Paint types, generic

Description

A liquid mixture composed of a colorant dispersed in a binder. Paint dries to form a decorative or protective film. It can be applied with a brush, roller, sprayer, or by dipping. Entries for many types of early arti paints include: Oil, Wax, Casein, Gouache, Tempera, Watercolor and acrylic. paint types

The large selection of commercial paints used for the interior and exterior of buildings often contain Acrylic, Alkyd, Latex, Epoxy or Vinyl resins. Water-born paints are important for have low VOC content. Many types of paint are compared below:

Composition	Definition	Advantages	Disadvantages
Water-based paint - versatile, easily diluted, easy clean-up and low in odor
Acrylic	A mixture of pigments, acrylic resin dispersed in water.	Similar to characteristics of emulsions, plus on drying the resin forms a durable film that is elastic, water-repellant and durable in sunlight; they cover small cracks well and can protect against corrosion	Generally expensive; dried color is darker and less intense that liquid color
Waterborne alkyd	An emulsification of an alkyd-acrylic dispersion	Produces a smooth glossy finish that is excellent for interior trim; quick drying; easy soap and water clean-up; low VOCs, durable after drying	Expensive
PVA (vinyl)	May contain vinyl acetate monomer in water or recycled vinyl particles	These paints are very economical and work well indoors	Dry paint cannot withstand repeated exposure to water
Silicone emulsions	A mixture of oligosiloxane resins emulsified in water	These paints are highly durable, elastic and provide water vapor permeability; they adhere well to wood, concrete and metals; the dry surface resists dirt and mildew; they are optimum for exterior facades.	Generally expensive
Organic -solvent based paint - gives reliable, smooth finish but difficult clean-up and potentially long dry times
Alkyd	A mixture of a polyhydric alcohol and a polybasic acid in a petroleum solvent. The two components react with oxygen to form a hard uniform surface.	Work well on plastered surfaces, woods and metals; can be painted over latex without sanding; are non-toxic and waterproof	Requires ventilation; tends to spatter; strong chemical odor; once dry it may chip and crack, discolors with time; must be cleaned with paint thinner
Enamel	Usually includes petroleum spirit, white lead, oil, and resinous materials	Can produce shiny, high-gloss surfaces. Can dry to touch in 15 minutes
Oil	Linseed oil that is usually mixed in a petroleum based solvent	Good durability works well in high-moisture areas, has good leveling and can produce a glossy finish	Extended drying time; Produces toxic fumes. May turn yellow with age
Inorganic based
Silicate	Since 2002 silicate paints colorants, a silica solution and an alkali silicate (water glass) that produces a polysilicate coating on any surface	These paints bond to the substrate surface rather than make a film. They are durable, highly stable, breathable and resistant to sunlight, weather and fire.	Do not work well on glass, ceramic, stone, metals, and any painted surface. May cause irritation on contact.
Whitewash	a mineral paint containing chalk and or slake lime	typically used outdoors; inexpensive	may powder; not durable
Adhesive based
Casein	a protein based glue dissolved in water.	Generally used on canvas panels, illustration boards, paper, wood and masonite.	Non-elastic, brittle, ; cannot withstand moisture or impacts
Epoxy (2-part) (solvent or water based)	Enamel-like paint composed of two-components mixed immediately prior to use; water-based epoxied contain an acrylic resin	Strong, dimensionally stable and wear resistant surface; recommended for concrete, stone, tile and ceramic	Will not stick to plastic, metal or glass; ingle component epoxies release ammonia on curing

Variant Terms

• Primer: a preparatory coating put on before the application of paint itself, usually to ensure better adhesion; some primers also may block and seal stains, or hide a color that is to be painted over.
• Emulsion paints: water-based paints in which the polymer is dispersed in water; advantages include fast-drying, low toxicity, low cost, easier application, and easier cleaning.
• Varnish and Shellac: protective coatings that usually don't change the color of the surface.
• Wood stain: a type of low-viscosity paint designed to soak into the wood rather than remaining in a film on the surface.
• Lacquer: a solvent-based paint or varnish that produces an especially hard, durable finish.
• Enamel paint: a paint that gives a hard, usually glossy, finish. Some enamel paints contain fine glass powder or metal flake instead of the color pigments in standard oil-based paints. Enamel paint sometimes is mixed with varnish or urethane to improve its shine and hardness.
• Glaze: a paint with slow drying time and increased translucency; often used in faux painting and for some artistic effects.
• Ink: typically made with finely ground pigments or dyes, and and minimal binder; used largely for writing, printing, or calligraphy.

Resources and Citations

• Matte Paint: Its history and technology, analysis, properties and conservation treatment, Eric Hansen, Sue Walston, Mitchell Bishop (ed.), J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, Vol. 30 of AATA, 1993
• Matt Roberts, Don Etherington, Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books: a Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1982
• Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988
• Wikipedia: Paint (Accessed Feb. 2, 2006 and Oct 2024)
• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 14
• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998
• Multilingual Glossary for Art Librarians at http://www.ifla.org/VII/s30/pub/mgl.htm
• Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000
• J. Tétreault, “Sustainable Use of Coatings in Museums and Archives – Some Critical Observations.” e-Preservation Science 8 (2011).