2.

Material Selection
2.1 SELECTION OF PAINT SYSTEM
Different types and grades of paint systems have varying application and performance properties. Figure 2.1
summarises the key considerations in determining the existing condition of coated surface as well as in selecting
the appropriate paint system.
Figure 2.1: Selection of Paint System

FOR COATED SURFACE

To ascertain the presence of defects and problems

• Presence of seepage, peeling, discoloration, algae growth, etc.
• Refer to Section 6 for the types of defects.

To determine the root cause(s) of defects

• Sources of moisture, use of incorrect paint system, presence of alkaline, too porous substrate ,
improper design of building and its facade etc.

material selection
To rectify the root cause(s)
• Install waterproofing, provide proper drainage of condensed water from air-conditioners, reduce
the density of foliage to reduce the occurrence of algae, etc.
• Refer to Section 6 for the recommended remedy

FOR UNCOATED SURFACE

Basic Selection Criteria

Type of Substrate and
its Conditions
• The common types of substrates are concrete/ cement based, timber and metal
surfaces. Different substrates require different types of primer/sealer. For example,
external concrete wall surface will require the use of alkali resisting sealer whilst
ferrous metal surface will require corrosion inhibitive primer.
• Conditions refer to the substrate’s profile, porosity, and existing conditions etc.
• Refer to Tables 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 for details.

Type of Environment • Internal or external.

• Identify types of adverse elements that the paint system will be subjected to.
• Refer to Appendix B for detail classification.

Expected Appearance • Colour, texture and gloss level

• Colour retention properties

Expected Performance • Durability period, weather resistance, algal resistance, UV resistance, alkali resistance,
scrub resistances, chemical resistance, waterproofing characteristic, etc.

Budget • Balance and reconcile a realistic budget with the expectations.

4
 In general, the various paint components used (that is the primer, sealer, intermediate coat and topcoat) should
be compatible. Tables 2.1 to 2.3 provide useful information on the various common paint systems available for
different surfaces and purposes. The following explanatory notes are for the use of Table 2.1 to 2.3.

Column Headings Explanatory Notes

Surface Receiving surfaces are categorised according to the type of base substance of the
substrate, i.e. concrete/cement plaster, timber or metal.
The surfaces have been further categorised into internal (sheltered) or external
environmental exposures.

Finishes Description is based on the required gloss level or texture.

Comparison of Properties A 4-point grading scale is used to highlight strengths and weaknesses of the key
properties of the system.

Paint Type Description is based on the resin of topcoat.

Typical Paint System Description is based on the types of sealer/primer, undercoat and topcoat to be used.
Numbers of coat to be applied are also indicated.
material selection

Remarks Brief description on the general applications.

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 Table 2.1: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for CONCRETE/PLASTER SURFACE

S/No Surface Finishes Comparison of Properties Paint Type Typical Paint No. of Remarks
Required System Coats
Ease Durability Anti-Algae Alkaline Chemical
in and Resistance Resistance
Painting Fungus

INTERNAL

M1 Matt A C C C C ACRYLIC Alkali resisting 1 Quality matt emulsion.

COPOLYMER sealer Lasting for most internal walls.
EMULSION
Acrylic emulsion 2
SS150 (Type 2)
Cement plastered
M2 walls and concrete Sheen A B B C C VEOVA Alkali resisting 1 Luxurious sheen emulsion that
related surfaces, (MODIFIED sealer gives a smooth and silky
brickwork, plaster ACRYLIC) appearance. Premium grade
boards, gypsum EMULSION "Vinyl Silk" 2 for interior decor commonly
boards, ceiling emulsion sold as Vinyl Silk emulsion.
panels
M3 Low Sheen A A B B B ACRYLIC Alkali resisting 1 Premium grade with superb
EMULSION sealer washable surface properties

Acrylic emulsion 2

M4 As above and all Low Gloss/ C A A A A EPOXY Epoxy sealer 1 Excellent chemical resistance
floor excluding and very good hardness &
gypsum types Gloss Epoxy topcoat 2 abrasion resistance. Resist
defect by moisture.

Used in food, chemical or

heavy duty environment.

EXTERNAL

M5 Cement plastered Matt A C C B C ACRYLIC Alkali resisting 1 Good weathering and alkali
walls and concrete EMULSION sealer resistance.
related surfaces,
brickwork, mineral Acrylic emulsion 2
plasters SS150 (Type 1)

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Table 2.1: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for CONCRETE/PLASTER SURFACE

S/No Surface Finishes Comparison of Properties Paint Type Typical Paint No. of Remarks
Required System Coats
Ease Durability Anti-Algae Alkaline Chemical
in and Resistance Resistance
Painting Fungus

EXTERNAL (cont’d)

M6 Semi-Gloss B B B B B SOLVENT- Alkali resisting 1 Excellent thermoplastic

BASED solvent-based sealer coatings for fungus/algae
ACRYLIC prone surfaces.
Acrylic solvent-based 2
topcoat Excellent adhesion and good
durability to weather.

M7 Cement plastered Low Sheen A B A A B HIGH Alkali resisting 1 High quality Acrylic emulsion
walls and concrete PERFOR- sealer with anti algae/fungi
related surfaces, MANCE properties
brickwork, mineral ACRYLIC High performance 2
plasters EMULSION acrylic emulsion
SS 345

M8 Gloss C A A A A 2-PACK Epoxy primer 1 Excellent weather, chemical

POLYURE- and abrasion resistance two-
THANE components paint system
Polyurethane 2
topcoat

M9 Sheen A B B A B TEXTURE Alkali resisting 1 Textured acrylic-based,

COATING sealer decorative finish with
WATER- algistatic, fungistatic & anti-
BASED Texture base coat 1 carbonation properties
ACRYLIC
TOPCOAT High performance 2
acrylic emulsion
SS345

M10 Gloss/ B B B A B TEXTURE Alkali resisting 1 Textured acrylic solvent-based

Semi-Gloss COATING solvent-based sealer coating with excellent
SOLVENT- adhesion
BASED Texture base coat 1
ACRYLIC
TOPCOAT Acrylic solvent-based 2
finishing coat
 Table 2.1: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for CONCRETE/PLASTER SURFACE

S/No Surface Finishes Comparison of Properties Paint Type Typical Paint No. of Remarks
Required System Coats
Ease Durability Anti-Algae Alkaline Chemical
in and Resistance Resistance
Painting Fungus

EXTERNAL (cont’d)

M11 Gloss B A A A A TEXTURE Epoxy primer 1 Acrylic & 2-pack polyurethane

COATING combination textured system.
POLYURE- Acrylic emulsion 1 Excellent weather, chemical
THANE texture base coat and abrasion resistance
TOPCOAT
Cement plastered Polyurethane 2
walls and concrete topcoat
related surfaces,
brickwork, mineral
M12 plasters Matt A B B A B WATER- Water-based silicone 1 Excellent alkaline resistance
BASED primer with high water repelling
SILICONE properties
PAINT Water-based silicone 2
paint

M13 Fair-face brick wall Natural A C C B C PENETRAT- Solvent-based 1-2 Protection from external stains
ING CLEAR penetrating clear and treatment to moisture
WATER repellent (coat to absorption problem. Water
REPELLENT saturation) repelling, fungus and weather
resistance.

M14 Roof tiles Natural A B B B C ACRYLIC Acrylic 2 Acrylic solvent- based coatings
(non-glazed) SOLVENT solvent-based for fungus/algae prone
BASED TILE concrete and roof tiles.
COATING

Grading for Comparison of Properties LEGEND: A Excellent B Very Good C Good D Average

Notes:
1 All external systems are suitable for internal use.
2 Resin level differs for paint types specified here. For resin and toxicity levels in paint, refer to manufacturers.
3 All systems specified are for general painting purpose. Variation is subjected to site conditions or circumstances.
4 For elastomeric coatings, please refer to SS 500:2002 - Elastomeric wall coatings for more information.
5 For surfaces not covered here, refer to manufacturers.

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Table 2.2: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for TIMBER SURFACES

S/No Surface Finishes Comparison of Properties Paint Type Typical Paint No. of Remarks
Required System Coats
Ease Durability Hardness Yellowing Stain
in Resistance Resistance
Painting

INTERNAL

T1 Gloss B D D D C ALKYD Aluminium wood 1 High gloss enamel for painting

RESIN primer of general doors & windows
ENAMEL SS 38

Alkyd enamel 1
undercoat
SS 34

Alkyd enamel gloss 2

top coat
SS 7

T2 All kinds of timber Gloss D A B A A 2-PACK Epoxy primer 1 Glossy, hard and solvent
products or related POLYURE- resistant and non-yellowing
material THANE Polyurethane 2 two-components paint system.
topcoat

T3 Sheen A D D C C VEOVA Aluminium wood 1 Decorative emulsion for

MODIFIED primer panels & ceiling trims.
(MODIFIED SS 38 Commonly sold as Vinyl Silk
ACRYLIC) Emulsion
EMULSION Alkyd enamel 1
undercoat
SS 34

"Vinyl Silk" 2
emulsion

T4 Gloss & D D B D A ACRYLIC NC acrylic lacquer 3 Aerosol spray for easy

Satin MODIFIED application on furniture
ALKYD
NITRO-
CELLULOSE
(NC)
LACQUER
 Table 2.2: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for TIMBER SURFACES

S/No Surface Finishes Comparison of Properties Paint Type Typical Paint No. of Remarks
Required System Coats
Ease Durability Hardness Yellowing Stain
in Resistance Resistance
Painting

INTERNAL (cont’d)

T5 Natural B C C C B ALKYD 1-pack polyurethane 3 Very durable varnish for

MODIFIED clear furniture, wood panels and
POLYURE- doors.
THANE
1-PACK

T6 Natural C B A B A 2-PACK 2-pack polyurethane 3 Hard coating for furniture and

POLYURE- clear wood panels
THANE
All kinds of timber
products or related
T7 material Natural C B A C A 2-PACK Amino-alkyd coating 3 Very tough coating for parquet
AMINO- clear floors, railing or furniture
ALKYD
RESIN ACID
CURE

T8 Natural C B A C A 2-PACK Epoxy clear 3 Chemical-resistant coating for

EPOXY corrosive environment, e.g.
Laboratory benches.

EXTERNAL

T9 All kinds of timber Gloss B D D D C ALKYD Aluminium wood 1 High gloss enamel for painting
products or related RESIN primer of general doors & windows.
material ENAMEL SS38

Alkyd enamel 1
undercoat
SS 34

Alkyd enamel gloss 2

top coat
SS 7

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Table 2.2: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for TIMBER SURFACES

S/No Surface Finishes Comparison of Properties Paint Type Typical Paint No. of Remarks
Required System Coats
Ease Durability Hardness Yellowing Stain
in Resistance Resistance
Painting

EXTERNAL (cont’d)

T10 Gloss D A B A A 2-PACK Epoxy primer 1 Chemical-resistant coating for

POLYURE- corrosive environment, e.g.
THANE Polyurethane 2 Laboratory benches.
finishing coat

T11 All kinds of timber Low Sheen A D C B B ACRYLIC Aluminium 1 Exterior grade emulsions
products or related EMULSION wood primer under special requirement
material SS38

Alkyd enamel 1
undercoat
SS34

Acrylic emulsion 2

T12 Natural D A B A A 2-PACK Polyurethane 3 Very durable coat for external

POLYURE- clear timber structures.
THANE

Grading for Comparison of Properties LEGEND: A Excellent B Very Good C Good D Average

Notes:
1 All external systems are suitable for internal use.
2 Resin level differs for paint types specified here. For resin and toxicity levels in paint, refer to manufacturers.
3 All systems specified are for general painting purpose. Variation is subjected to site conditions or circumstances.
4 For surfaces not covered here, refer to manufacturers.
 Table 2.3: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for METAL SURFACES

S/No Surface Finishes Comparison of Properties Paint Type Typical Paint No. of Remarks
Required System Coats
Ease Durability Hardness Corrosion
in control
Painting

INTERNAL

F1 Gloss A C D C ALKYD Alkyd-based anti- 1 *Refer to SS494 for Lead and

RESIN corrosion primer* chromate-free primer
ENAMEL
Alkyd enamel 1 Easy to use finishing coat over
undercoat primed metal surfaces under
SS 34 non-corrosive environment.

Alkyd enamel gloss 2

topcoat
SS7

F2 (Ferrous type) Low Gloss/ C A A A EPOXY Epoxy/Zinc 1 Epoxy system for corrosive
Iron & steel related Gloss phosphate blast chemical environment on
surfaces primer blasted metal.

Epoxy topcoat 2

F3 Low Gloss/ C A A A EPOXY 2-pack high solid 1 High-build epoxy system

Gloss epoxy primer for corrosive chemical
environment and NO GRIT
Epoxy topcoat 2 BLAST situation.

F4 Low Gloss/ C A A A EPOXY Epoxy coating 3 Epoxy system. ‘Non Toxic’

Gloss suitable for potable tanks.
Relevant certification should
be obtained before use

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Table 2.3: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for METAL SURFACES

S/No Surface Finishes Comparison of Properties Paint Type Typical Paint No. of Remarks
Required System Coats
Ease Durability Hardness Corrosion
in control
Painting

INTERNAL (cont’d)

F5 Gloss A C D C ALKYD Etching primer 1 *Refer to SS494 for Lead and

RESIN chromate-free primer
ENAMEL Alkyd-based anti- 1
corrosion primer* Easy to use finishing system
over properly primed surfaces.
(Non ferrous Alkyd enamel 1 Under non-corrosive
type) undercoat environment, e.g. domestic
Galvanised metal, SS34 home & commercial office.
stainless steel,
copper , tin Alkyd enamel gloss 2
& other related topcoat
surfaces SS7

F6 Low Gloss/ C A A A EPOXY Epoxy primer 1 Heavy-duty epoxy system for

Gloss corrosive environment such as
Epoxy topcoat 2 chemical industry.

EXTERNAL

F7 (Ferrous type) Gloss A D D C ALKYD Alkyd-based anti- 1 *Refer to SS494 for Lead and
Iron & steel related RESIN corrosion primer* chromate-free primer
surfaces ENAMEL
Alkyd enamel 1 Easy to use system for
undercoat non-corrosive environment,
SS34 e.g. residential and commercial
areas.
Alkyd enamel gloss 2
topcoat
SS7
 Table 2.3: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for METAL SURFACES

S/No Surface Finishes Comparison of Properties Paint Type Typical Paint No. of Remarks
Required System Coats
Ease Durability Hardness Corrosion
in control
Painting

EXTERNAL (cont’d)

F8 Gloss B C B B ALKYD- Alkyd-based anti- 1 *Refer to SS494 for Lead and

BASED corrosion primer* chromate-free primer
MICACEOUS
IRON OXIDE Alkyd-based 2 Modified alkyd & micaceous
micaceous iron iron oxide offering protection
oxide in mildly corrosive & highly
humid condition, e.g. towers,
Alkyd enamel gloss 2 bridges, heavy structural steel
topcoat works.
SS7

F9 (Ferrous type) Gloss C/B A B/A B/A EPOXY/ Epoxy/ zinc 1 High performance Epoxy/
Iron & steel related POLYURE- phosphate blast Polyurethane system for highly
surfaces THANE primer corrosive environment on
blasted metal e.g. exposed to
2-pack polyurethane 2 sea salt or highly corrosive
finishing coat chemicals.

F10 Gloss C/B A B/A B/A EPOXY/ 2-pack high solid 1 Epoxy/ Polyurethane system
POLYURE- epoxy primer for highly corrosive
THANE environment and NO GRIT
Epoxy built-coat 1 BLAST situation.

2-pack polyurethane 2
finishing coat

F11 Sheen C C C B EPOXY TAR Ethyl silicate zinc 1 Heavy duty Coal Tar system
HIGH BUILD rich primer for long-term or periodic
immersion in sea water.
Coal tar epoxy 3
topcoat

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material selection
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Table 2.3: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for METAL SURFACES

S/No Surface Finishes Comparison of Properties Paint Type Typical Paint No. of Remarks
Required System Coats
Ease Durability Hardness Corrosion
in control
Painting

EXTERNAL (cont’d)

F12 Gloss A D D C ALKYD Etching primer 1 *Refer to SS494 for Lead and
RESIN chromate-free primer
ENAMEL Alkyd-based anti- 1 Alkyd resin enamel for non-
corrosion primer* corrosive environment e.g.
residential, office & light
Alkyd enamel 1 industries.
undercoat

Alkyd enamel gloss 2

(Non-ferrous topcoat
type)
Galvanised metal,
F13 stainless steel, Gloss A C C B ALKYD Etching primer 1 *Refer to SS494 for Lead and
copper, tin & MEDIUM- chromate-free primer
other related alloy OIL TYPE Alkyd-based anti- 1
surfaces corrosion primer* Use in mild corrosive
atmosphere e.g. industrial
Medium-oil alkyd 2 chimney, mild chemical
topcoat gloss processing plant

F14 Gloss C A A A EPOXY/ Etching primer 1 Heavy-duty Epoxy/

POLYURE- Polyurethane system. Excellent
THANE Epoxy primer 1 in corrosive chemicals
conditions e.g. chemical
2-pack polyurethane 2 industry, exposed to salted
gloss finishing coat seawater.

Grading for Comparison of Properties LEGEND: A Excellent B Very Good C Good D Average

Notes:
1 All external systems are suitable for internal use.
2 Resin level differs for paint types specified here. For resin and toxicity levels in paint, refer to manufacturers.
3 All systems specified are for general painting purpose. Variation is subjected to site conditions or circumstances.
4 For surfaces not covered here, refer to manufacturers.