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t14a.txt
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1998-10-06
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Summary
The following topics contain general information about
common types of paints and primers
1 What is paint?
2 Interior emulsion
3 Exterior emulsion
4 Interior gloss
5 Exterior gloss
6 Primers
7 Undercoat
8 Anti-condensation paint
9 Enamel paint
Step 1 - What is paint?
Put simply any paint is a mixture of pigments (colours)
and binders suspended in liquid. The liquid can be just
water or a mixture of resins. As the paint dries the
liquid will evaporate leaving the pigments and binder on
the surface.
Step 2 - Interior emulsion
Emulsion is a relatively economical water based paint
designed to cover large areas and surfaces such as newly
plastered walls and lining wallpaper. Often there is a
choice between matt and silk finishes.
Step 3 - Exterior emulsions
Emulsion that is used outside has additives that help the
paint cope with variations in temperature and humidity.
Exterior emulsions have a matt finish but vary in
smoothness. Smooth paints can be used on smooth and
textured walls. Textured paints are to give walls a
textured surface, for example to cover a non-structural
defect.
Step 4 - Interior gloss
Gloss is solvent or oil-based paint designed to give extra
protection to wood and other surfaces. Primers are used to
seal new wood. Undercoats provide a pigmented base (close
to the topcoatÆs colour) for the topcoat. Combined acrylic
based primers and undercoats are available. Non-drip paint
is a gel that breaks down to a liquid as you brush.
Step 5 - Exterior gloss
Exterior gloss is formulated to with stand the weather and
provide a surface capable of expanding and contracting
without cracking. The gloss forms a permeable skin through
which wood can æbreathÆ and through which moisture can
escape. Exterior gloss must be used in conjunction with
exterior primer that forms a similar permeable layer.
Step 6 - Primers
Primer seals pores in absorbent surfaces. Bare wood needs
priming before painting. New windows and doors come ready
primed but check for scratches that may need re-priming.
Knots in wood may leak natural resin so a special primer
is available for them. Other surfaces that require
sealing and those that require a key such as exposed
metal will also need priming.
Step 7 - Undercoat
Undercoat is specially formulated paint that has more
pigment than topcoat. Not using an undercoat on a dark
surface can prove a false economy where the old colour
is darker than the new one because you will need to use
several layers of expensive topcoat to stop the old colour
showing through. The undercoat provides the correct base
colour to match the topcoat colour.
Step 8 - Anti-condensation paint
Anti-condensation paint is a semi-porous emulsion that
does the neat trick of absorbing water in the air and
allowing it to evaporate later without ruining the
paint itself. Some brands contain a fungicide to prevent
mildew growing. ItÆs mainly for use in kitchens and
bathrooms. This paint will not cure chronic damp.
Step 9 - Enamel paint
Enamel is normally used for painting metal and wood. It
is very hard-wearing and the pigment particles are very
finely ground.