Unit 5 Paints and Varnishes: Structure
Unit 5 Paints and Varnishes: Structure
Unit 5 Paints and Varnishes: Structure
5.1 INTRODUCTION
The paints, distempers and varnishes are provided as a part of the final treatment
to all the surfaces of walls, ceilings, floors, wood work etc., both internally and
externally. Some more forms of finishes/treatments are also used depending upon
requirement. These building treatments perform two major functions:
(i) They provide a protective coating to the surfaces. This helps in
preserving and protecting the materials used in the building
construction from environmental effects like heat, frost and rain
water.
(ii) They provide decorative finish or treatment which adds to the
aesthetic appearance of the surfaces and the building.
In this unit, our emphasis will be on paints, distempers and varnishes and we will
be studying their functions, characteristics, types, constituents and process of
application.
Objectives
After studying this unit, you should be able to
• explain the functions of paints, varnishes and distempering,
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Engineering Materials • describe the properties of good paints, varnishes and distempering,
• know the constituents of paints, varnishes and distempering,
• describe the process of painting, varnishing and distempering, and
• explain the importance of their use.
5.2 PAINTS
Paints are used to protect metals, timber or plastered surfaces from the corrosive
effects of weather, heat, moisture or gases etc. and also to improve their
appearance.
5.2.1 Functions of Paint
Paint performs following functions :
(i) It protects wood from decaying.
(ii) It prevents corrosion of metals.
(iii) It renders surface hygienically safe and clean.
(iv) It gives decorative and attractive appearance to the surface.
(v) It also protects the surface from harmful effects of atmospheric
agencies.
5.2.2 Characteristics of an Ideal Paint
An ideal paint should have the following characteristics :
(i) The paint should be cheap.
(ii) It should be easy and harmless to the user.
(iii) It should retain its original colour for a long time.
(iv) It should be able to cover maximum area of the surface with minimum
quantities.
(v) The painted surface should dry neither too slowly nor too rapidly.
(vi) When applied, the paint should form a thin uniform film on painted
surface.
(vii) The paint should form a hard and durable coat on the painted surface.
(viii) The paint should not peel off from painted surface.
(ix) It should be good fire and moisture resistant.
(x) The painted surface should not show any cracks.
(xi) The painted surface should possess attractive and decorative pleasing
appearance.
(xii) Atmospheric agencies should not be able to affect the painted surface.
5.2.3 Constituents of an Oil Paint or Oil Borne Paints
An oil paint essentially consists of the following ingredients :
(i) A base
(ii) An inert extender or filter
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(iii) A vehicle or carrier Paints and Varnishes
(iv) A drier
(v) A solvent or thinner
(vi) A colouring pigment
Base
It provides body to the paint and on it depends upon the nature of paints to a
great extent. A base in general should possess the following properties :
(i) It is the solid matter forming the main body of the paint.
(ii) It makes the paint film harder and more resistant to abrasion.
(iii) It reduces shrinkage cracks formed on drying.
(iv) It forms an opaque layer to obscure the surface of material to be
painted.
White lead, Red lead, Zinc oxide, Iron oxide, and metallic powders such as
Aluminium, Copper and Bronze etc. are the commonly used bases.
An Inert Extender or Filter
They are added in the paint to reduce the cost and also to modify some of
the properties of the paints. They reduce weight of the paint and render
paint more durable. They should not be used in excess amount as otherwise
paint may loose its original character and may become weak.
Barium sulphate silica, lithophone, whiting, charcoal, gypsum silicate of
magnesia or alumina etc. are the usual inert extenders.
Vehicles or Carriers
They are liquid substances which hold solid ingredients of the paint. In
general vehicles or carriers possess the following properties :
(i) It is an oily liquid in which the base and pigment are soluble.
(ii) It facilitates the paint to be conveniently spread evenly over the
surface by means of a brush.
(iii) It acts as a binder for the base and causes it to stick to the surface.
(iv) On drying, it forms a tough and an elastic film. Oils most commonly
used as vehicles are linseed oil, poppy oil, nut oil and tung oil.
Driers
These are metallic compounds which when added to the paint in small
quantities accelerate the process of drying of the paint. Driers have a
tendency to affect the colour of the paint and also to destroy the elasticity of
the paint. Hence, they should not be used in excess amount. They are not
used at all in final finishing coat of the paint. Driers should not be used in a
paint that dries well.
Litharge, manganese dioxide, lead acetate and cobalt are the usual driers,
out of which litharge is most commonly used.
Solvents or Thinners
A liquid thinner is added to the prepared paints to increase their fluidity to
the desired consistency so as to make them work more smoothly and also to
help penetration of porous surfaces. It evaporates after the paint has been
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Engineering Materials applied to the surface. It also helps the paint in its penetration into the
surface to be painted.
Turpentine oil, petroleum spirits and naphtha are mostly used as solvents or
thinners.
Colouring Pigments
These are colouring agents which are used to develop desired shade of the
paint. For white, black and other very dark shades, the base of the paint is
chosen in such a way that, it will develop the colour of the paint through
base itself. In case of other shades, colouring pigments of desired shade are
mixed with the paint. Colouring pigments may be divided into five
divisions.
(i) Precipitates
(ii) Natural earth
(iii) Calcined colours
(iv) Lake colours
(v) Metallic powders
Various colouring pigments to develop a particular colour are as follows :
(i) Blue
(ii) Brown
(iii) Black
(iv) Green
(v) Yellow
(vi) Red
5.2.4 Types of Paints
The paints are of following types :
(i) Aluminium Paint
(ii) Anti-Corrosive paints
(iii) Asbestos paints
(iv) Bituminous paint
(v) Bronze paints
(vi) Cellulose paint
(vii) Casein paint
(viii) Cement paint
(ix) Enamel paint
(x) Emulsion paint
(xi) Graphite paint
(xii) Plastic paints
(xiii) Silicate paint
108 (xiv) Luminous paint
(xv) Inodorous paint Paints and Varnishes
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Painters are generally in habit of thinning the paint too much so that he may Paints and Varnishes
save paint and labour both. This leads to bad workmanship and it is possible
that paint may be absent for portions of surface.
Wrong Choice of Paint
Choice of paint is done based upon climatic conditions, nature of surface to
be painted and so many other factors affecting the performance of the paint.
Low quality paints are cheap but their durability is very poor.
Surface Penetration
If the surface to be painted has not been prepared well to receive the paint,
it may lead to failure of the paint.
Moisture
Leakage of moisture on any painted surface accelerates the process of
separating the paint layer from the surface.
Salts and Alkalies
The movement of moisture can also transport salts from either internal
volume of masonry or new deposits. Such salts and alkalies saponify the oil
paints.
Conditions for Painting
The painting should be done when atmospheric conditions are favourable.
Dirt, dust and moisture must not get entrapped during the process of
painting.
SAQ 1
(a) Briefly describe the characteristics of an ideal paint.
(b) Explain the various defects which may develop in painting.
(c) Explain the method of painting on concrete surfaces.
(d) Describe the functions of each ingredient of an oil paint.
(e) Explain in brief the painting process.
(f) Describe the reasons of failure of paints.
5.3 DISTEMPERING
It is also a process of applying wash or coating like white washing or colour
washing on the surface. Finished surfaces obtained by distempering are far
superior than those obtaind by white washing or colour washing. Distempers are
available in ready made form in the market under different trade names.
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Engineering Materials 5.3.1 Composition of Distempers
Any distemper consists of a base, a carrier, colouring agent, and size. Whiting
(powdered chalk) is used as base and water as the carrier. Colouring agents or
pigments are added only, if specific shade is to be obtained. Glue is mostly used
as size.
Distempers may also be termed as a water paint, having whiting as base and water
as the carrier. Distempers are available in powder form or paste form. They are to
be mixed with hot water before use. There is a variety of oil bound distempers
also, in which the drying oil is so treated that it mixes with water readily.
Distempers are applied on the surface with the help of distemper brushes which
are about 10 cm wide.
5.3.2 Process of Distempering
Distempering a surface involves following operations :
(i) Preparation of the surface
(ii) Applying prime coat
(iii) Distempering
Preparation of the Surface
Surface to be distempered should be absolutely dry. Dampness in the
surface spoils the distemper coat. Holes, patches, cracks, efflorescence
spots etc. should be thoroughly cleaned and filled with gypsum or lime
putty. If the surface is to be redistempered the old coating should be washed
with water and allowed to dry completely. The surface in the last should be
thoroughly rubbed with sand paper and cleaned.
Applying Prime Coat
After preparation of the surface, it should be primed by applying a coat of
whiting in water or only of milk. Priming coat helps in developing a good
bond of distemper with the surface. The priming coat should be allowed to
dry completely, before distemper coat is applied over it.
Distempering
After having applied the priming coat, first coat of distemper is applied on
the surface. The first coat should be of a light tint and applied with great
care. Second coat is applied after the first coat has dried and become hard.
Distempering coats are applied with the help of broad stiff distemper
brushes. Now-a-days, distempers can be applied with the help of spray
pistols also.
5.3.3 Properties of Distempers
(i) Distempers generally shrink on drying. Hence, if the surface receiving
distemper is weak, it may lead to cracking and flaking of the
distempers.
(ii) Distempers are available in powder form and also in paste form.
Powdered distempers are known as dry distempers, whereas paste
form distempers are known as oil bound distempers. Oil bound
distempers are superior than dry distempers.
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(iii) Coatings of distempers are comparatively thick and are more brittle Paints and Varnishes
than other water paints.
(iv) Distemper film is generally porous in nature and it allows water
vapour to pass through it. Hence it allows new walls to dry out
without damaging the distemper film.
(v) They are less durable than oil paints.
(vi) Distempers are generally light in colour and provide a good reflective
coating.
(vii) They can be applied on cement plastered surface, lime plastered
surface, brick work, insulating boards, etc.
SAQ 2
(a) Write down the properties of a good distemper.
(b) Explain the procedure of application of distemper on a surface.
5.4 VARNISHES
Varnish is a solution of some resinous substance in alcohol, oil or turpentine. The
process of covering the surface with varnish is known as varnishing. Varnishing
is done only on wooden surface.
5.4.1 Functions of Varnish
Varnish performs the following functions :
(i) It brings about brilliance to the painted surface.
(ii) It protects the surface against adverse effects of the atmosphere.
(iii) It increases the durability of the paint film.
(iv) It beautifies the surface without hiding the beautiful grains of the
wood.
Varnish plays an important part in finishing wooden surfaces of doors, windows,
floors, furniture, etc.
5.4.2 Properties of Good Varnish
A good varnish should possess the following properties :
(i) It should not hide the natural grains of the surface.
(ii) It should not shrink or show cracks after drying.
(iii) It should make the surface glossy.
(iv) It should dry rapidly.
(v) It should impart the finished surface uniform colour and pleasing
appearance. 115
Engineering Materials (vi) The thin film of varnish developed after drying on the surface should
be tough, hard and durable.
(vii) The natural colour of the varnish should not fade away when
varnished surface is exposed to atmospheric action.
5.4.3 Constituents of the Varnish
A varnish has usually three elements :
(i) Resins or resinous material
(ii) Driers
(iii) Solvents
Resins or Resinous Material
Quality of varnish depends much upon the quality of resin used. Copal, lac,
amber and rosin are the commonly used resins for varnishes. Copal is
considered to be best.
Driers
Driers are used to accelerate the process of drying of the varnish. Litharge,
lead, acetate, and white copper are the various types of driers, out of which
litharge is mostly used.
Solvents
Selection of solvent is made depending upon the type of resin.
Table 5.1
Sl. No. Name of Resin Solvent Used
1 Amber and copal Linseed oil
2 Lac Methylated spirit
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This type of varnish is prepared by dissolving resins such as lac or shellac Paints and Varnishes
in methylated spirit. This varnish dries very quickly and gets easily affected
by weather action. This varnish is mostly used for wood furniture.
Turpentine Varnish
In this type of varnish, gum, dammar, mastic, and rosin like resins are
dissolved in turpentine. These varnishes are light in colour and dry quickly.
Water Varnish
This varnish is prepared by dissolving shellac in hot water. Shellac does not
dissolve readily in water and as such to accelerate the process of dissolving
shellac in water either ammonia or potash, or soda or borax is added. This
varnish is used for painting pictures, posters and maps.
Asphalt Varnish
This varnish is obtained by dissolving melted asphalt in linseed oil. The
varnish may be thinned by adding suitable amount of either turpentine or
petroleum spirit. This varnish is used for varnishing fabricated iron and
steel product.
Spar Varnish
This varnish derives its name from its use. It is mostly used on spars and
other exposed parts of the ships. It is very good weather resistant. It should
not be used indoor.
Flat Varnish
This is an ordinary varnish to which material such as wax, finely divided
silica and metallic soaps are added, to reduce the gloss of the varnished
surface. This varnish presents a dull appearance.
5.4.5 Process of Varnishing
Following operations are required to be carried out while varnishing a wooden
surface :
Preparation of Surface
The surface to be varnished should be thoroughly rubbed smooth by means
of sand paper and thoroughly cleaned from dust and dirt.
Knotting
It is the process by which knots on the surface of wood work are killed by
applying certain substance over the knots. All the knots should be covered
with a hot preparation of red lead or glue size.
Stopping
After knotting, the surface of wood work is stopped by means of hot weak
glue size. This coat fills all the pores of the surface. After stopping when
surface becomes dry, it is rubbed again with sand paper.
Applying Varnish Coats
After stopping process, varnish is applied on the surface in very thin coats.
Next coat is applied only when previously applied coat has dried. For
varnishing, fine brittle varnishing brush should be used.
SAQ 3
(a) Briefly describe the functions of varnish. 117
Engineering Materials (b) Explain the importance of varnishing a wood surface.
(c) Describe the process of varnishing in brief.
5.5 SUMMARY
The paints, distempers and varnishes not only adds to the aesthetic appearance,
but also provides protective coating to the surface. In paints, enamel paint and
plastic emulsion paint are the most favoured paints, while cement paints like
snowcem remain popular as ever. Distempers are available in ready-made form in
the market and are far superior than white washing or colour washing. Varnishes
are used to bring about brilliance to the painted surface. Varnish plays very
important role in finishing wooden surfaces of doors, windows, floors, furniture,
etc.
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