In partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the course

Construction Materials and Testing (CIVMATL)

Presented to the Faculty of the

Department of Civil Engineering
College of Engineering, De La Salle University

Individual Project Paper

Paint
Sub-Title

Submitted by:
Dy, Joshua James A.
11514930
EH

Submitted to:
Prof. Kenneth Roi Torral

Date Submitted:
August 3, 2018
1.0 Purpose of Material
Different Types and Functions

Paints play a major role in construction works and projects. Paints form a solid film when
applied on a surface. This film protects the surface from many dangers like corrosion, weathering,
chemical attacks etc. Timber or metal structures can extend their life by coating them with paints.
Not only protection paints also provides aesthetic appearances to the surfaces (theconstructor.org,
n.d.). Paints are applied in liquid form and after sometime the volatile constituent evaporates and
hardened coating acts as a protective layer (www.civilengineeringx.com, n.d.). The important
elements of paint are: (1) Bases - It is a principal constituent of paint. It also possesses the binding
properties. It forms an opaque coating. Commonly used bases for paints are white lead, red lead,
zinc oxide, iron oxide, titanium white, aluminum powder and lithophone. A lead paint is suitable
for painting iron and steel works, as it sticks to them well. However it is affected by atmosphere
action and hence should not be used as final coat. While zinc forms good base but is costly.
Lithophone, which is a mixture of zinc sulfate and barytes, is cheap. It gives good appearance but
is affected by day light. Hence it is used for interior works only. (2) Vehicles - The vehicles are
the liquid substances which hold the ingredients of a paint in liquid suspension and allow them to
be applied on the surface to be painted. Linseed oil, Tung oil and Nut oil are used as vehicles in
paints. Of the above four oils, linseed oil is very commonly used vehicles. Boiling makes the oil
thicker and darker. Linseed oil reacts with oxygen and hardens by forming a thin film. (3) Pigment
-Pigments give required color for paints. They are fine particles and have a reinforcing effect on
thin film of the paint. (4) Thinner - It is known as solvent also. It makes paint thinner and hence
increases the coverage. It helps in spreading paint uniformly over the surface. Turpentine and
naphtha are commonly used thinners. After paint applied, thinner evaporates and paint dries
(civilengineeringx.com, n.d.). Other optional additives are as follows: Driers are used in speeding
up the drying time. Silicones are used to improve the paint’s resistance to weather. Dispersants are
used to separate and stabilize pigment particles, Thixotropic agents provide paints with a thick
consistency, Anti-settling agents are used to prevent the pigment from settling, Bactericides act as
a preservative when the paint is in the can. Fungicides and algaecides protect paint films from
mold, algae and lichen (designingbuildings.co.uk, n.d.). As a Builder, you must consider many
factors when selecting a coating for a particular job. One important factor is the type of coating,

2
which depends on the composition and properties of the ingredients. Paint is composed of various
ingredients, such as pigment, nonvolatile vehicle, or binder, and solvent, or thinner. Other coatings
may contain only a single ingredient (waybuilder.net, n.d.). The common types of paint are:

1. Oil-based Paints - Oil paints are nothing but normal paints which usually contains a
base and vehicle. General base constituents used for making oil paints are white lead,
zinc white, lithopone, red lead and titanium oxide. General vehicles used in oil paints
are linseed oil, tug oil etc. Along with base and vehicle, driers and color pigments are
also used. The driers used may be litharge, red lead, zinc sulfate and manganese sulfate
etc. Oil paints are very economic and they can be applied in easy manner. They are
generally applied in three coats of varying composition (theconstructor.org, n.d.). Oil-
based paints consist mainly of a drying oil (usually linseed) mixed with one or more
pigments. The pigments and quantities of oil in oil paints are usually selected on the
basis of cost and their ability to impart to the paint the desired properties, such as
durability, economy, and color. An oil-based paint is characterized by easy application
and slow drying. It normally chalks in such a manner as to permit recoating without
costly surface preparation. Adding small amounts of varnish tends to decrease the time
it takes an oil-based paint to dry and to increase the paint’s resistance to water. Oil-
based paints are not recommended for surfaces submerged in water (waybuilder.net,
n.d.). These paints are applied in three coats-primer, undercoat and finishing coat. The
presence of dampness while applying the primer adversely affect the life of oil paint.
This paint is cheap and easy to apply (wecivilengineers.wordpress.com).
2. Enamel Paints - The main constituents of enamel paints are metallic oxide, petroleum
spirit, oil and resinous matter. Enamel paint dries very slowly but after drying it forms
very hard, impervious and smooth layer. This layer cannot be affected by acids, alkalis,
gas fumes, water etc. Different colored enamel paints are available in the market. So,
they are widely used for painting doors, windows, stairs, decks etc. (theconstructor.org,
n.d.). Enamels are generally harder, tougher, and more resistant to abrasion and
moisture penetration than oil-based paints. Enamels are obtainable in flat, semi-gloss,
and gloss. The extent of pigmentation in the paint or enamel determines its gloss.
Generally, gloss is reduced by adding lower cost pigments called extenders. Typical

3
 extenders are calcium carbonate (whiting), magnesium silicate (talc), aluminum silicate
(clay), and silica. The level of gloss depends on the ratio of pigment to binder
(waybuilder.net, n.d.). It contains white lead, oil, petroleum spirit and resinous material.
The surface provided by it resists acids, alkalies and water very well. It is desirable to
apply a coat of titanium white before the coat of enamel is applied. It can be used both
for external and internal walls (wecivilengineers.wordpress.com).
3. Epoxy Paints - are a combined resin and a polyamide hardener that are mixed before
use. When mixed, the two ingredients react to form the end product. Epoxy paints have
a limited working, or pot, life, usually 1 working day. They are outstanding in hardness,
adhesion, and flexibility-plus, they resist corrosion, abrasion, alkali, and solvents. The
major uses of epoxy paints are as tile-like glaze coatings for concrete or masonry, and
for structural steel in corrosive environments. Epoxy paints tend to chalk on exterior
exposure; low-gloss levels and fading can be anticipated. Otherwise, their durability is
excellent (waybuilder.net, n.d.).
4. Latex Paints - contain a synthetic chemical, called latex, dispersed in water. The kinds
of latex usually found in paints are styrene-butadiene (so-called synthetic rubber),
polyvinyl acetate (PVA or vinyl), and acrylic. Latex paints differ from other paints in
that the vehicle is an emulsion of binder and water. Being water-based, latex paints
have the advantage of being easy to apply. They dry through evaporation of the water.
Many latex paints have excellent durability. This makes them particularly useful for
coating plaster and masonry surfaces. Careful surface preparation is required for their
use (waybuilder.net, n.d.).
5. Rubber-based Paints - Synthetic rubber paints are made by dissolving synthetic resins
in the suitable solvents. By adding suitable pigments to this mixer, the color can vary.
This type of paint is widely used on cement concrete surfaces like concrete walls etc.
This paint is less affected by rain, sunlight etc. It has good resistant properties against
acids, alkalis and moisture conditions. It dries very quickly and maintains uniform color
throughout the surface (theconstructor.org, n.d.). Rubber-based paints are solvent
thinned and should not be confused with latex binders (often called rubber-based
emulsions). Rubber-based paints are lacquer-type products and dry rapidly to form
finishes highly resistant to water and mild chemicals. They are used for coating exterior

4
 masonry and areas that are wet, humid, or subject to frequent washing, such as laundry
rooms, showers, washrooms, and kitchens (waybuilder.net, n.d.). This paint is prepared
from resins. It dries quickly and is little affected by weather and sunlight. It resists
chemical attack well. This paint may be applied even on fresh concrete. Its cost is
moderate and it can be applied easily (wecivilengineers.wordpress.com).
6. Portland Cement Paints - contains cement as the base material. These paints contain
cement, accelerator, pigment and other additives. They are available in powder form.
By mixing water to this powder and stirred to the required consistency the paint is
obtained. Cement based paint is water proof and can be applied in internal or external
surfaces (theconstructor.org, n.d.). Portland cement mixed with several ingredients acts
as a paint binder when it reacts with water. The paints are supplied as a powder to which
the water is added before being used. Cement paints are used on rough surfaces, such
as concrete, masonry, and stucco. They dry to form hard, flat, porous films that permit
water vapor to pass through readily. When properly cured, cement paints of good
quality are quite durable. When improperly cured, they chalk excessively on exposure
and may present problems in repainting (waybuilder.net, n.d.). It is available in powder
form. It consists of white cement, pigment and other additives. It is durable and exhibits
excellent decorative appearance. It should be applied on rough surfaces rather than on
smooth surfaces. It is applied in two coats. First coat is applied on wet surface but free
from excess water and allowed to dry for 24 hours. The second coat is then applied
which gives good appearance (wecivilengineers.wordpress.com).
7. Aluminum Paints - made by mixing finely ground aluminum with spirit or oil
varnishes. Spirit varnish makes the drying period shorter and oil varnish imparts slow
drying facility. So, varnish cane be used according to the requirement. This type of
paint is used for painting wood works, metallic surface etc. The layer of paint is
hardened by evaporation of spirit or oil. Aluminum paint has many advantages such as,
it is waterproof, resistance against electricity, corrosion, weathering, it can be visible
in dark and provides good appearance (theconstructor.org, n.d.). Aluminum paints are
available in two forms: ready mixed and ready to mix. Ready-mixed aluminum paints
are supplied in one package and are ready for use after normal mixing. They are made
with vehicles that will retain metallic brilliance after moderate periods of storage. They

5
 are more convenient to use and allow for less error in mixing than the ready-to-mix
form (waybuilder.net, n.d.). It contains finely ground aluminum in spirit or oil varnish.
It is visible in darkness also. The surfaces of iron and steel are protected well with this
paint. It is widely used for painting gas tanks, water pipes and oil tanks
(wecivilengineers.wordpress.com).
8. Emulsion Paints - have good alkali resistant properties. This property can be achieved
by using vehicles like polyvinyl lactate, styrene, alkyd resin etc. it dries very quickly
and it can be washed with water because of its film forming constituent is emulsified
in water instead of solvent. So, this type of paint can be used for all masonry works
especially for stucco plaster brick works which contains free alkali (theconstructor.org,
n.d.).
9. Bituminous Paints - obtained by dissolving tar or asphalt in petroleum or white spirit.
They provide black appearance to the surface. Bituminous paints are used for metal
structures in under water conditions, iron pipes carrying water. Bituminous paints have
good alkali resistant property (theconstructor.org, n.d.). This type of paint is
manufactured by dissolving asphalt or vegetable bitumen in oil or petroleum. It is black
in colour. It is used for painting iron works underwater
(wecivilengineers.wordpress.com).
10. Anti-corrosive Paints - paint that is used to resist corrosion. So, this type of paint is
widely used for metal surfaces like pipe, external structures which may allowed to
corrosive nature etc. Linseed oil is generally used as vehicle and along with it a strong
drier is used to make anti corrosive paint. It is very cheap and lasts longer
(theconstructor.org, n.d.). It consists essentially of oil, a strong dier, lead or zinc chrome
and finely ground sand. It is cheap and resists corrosion well. It is black in colour.
Application of Paint Preparation of surface for application of paint is the most
important part in painting. The surface to be painted should not be oily and it should be
from flakes of the old paint. Cracks in the surface should be filled with putty and then
with sand paper. Then primer is applied. Painting work should be carried out in dry
weather. The under coats and first coats must be allowed to dry before final coat is
applied (wecivilengineers.wordpress.com).

6
11. Asbestos Paints - a special purpose paint which is made of fibrous asbestos. It is used
for covering leakage in metal roofs, for patch works, for protecting surfaces from acid
gases and steam. Rusting of pouts, flashings, gutters etc. can also be prevented using
asbestos paint coating (the constructor.org, n.d.).
12. Silicate Paints - Silicate paint is a mixture of silica and resinous substances. Silica gives
good adhesion to the paint which will form hard surface after drying. This surface can
resist extreme heat with great resistance. Silicate paints never reacts chemically with
the metals. So, this type of paint can be used in hot conditions and for metal structures
(theconstructor.org, n.d.).
13. Graphite Paints - made of graphite which is in black color. It is used for painting
underground structures like mines etc. Iron structures are coated with graphite paints
(theconstructor.org, n.d.).
14. Plastic Paints - contain plastic as the base. Plastic paints dry very quickly, provides
better appearance and have high covering power. They are used for coating walls, slabs,
decks etc. (theconstructor.org, n.d.).
15. Casein Paints - Casein is a protein which is available in milk curd, is taken and is mixed
with white pigments to get casein paints. It is available in powder form or paste form.
Colored pigments can be used to get required color. Casein paints are used for coating
walls, ceilings, wood works etc. But for exterior usage, this paint should be mixed with
driers (theconstructor.org, n.d.).
16. Cellulose Paints - are special type of oil paints. They are made of celluloid sheets,
nitrogen-cotton, amyl acetate and photographic films. In case of normal oil paints, layer
is hardened by oxidation but in this case layer is hardened by the evaporation of solvent.
It provides smooth finish and is not affected by smoke, water, acids etc. it is very costly
and only used for painting aircrafts, motor cars etc. (theconstructor.org, n.d.).
17. Bronze Paints - reflective paints which are widely used on radiators. It can be used
either for internal or for external metal structures. General vehicle used in the bronze
paints is nitro-cellulose lacquer. Pigments used are aluminum bronze or copper bronze
(theconstructor.org, n.d.).

7
 18. Colloidal Paints - do not contain any type of inert materials. It takes long period to
settle due to its colloidal properties. When it is applied on the surface, it settles and
penetrates through the body of surface (theconstructor.org, n.d.).

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Design Considerations (Structural and/or Architectural)
2.0 Manufacturing Process

Making the paste

 1 Pigment manufacturers send bags of fine grain pigments to paint plants. There, the
pigment is premixed with resin (a wetting agent that assists in moistening the pigment),
one or more solvents, and additives to form a paste.

Dispersing the pigment

 2 The paste mixture for most industrial and some consumer paints is now routed into a
sand mill, a large cylinder that agitates tiny particles of sand or silica to grind the pigment
particles, making them smaller and dispersing them throughout the mixture. The mixture
is then filtered to remove the sand particles.
 3 Instead of being processed in sand mills, up to 90 percent of the water-based latex
paints designed for use by individual homeowners are instead processed in a high-speed
dispersion tank. There, the premixed paste is subjected to high-speed agitation by a
circular, toothed blade attached to a rotating shaft. This process blends the pigment into
the solvent.

Thinning the paste

 4 Whether created by a sand mill or a dispersion tank, the paste must now be thinned to
produce the final product. Transferred to large kettles, it is agitated with the proper
amount of solvent for the type of paint desired.

8
 Canning the paint

 5 The finished paint product is then pumped into the canning room. For the standard 8
pint (3.78 liter) paint can available to consumers, empty cans are first rolled horizontally
onto labels, then set upright so that the paint can be pumped into them. A machine places
lids onto the filled cans, and a second machine presses on the lids to seal them. From wire
that is fed into it from coils, a bailometer cuts and shapes the handles before hooking
them into holes precut in the cans. A certain number of cans (usually four) are then boxed
and stacked before being sent to the warehouse.

3.0 Installation or Application (idc-online.com)

Preparation of surface for application of paint is the most important part in painting. The surface
to be painted should not be oily and it should be from flakes of the old paint. Cracks in the
surface should be filled with putty and then with sand paper. Then primer is applied. Painting
work should be carried out in dry weather. The under coats and first coats must be allowed to dry
before final coat is applied (civilengineeringx.com, n.d.).
The following techniques are used for application of paints:
Brush
Brush application is used for decorative coating of relatively small and complex areas. It is a
slow application method but it provides good penetration of the paint. This method also prevents
paint losses associated with the spray application method.
Roller
The roller technique is applied for coating large flat surfaces. It is faster than brush application.
However, this method is not suitable for applying high film build compared to the brush method.
Air spray
In the air spray application method, the paint in form of atomized droplets is delivered by a stream
of compressed air. The paint is pumped from the tank into the gun where it is atomized (broken
into small droplets) by the flowing compressed air. The typical air pressure in the air spray is 40-
50 psi (0.28-0.34 MPa). Spray application is a simple and inexpensive method which is capable to
coat objects of various shapes and dimensions. The disadvantage of the air spray application is

9
unavoidable overspray: losses of the paint and expensive organic solvents and thinners. Besides
the costly losses the method requires additional investment in safety equipment in order to protect
the workers exposed to the hazardous solvent vapors.
Airless spray
In the airless spray (in contrast to the air spray) the paint is not mixed with air. The liquid paint is
delivered to the gun by a hydraulic pump producing a high pressure 300-7000 psi (2-48 MPa). The
pressurized paint is atomized in the gun nozzle. The nozzle is commonly made of tungsten carbide.
It has an orifice, diameter of which (together with the paint viscosity and the pump pressure)
determines the delivery rate and controls the coating thickness. Using high pressure pumps and
preheated paints allows to apply high viscosity paints having a decreased amount of solvents and
thinners (e.g. High-solids paints). Lower solvent content in the paints for airless application results
in a reduced overspray.
Electrostatic spray
Electrostatic spray application is based on the electrostatic attraction of electrically charged
atomized particles (either dry powder or liquid paint droplets) to the grounded (having earth
potential) workpiece. The charged particles coming out from the gun hit the whole surface of the
object including the back surface therefore the electrostatic spray technique is mainly used for
inside coating of tubular objects where the back surface painting (wraparound effect) is negligible.
Due to electrostatic effects the coating is thicker on the surfaces of protruding corners and thinner
on inside corners and holes. Electrostatic spray is characterized by very low overspray. The method
utilizes at least 95% of the paint.
Rotating disc or bell
In the rotating disc/bell application technique the liquid paint is pumped to the center of the
disc/bell rotating at high speed (at least 10,000 RPM). The centrifugal force drives the liquid to
the edge where it is atomized and spun off. The rotating disc commonly has an electrical potential
which provides an electrical charge to the paint. The paint particles propelled by the centrifugal
force are attracted by the grounded workpieces located around the rotating disc. Rotating disc or
bell method is used for automatic application of high viscosity paints(e.g. High-solids paints) in
conveyor lines.
4.0 Safety Precautions and Environmental Impact
Hazardous Properties of Paint (4brotherspainting.com)
1
0
  Toxicity – the degree that a substance can harm or damage an organism. When the
chemical enters the digestive system and blood stream it can be metabolized into more
toxic chemical thereby causing more trouble to biological functions. Some paint additives
can cause immediate irritation when taken orally. Other paints can cause dermatitis when
it stays longer in skin surfaces. Here are high toxic pigments and their toxic chemical
content that must be avoided: Flake White – Lead, Zinc Yellow – Chromate, Mercadium
Orange – Cadmium, Sulfides, and Mercury, Lead Red – Lead, Kings Yellow – Chromate,
Vermillion – Mercury, Cobalt Green – Cobalt.
 Flammability – due to their petroleum or high volatile contents, paints can be a source of
fire hazard. Enamel paints or oil based paints are flammable and ignite and burn easily
when exposed to fire or heat sources. Here is a list of flammable paints that includes paints
with high VOC contents: Oil Based Paints, Shellac, Lacquers, Epoxy Based Paints, Paints
With Paint Thinners, Paints Containing Toluene, Methanol and Ketones.
Painting Safety Precautions (decordezine.com)
 Before you begin painting, carefully go through the information printed on the cans for all
paints, paint strippers, and solvents that you may be using. Make yourself aware of the potential
health risks painting may involve. Conditions like eye and throat irritation, vision problems,
headaches, skin problems, respiratory problems, and negative effects on the nervous and
reproductive systems can occur if one is exposed to paints for a very long stretch of time.
 Keep paint off your skin as much as possible.
 Wash your hands, arms, and face with soap and warm water before eating.
 Do not put your fingers, food, or cigarettes in your mouth if they are contaminated with paint.
 Be sure you have adequate ventilation, and wear
an approved paint/spray respirator whenever there is reason to believe the ventilation is
inadequate in the place you are painting. At the first sign of dizziness, leave the space and get
to fresh air.
 Do not smoke, use an open flame, or use spark-producing tools in the vicinity of painting
operations.
 Use only explosion-proof lights near painting operations.

1
1
 Do not wear nylon, orlon, or plastic clothing or covering. These materials generate static
electricity, which may spark and ignite paint vapors.
 Do not carry matches or cigarette lighters or wear steel buckles or metal shoe plates. Too often
one forgets and strikes a match or lights a cigarette lighter in areas filled with explosive
vapors. Also, steel buttons, buckles, and tabs can strike sparks that are invisible to your eyes
but are capable of igniting paint vapors.
 When pouring solvents, make sure the containers are touching each other to prevent sparks.
 Never paint during electrical storms.
 Keep food and drink away from areas being painted.
Personal Protective Equipment for applying paint with a brush or roller (policies.anu.edu)
The minimum PPE whilst applying paint with a brush or roller are
 coveralls or overalls;
 gloves (in some circumstances barrier cream may be used);
.1 The cleaning of equipment must be carried out in a well-ventilated area. Gloves must
be worn when solvent is used.
 appropriate footwear;
 a hat (when painting outside or to keep paint droplets out of ones hair);
 safety glasses when painting over head
.1 When paint is mixed, transferred or there is a risk of splashing safety glasses or goggles
must be worn. Mixing paint for application by brush or roller must be done in a well-
ventilated area.
Personal Protective Equipment for Spray Painting (policies.anu.edu)
 Respirators
.1 A full-face positive pressure airline respirator. This design is suitable for use in the
application of all paint commonly applied at the University. This type of respirator
must be used when handling two pack paints containing isocyanates. This form of
respirator also includes in-built eye protection.
.2 However, for the application of less hazardous paints (eg. acrylic based paint) a half-
face respirator with spray paint canisters (type: A1 P2 with pre-filter) may be used. Eye
protection (eg safety glasses or goggles) is then required.

1
2
 Gloves
.1 Solvent resistant gloves made of nitrile or PVC must be worn when handling paint,
solvents and during spraying. Rubber gloves are not suitable. Disposable nitrile gloves
are acceptable while spraying. Re-useable gloves should be checked before use for
leakage and contamination (inside) the glove, and replaced as necessary.
.2 To check for cuts and holes, simply grab and pull the cuff of the glove with both hands,
flip the glove end over end two or three times to produce a good seal, then grab the cuff
with one hand sealing the air within. Squeeze the glove with the other hand (the fingers
should inflate), look for holes.
 Overalls/coveralls
.1 Protective clothing should be worn to avoid contamination of street clothes.
Tradesmen's overalls with sleeves or disposable coveralls are suitable. Cotton or anti-
static fabrics are preferred.
 Hearing protection
.1 Where noise levels are in excess of the 80 dB(A) occupational exposure limit, hearing
protection (ear muffs or ear plugs) should be worn. They may also be worn simply to
reduce the noise to a comfortable level.
.2 When the noise level exceeds 85 dB(A), the noise level of the booth should be
documented and placed near the booth with a hearing conservation warning sign.
 Footwear
.1 Good footwear should have a non-slip chemical resistant sole and protective upper.
5.0 Maintenance Procedure
6.0 Advantages and Disadvantages
7.0 Prices and Costs
8.0 References
https://theconstructor.org/building/types-paints-applications-construction/17224/
http://www.civilengineeringx.com/miscellaneous-building-materials/paints/
http://www.waybuilder.net/free-
ed/Resources/Trades/carpentry/Building01/default.asp?iNum=1502
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Paint

1
3
https://policies.anu.edu.au/cs/groups/confidential/@hrd/documents/edrms/dxbf/mdaw/~edisp/an
up_000577.pdf
https://decordezine.com/painting-safety-precautions
https://www.4brotherspainting.com/2016/09/21/paints-hazards-and-safety-precautions/
http://www.idc-
online.com/technical_references/pdfs/chemical_engineering/Application_of_paints.pdf

1
4