, cobalt blue.

THINNERS:
Thinners are volatile substances added to vehicles in paint for
a) Increase the fluidity.
b) Making paint more smoother.
c) Help penetration in to porous surfaces.
The most Common solvent used is “Turpentine”. (Made by distilling gum from number of Pine
trees). It evaporates quickly and also facilitates the drying of paint. It is not to be used in
exposed work and in final coat because it reduces the gloss of the paint and is also affected by
atmospheric agencies. When it is to be used ,it should be added in small quantities.
Other Thinners used are petroleum, Sprits, or Napths and colour hydrocarbon.

The most common used driers are salts of Iron, zinc, cobalt, Manganese and Calcium in the
form of lead oxide for lead base paints and zinc sulphate and manganese oxides with
zinc oxide base paints.

• Added to quicken the drying of Vehicle.

• To accelerate the oxidation and hardening of vehicle.

TYPES OF PAINTS:
OIL PAINTS.
• These paints are generally used for protective, decorative and aesthetic purposes.

WATER PAINTS.
These are the paints which consist of mineral pigments that are carried in water in
presence of water. In water paints, the base is not white lead, but instead whiting or
chalk is used to serve this purpose. The vehicle used in water paints is not an oil, but
clear water, hence known as water paints. Various types of water paints are as follows:
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EMULSIONS.
An emulsion comprises of two unmixable liquid, the one being dispersed in the other in
the form of fine droplets. In emulsion paints the pigments are finally dispersed in water
so as to form an emulsion. Emulsion paints are water thinned and are easy to apply with
brushes and remove splashes. The most commonly used emulsion paint is polyvinyl
acetate base (PVA), this substance being a synthetic resin. The paint show a mat like
finish.

ACRYLIC or SEMI – GLOSS EMULSION - These paints are based on acrylic emulsion and can be
thinned with water. They are used for painting of interior surfaces.

PROPERTITIES OF EMULSION PAINTS:

a) These are easy to apply with brushes or roller and give a fine finish.
b) These are generally used for internally, and for non-absorbent surfaces.
c) They can be washed from 3 to 7 days after application.
d) They do not adhere to oily and greasy surfaces.
e) They are free from persistent swell while drying and dry rapidly.

USE OF EMULSION PAINT:

Paints of this kind are used for decorating walls and ceilings. These are not suitable for
the use on wood work, except as an under coat. The normal covering capacity of such
paint is about 14.0 sqm. Per liter. Emulsion paints are also known as plastic paints or
Latex paint.

DISTEMPERS.
As referred previously, distempers are also termed as water paints. These are similar to
oil paints with the difference that the base in this case is not white lead but instead
whiting or chalk is used to serve this purpose. Similarly vehicle used is not oil but clear
water is used in its place.
Distempers are available in the form of powder. They are known as dry distempers.
Distempers in the form of paste are known as Oil Bound distempers. In order to increase
the durability of distemper 4 to 5% of glue is added. Glue serves as an emulsifying agent
and also prevent from being removed when rubbed.
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Dry distempers are the cheapest form of paints. It contains about 90 to 95

% of whiting and rest of glue. Though cheap, yet not withstand washing and hence is
not suited for surfaces which are subjected to the action of water.

Oil Bound distemper is available in the form of pest and are made thin by adding clean
and clear water before use. These consist of an emulsion of an oil and water in which
suitable pigments are added. The oil used is generally linseed oil. When the distemper is
subjected to the action of weather , water evaporates leaving behind a thin film which
presents a colourful and decorative appearance.

USE OF DISTEMPERS:
Distempers are usually applied for interior works for presenting a pleasing coloured
appearance. These are not used for the surfaces which remain wet for most of the day
time, such as bath rooms, kitchens etc.
APPLICATION OF DISTEMPER:
Distempers may be applied on newly plastered walls or on walls which have previously
white or colour washed. The plastered walls should be left clean for about six to eight
months before the distempers are applied on them.
Before applying, the plastered surfaces should be perfectly dry and free from any
surface defect. The old wash, or colour if any, should be removed completely by sand
papers. The distempers are the is one which applied with a brush cross-wise followed by
up & down strokes. A good distempered surface is one which does not show “Crazing”
on the surface.

CEMENT PAINTS.
These are very economical, durable and decorative paints which are made with the base
of white Portland cement. These paints also contain varying proportions of hydrated
lime, colouring pigments and hygroscopic salts. A small quantity of aluminium stearate
is also added to act as water repellent. Cement paint can be used, both, for exterior or
interior purposes. They are available in powder form and require mixing of water only.
PROPERTITIES OF CEMENT PAINT:
a) Cement paint is a fine homogeneous powder which is readily mixable with water.
b) It can be applied by brush or sprayer.
c) It gives a smooth mat finished appearance without any brush marks.
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d) It provides a hard, durable, waterproof coating which resists the penetration of

dampness.
e) It does not flake or peel off and is un-effected by climate conditions.
f) It can also be washed.

USES OF CEMENT PAINTS:

These paints can be used as a durable and decorative product for cement plasterd walls and
other surfaces of residential buildings as well as public buildings etc.

ENAMEL PAINTS.
Enamel paints are oil based paints and contain white lead or zinc white oil, petroleum spirit and
resinous matter. Now a days these paints are usually based on titanium white. They dry slowly
and form a hard and durable surface. Surfaces painted with enamel paints are not affected by
acids, alkalies, hot and cold water and steam etc. These paints are nontoxic. They can be
thinned with white spirit. Alkyd and other resins have largely replaced oil, as a medium for the
pigments.
Enamel paints are usually available as readymade paints.

USE OF ENEMEL PAINTS:

a) These paints are used for internal and external use.
b) These are used for protecting timber and other timber products.
c) These are also used for painting doors and window frames.

SURFACE PREPATION AND PROCESS OF PAINTING :

• Previously painted or new wooden surfaces must be properly sanded to remove dust or
grease.
• Apply wood primer by brush, after thinning to given ratio by recommended thinner. (
BODY)
• Allow it to dry for 6 – 8 hr. Then apply Putty or Lambi.
• Sand the applied Putty with no.180 sand paper and then apply second coat of wood
primer.
• Now the wooden surface is ready for painting with the top coat.
Enamel paints are normally applied by brushing although they can also be sprayed.
The drying time of the enamel paints are longer, hence care must be taken to ensure a dust
free environment while the paint film is drying.
Two coats of paint are sufficient in most cases, however, if the paint shade is darker than new
shade, an additional coat of paint is recommended.
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DEFECT IN PAINTING:
FADING:
• The gradual loss of colour is known as fading. This may be due to the effect of Sun rays.

FLAKING OR PEELING:
• Due to poor adhesion, paint may peel off from the surface.

BLISTERING:
• This is caused by water vapour, which is trapped behind the painted surface. It may
occur due to imperfect seasoning of timber.
BLOOM:
• The formation of dull patches on the finished surface is known as bloom. It may occur
due to bad ventilation or defective paints.
RUNNING:
• The paint runs back and leaves some areas of the surface covered. This defect occurs
when surface is too thickly painted sagging will occur.
WRINKLING:
• If the horizontal surface is too thickly painted wrinkling will occur.
FLASHING:
• The patches seen on the painted surface is known as flashing. It may be due to poor
workmanship, weather action, or poor quality of paint.
GRINNING:
• If the opacity of the final coat is insufficient, the back ground of the painted surface is
clearly visible. This is known as grinning.
EFFLORANCE:
• Efflorance or formation of white powdery deposit on wall after painting is
caused due to salt present in the building material like brick, mortar which occur on
surface later on.
SOLUTION:
• Give a long time gap between plastering and painting. (About 6 months including one
monsoon). Use paint with a porous film like Emulsions or
• Brush marks are caused due to under thinning of paints or due to poor application of
final coat of paint or due to poor quality of brush.
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VARNISH
DEFINITION:
Varnish is a type of paint in which resins are used instead of base. It is prepared by mixing
suitable resins in a particular solvent. It is usually used for painting wooden furniture and
other wood work so as to give them a brightened ornamental look and to protect them from
weather.
A transparent solution of the resinous substance in LINSEED OIL, TURPENTINE, or in ALCOHOL
is called VARNISH.

Characteristic of good Varnish.

• It should dry rapidly.
• It should form a hard film on drying.
• It should not creak on drying.
• It should be durable and weather resistance.
• It should give uniform and pleasing appearance.
• It should not hide the natural grains of the inner surface of the timber.

INGREIENTS OF VARNISH:
Varnish consists of
a) Resins. B) Solvents. C) Driers.

RESINS :
The quality of the varnish depends upon resin. Common resins are Amber, Copal, Mastic,
Gum, Damar, and Lakh which are some of the principal resins. Resins serves the same function
as is served by base in oil paint.

SOLVENTS:
They help in spreading the resin over the surface to be varnished and act as vehicles. The
commonly used vehicles are boiled linseed oil and turpentine. Boiled oil dissolves Copal,
Amber, whereas turpentine is used as solvent for Dammer and resin. Alcoholic solvents are
likely methyl & ethyl alcohol and also use as solvent.

DRIER:
This is added to help in quick drying of varnish. Driers are generally added to varnish in
the form of Litharge. It should not be added in large proportions.
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TYPES OF VARNISHES:
Varnishes are classified according to the solvent used for their preparation. Some of the
common types of varnishes are :
a) Oil varnish.
b) Turpentine varnish.
c) Spirit varnish.
d) Water varnish.

OIL VARNISH:
Oil varnish is made from the hardest gums or copal dissolved carefully in oils. They are slow
in drying but they are hard and durable. They are specially used in the exposed works.

TURPENTINE VARNISH:
It is made by dissolving soft gum or resin in pure turpentine. It is cheapest, more flexible,
dries quickly and lighter in colour. It is not durable to weathering and hence is used for
interior work only.

SPIRIT VARNISH:
It is made from soft gum like shellac dissolve in spirit. They are quicker and become hard and
more brilliant than turpentine varnishes but these are liable to crack and scale off and do not
resist weathering action. These are used for superior furniture work. Spirit varnish is also
known as “French Polish”. It can be made to impart desired colours also, just by adding
suitable pigments.

WATER VARNISH:
These are made by dissolving Lac in hot water mixed with just so much quantities of ammonia,
borax and potash as will dissolve the Lac. This is the only varnish which can bear washing.
These are generally used for varnishing maps and pictures.

METHOD OF VARNISHINF & PAINTING ON WOOD WORKS: (STEPS)

a) Preparation of surface :
b) The new wood should be seasoned and it must be dried before painting. The
surface of the wood should be cleaned and nails should be punched below the
surface.
c) Knotting :
d) The knots of the wood should be covered with suitable material (Wax) is called
Knotting.
e) First coat:
After knotting the primary coat is applied on the surface of the wood. It is usually
applied before wood work is fixed.
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f) Second coat :
This coat is applied after knotting and priming coat. Each coat is applied
longitudinally in thin film and crossed so that no brush marks are seen on the
painted surface.
g) Final Coat :
This coat is applied over second coat without any brush marks.

LACQUER

It is a surface coating, the vehicle of which contains a substantial quantity of a cellulose. This
derivative is most commonly nitrocellulose, but may be a cellulose caster such as cellulose
acetate or cellulose either such as ethyl cellulose.
Lacquers are made by dissolving nitrocellulose and other modifying materials in a solvent and
pigments if desired. They dry by evaporation of the solvent.
Lacquers are usually applied by spray, brushing. The solvent for the lacquers must be choosen
carefully.
Nitrocellulose is very hard. It’s flexibility is modified by the addition of plasticizers. They may be
vegetable oils, such as castor oil, or linseed oil. The adhesion of lacquer can be improved by the
addition of other resins.

PROPERTIES:
a) It has the advantage of getting dried up very quickly.
b) It provides a protective covering to the polished surfaces.
c) It resist abrasion, cracking anal chalking.
d) It improves the general get up of the article and makes its surface bright and
smooth.

TYPES OF LACQUERS:

Lacquers are classified in to following types:

Cold –gum Lacquer: These lacquers can be easily applied with brush. It can dry easily and on
drying presents a bright glossy finished on the polished or unpolished surfaces. These lacquers
contain soft –resin and hence can be used in the cold state, without heating.
Hot –gum Lacquer: In this type hard resin are used and they are mixed by heating or the work
over which lacquering is to be done should be heated first. They provide a very hard and glossy
finish. These lacquers are not widely used now days.
Cellulose Lacquer: This type of lacquer contains a substantial quantity of cellulose derivatives,
generally nitrocellulose. Since nitrocellulose is very hard some suitable plasticizer is added to
increase its flexibility. It may be used as colourless or a pigment may be added to impart a
coloring hard film which does not soften on being exposed to typical heat.
Synthetic Lacquer: It provides a hard durable and resistant surface coating. The vehicle of
this contains synthetic resins which are extremely useful for temperature variations,
corrosive atmospheric and fumes etc.