Course Name: Fundamentals of Building Construction

Week No:8 Lecture No:25

Topic Name: Painting, Distempering and White-Washing

Objectives:
1. To understand what paints are and their components.
2. To learn key qualities like durability, appearance, and ease of application.
3. To identify bases, vehicles, driers, pigments, and solvents.
4. To differentiate paints by binders and uses (e.g., oil-based, water-based).
5. To know the steps for painting new and old woodwork, and metal surfaces.
6. To briefly understand their uses and preparation.
7. To implement effective surface preparation and painting techniques.

Lecture notes:
1. Introduction - Understanding Paints
Paints are more than just a splash of color—they're a mix of pigments and
binders that, when applied in thin layers, dry into a solid film. This film not only
beautifies your surface but also protects it. For timber, paint helps prevent
warping and decay, while for metals, it guards against corrosion. A fresh coat of
paint can even boost sanitation and lighting in any room!
2. Calcareous Surfaces: The Basics
Calcareous surfaces, like lime and cement plaster, start out highly alkaline and
retain water from the construction process. This water evaporates slowly, which
can lead to issues like surface imperfections and mold growth. When painting
these surfaces, it's crucial to account for their moisture and alkalinity to avoid
problems with the final coating.
3. Characteristics of Good Paint
What makes paint "good"? Here are the essentials:
- Tough and Durable: It should form a hard, long-lasting surface that won’t chip
or peel easily.
- Attractive Looks: It should enhance the visual appeal of your space.
- Affordable and Available: It should be budget-friendly and easy to find.
- Hassle-Free Application: It should spread easily and cover well.
- Quick Drying: It should dry in a reasonable time to avoid delays.
- Weather Resistant: It should withstand rain, sun, and humidity without cracking
or fading.
4. Main Ingredients of Paint
1. Base:
This is the solid substance in paint, usually a metallic oxide, which gives the
paint its covering power. Common bases include:
- White Lead
- Red Lead
- Zinc White
- Oxide of Iron
- Titanium White
2. Vehicle (Binder):
The liquid that keeps the paint ingredients suspended and allows it to spread
evenly. Some common vehicles are:
- Linseed Oils: Raw, boiled, pale boiled, double boiled, and stand oil.
- Tung Oil: For a durable, tough finish.
- Poppy Oil: Ideal for vibrant colors.
- Nut Oil: Less common, but used in some paints.
3. Driers:
These speed up the drying of paint by helping it harden. They come in two
forms:
- Soluble Driers: Fast drying but can reduce paint elasticity.
- Paste Driers: Mixed with fillers like barytes, they improve durability and
prevent cracking.
4. Coloring Pigments:
These give paint its color. Types include:
- Natural Colors: Earthy tones from nature.
- Calcined Colors: Heated pigments for rich hues.
- Precipitates: Chemically made pigments for vibrant colors.
- Lakes: Dyes mixed with inert materials for varied colors.
- Metal Powders: For metallic effects.
5. Pigment Volume Concentration Number (P.V.C.N.)
P.V.C.N. measures the amount of pigment in paint relative to the vehicle. It
affects durability and gloss:
- Prime Coat on Metals: P.V.C.N. 25-40
- Exterior Surfaces: P.V.C.N. 28-40
- Semi-Gloss Paint: P.V.C.N. 35-45
- Flat Paint: P.V.C.N. 50-75
6. Solvents and Thinners
Solvents make paint easier to apply and help it adhere better:
- Oil Paints: Use spirit of turpentine, naphtha, or benzine.
- Spirit Liquors: Alcohol for spirit-based paints.
- Cellulose Paints: Methyl amyl acetate for cellulose-based paints.
- Distempers: Water for distemper paints.
7. Classification of Paints
Paints can be classified in several ways:
Based on Binders:
- Oil Paints: Durable and glossy.
- Non-Oil Resins: Various synthetic resins.
- Cellulose Paints: Quick-drying, glossy.
- Water-Based Paints: Environmentally friendly, easy cleanup.
- Miscellaneous Paints: Other types not fitting into the above categories.
Based on Ultimate Use:
- General Purpose: Primers, under-coats, finishing coats.
- Acid and Alkali Resistant: For harsh environments.
- Fire Resistant: Safety against flames.
- Fungicidal: Prevents mold and mildew.
- Miscellaneous: Specialized paints like anti-condensation.
Mixed Classification:
- Aluminium Paints: Reflective, weather-resistant.
- Anti-Corrosive Paints: Protects against rust.
- Asbestos Paints: Special use for acidic environments.
- Bituminous Paints: Waterproof, for underwater structures.
- Bronze Paints: Metallic finish.
- Casein Paints: Made from milk protein.
- Cellulose Paints: Smooth finish, for cars and planes.
- Cement-Based Paints: Waterproof, for masonry.
- Colloidal Paints: Deep penetration.
- Emulsion Paints: Quick drying, water-based.
- Enamel Paints: Hard, glossy, durable.
- Graphite Paints: For lubrication and conductivity.
- Inodorous Paints: Low odor, quick-drying.
- Oil Paints: Versatile, for various surfaces.
 - Plastic Paints: Quick drying, flexible.
- Silicate Paints: Durable, heat-resistant.
- Synthetic Rubber Paints: Weather-resistant.
8. Painting Different Surfaces
New Woodwork:
- Preparation: Clean and smooth the surface.
- Knotting: Seal resinous knots.
- Priming: Apply a primer to fill pores.
- Stopping: Smooth out imperfections.
- Undercoatings: Apply middle layers.
- Finishing Coat: Apply the final, smooth coat.
Repainting Old Work:
- Removing Old Paint: Use caustic soda or other methods.
- Cleaning and Preparing: Smooth and clean the surface for new paint.
New Iron and Steel Work:
- Surface Preparation: Remove rust and grease.
- Phosphoric Acid Treatment: Prevent rust and improve adhesion.
- Prime Coat: Apply a protective primer.
- Undercoats: Build up layers before the final coat.
Summary:
The fundamentals of paints were explained, covering their key components and
characteristics. The lecture detailed the ingredients in paints—bases, vehicles,
driers, pigments, and solvents—and discussed their classification by binders and
applications, such as oil-based and water-based paints. Proper application
techniques for painting various surfaces, including wood and metal, were
demonstrated, alongside the processes for distempering and whitewashing. The
emphasis was placed on best practices for surface preparation and achieving high-
quality painting results.
References:
1. “Building Construction” by Dr. B.C. Punmia, Er. Ashok K. Jain and Dr. Arun
K. Jain, Laxmi Publications (P) Ltd.
2. “Building Construction” by S. C. Rangwala, Charotar Publishing House Pvt.
Ltd.
3. “A Textbook of Building Construction” by Er. Dr. S. K. Sharma, S. Chand
Publishing.
4. “Building Construction” by Sushil Kumar, Standard Publishers Distributors.
5. “Building Materials & Construction” by Saurabh Kumar Soni, S. K. Kataria &
Sons Publications.