How to Choose Paint

Paints are composed of 4 main families of raw materials:

1- Resins ( or binders).

Resins are film-forming elements which allow to obtain a homogenous attached and protective film  on the treated surface. The scope of  application of a paint is determined by the material. Distinguish between:

- oil-based (alkyd) : multi-purpose.

- acrylic : acqueous or solvent-containing.

- vinyl : mainly used in the building industry.

- epoxy : very high chemical resistance against discharge, as well as excellent mecanical resistance.

- polyurethan : more flexible, resistent against shocks, UV rays and bad weather conditions.

2- Solvents.

Solvents are used to make resin soluble and ready to spread. Distinguish between:

- White Spirit : rather slow -drying.

- Xylene : faster- drying.

- Naphtha .

3- Powders.

The are part of the formula and serve different purposes:

- pigments : they have an influence on the attractiveness, the colours, rust or heat-resisting  properties etc...

-  "loads" : they influence the weight, the hold etc...

4- Additifs.

There are additifs with different functions:

- Siccatifs : which accelerate the drying of oil-based resin.

- .....  : to prevent foaming.

Afterwards, distinguish between monocomponent and bi-component paints.

The former are ready to use.

The latter are delivered with a separate paint base and hardener. They have to be mixed together just before application, and need to be applied within a delay varying between 30 minutes up to 4 hours  depending on the formula. Bi-component paint is of a much higher quality, will be longer-lasting  and provide longer-lasting protection.

It is often indispensable to prepare the surface to be painted with an undercoat or primer, which also exists in different formulas:

- primers for oil-based paint.

- primers for acrylic paint.

- a Primer for Smooth Surfaces for non-adherent surfaces.

- bi-component primers for bi-component paint.

Depending on your project consult the following advice cards:

- Painting with Food-Compatible Paint

- Painting Stone

- Painting a Concrete, Cement , Terracotta or Stone Floor

- Painting Steel

- Painting Galvanized or Zinc-coated Steel

- Painting Aluminium

- Painting a Cast Iron Fireback 

- Painting a Cast Iron Radiator