BGTECH01: Lecture02.1 - Paints

Paints

A mixture of solid pigment suspended in a liquid vehicle, applied as a thin, usually opaque coating to a surface for protection and decoration.

Pigment

A finely ground, insoluble, substance suspended in a liquid vehicle to impart color and opacity to a paint.

Substrate

The surface to which a coat of paint or varnish is applied.

Vehicle

A liquid in which pigment is dispersed before being applied to a surface, to control consistency, adhesion, gloss, and durability

Binder

The nonvolatile part of a paint vehicle that bonds particles of pigment into a cohesive film during the drying process

Solvent

The volatile part of a paint vehicle that evaporates during the drying process.

Paint System

A combination of one or more coatings selected for compatibility with each other and the surface to which they are applied, as well as sustainability for the expected exposure and desired decorative effect.

Base coat

A first coat of paint or other liquid finish applied to a surface

Sealer

A basecoat applied to a surface to reduce the absorption of subsequent coats of paint or varnish, to prevent bleeding through the finish coat.

Primer

A basecoat applied to a surface to improve the adhesion or subsequent coats of paint or varnish; also called prime coat.

Ground Coat

A primer or basecoat of paint intended to show through a topcoat; also called ground color

Under coat

A primer or intermediate coat applied to hide the color of the susbtrate and improve adhesion of topcoat.

Top coat

The final coat of paint applied to a surface; also called finish coat.

Varnish

The clear coating to a hard, tough, glossy shell which is resistant to moisture. Ideal for natural-grained look of woodwork.

Enamel

This is a varnish with pigment added that has the toughness and durability of a varnish. Excellent for painting cabinetry.

Alkyd

Tough, durable types of paint for use in high traffic areas (Kitchen, Bath, woodwork) because of its durability and washability. Needs thinner or turpentine to clean up.

Epoxy

Two-part, mix type coating. Extremely durable, this coating is excellent for tough applications such as steel and aluminum.

Acrylic

Another extremely durable, longlife coating that's ideal for areas subject to high traffic and use. Comes in different glosses.

Urethane

Great coating for all woodwork, especially flooring, which is subject to all manner of abrasions and scratches. Very durable. It goes on clear and dries to a hard, tough shell. Tends to yellow with ages and can have a strong odor.