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BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 1
 paints
Paint is a liquid or mastic material that can be
applied to surfaces to colour, protect and
provide texture. They are usually stored as a
liquid and dry into a thin film after
application. Paints be categorized decorative,
are applied on site, or industrial, applied
in factories as part of the manufacturing process.
 Some of the attributes normally required from
a paint include:
• Capable of easy application.
• Good flow out of application marks (e.g. brush-
marking).
• Capable of forming a continuous protective film.
• High opacity.
• Quick drying.
• Corrosion resistance.
• Water and heat resistance.
• Colour stability against visible and
ultraviolet radiation.
• Abrasion and scratch resistance.
• Durability.
• Flexibility.
• Easily cleaned.
 application
Paints can be applied with a
brush or roller, or by dipping,
flow coating, spraying, hot
spraying, electrostatic
spraying, airless spraying,
electrodeposition, powder
coating, vacuum
impregnation, immersion,
and so on.
 The constituents of paint
• Paints may be manufactured using pigments, binders,
extenders, solvents and additives.
• The pigments provide the paint with its colour and
opacity. Pigments can be made of either organic or
inorganic derivatives. The pigment powder is broken
down into individual particles which are coated by and
dispersed in a binder (resin), in a process known as
'wetting out'.
 The constituents of paint
• The binder is
a polymer which forms a matrix to hold the
pigment in place. The three most commonly-
used binders are:
• Acrylic polymers.
• Alkyd polymers.
• Epoxy polymers.
 The constituents of paint
An organic solvent is added to achieve the required consistency, improving the application of
the paint to reduce its viscosity.
Extenders may also be added. These larger pigment particles provide improved adhesion and
strengthen the film.
Depending on the intended use of the paint, other additives may be used to modify the properties of the
liquid paint or dry film:
• Driers: For speeding up the drying time.
• Silicones: To improve the paint’s resistance to weather.
• Dispersants: To separate and stabilize pigment particles.
• Thixotropic agents: These provide paints with a thick consistency.
• Anti-settling agents: These are used to prevent the pigment from settling.
• Bactericides: These act as a preservative when the paint is in the can.
• Fungicides and algaecides: Protect paint films from mould, algae and lichen.
 Types of paint finish
Matte paint
The most common interior wall finish is ‘matte’, which is easy
to apply using a brush or roller, and doesn’t provide a
distracting shine or sheen to the finish. A solid colour is often
achieved through applying more than one single coat.
However, matte paint is easily marked and requires regular
retouching.
• The Look: Non-reflective, a flat finish will soak up light
and hide any bumps or scratches in the surface of the wall.
• The Lowdown: Flat finishes are the hardest to clean, so
don’t use them in high-traffic areas. But if it’s high-quality
paint, you should be able to gently scrub away any
imperfections after paint has cured for 30 days.
• Best For: Low-traffic rooms with lots of light, like an office
or a formal sitting room, ceiling
 Types of paint finish
Eggshell
• An eggshell finish has a very subtle shine but without the same
smoothness as a satin finish. As they are only partially reflective,
they do not highlight imperfections making them suitable
as interior wall paint. They are easy to apply and can often cover
well with a single coat. They are frequently used in
demanding environments such as kitchens and bathrooms, where
they provide some water resistance, and can be cleanable.
• This popular finish is not shiny but not totally matte, and easier to
clean than flat.
• The look: “It’s slightly velvety in appearance," says Barr. "When
the light hits it, there’s the softest glimmer." Think of it as a goes-
with-anything glow.
• The Lowdown: Though not as tough as semigloss, eggshell hides
imperfections better, and it’s easier to clean than flat finishes.
• Best For: Everyday spaces, like living rooms and bedrooms.
 Types of paint finish
Satin
• Perhaps the best all-around player when it
comes to durability.
• The look: Right in the middle of the sheen
spectrum, a satin finish is more light-
reflecting than eggshell without appearing as
shiny as semigloss.
• The Lowdown: Hides imperfections like
bumpy walls reasonably well, and it’s easy to
clean.
• Best For: Humid spaces like bathrooms or
dark rooms that don’t get a lot of natural
light, like basements.
 Types of paint finish
Semi-Gloss
• Sleek and easy to live with, semi-gloss is a happy
middle ground.
• The look: Shinier than a satin finish, semi-gloss is
known for its radiance. It pairs well with other
finishes when used as an accent, too.
• The Lowdown: If you need something durable, and
you’re OK with shine, semi­gloss is your match.
However, due to its heightened sheen, you’ll be able
to see existing imperfections more easily.
• Best For: Great in high-moisture, high-traffic areas,
such as kitchens and bathrooms, or on crown
moldings and trims to make them pop.
 Types of paint finish
High Gloss

• Super light-reflective and statement-making, it’s also

the most durable.
• The look: Most designers would consider high gloss a
specialty finish, as it has a glamorous glass-like effect,
Barr explains.
• The Lowdown: It does show imperfections, but it’s
also extremely easy to clean. That being said, high
gloss is the trickiest to apply. Barr suggests using a
quarter-inch roller or a high-density foam roller for
smaller spots.
• Best For: Accents that you really want to stand out,
like furniture, doors, or cabinets.