Types of Paints

Paints can be classified into different types on the basis of:
- Their Function
- Binder or Medium
- Pigment Used
- Sheen
- Appearance
Based on Their Function
a. Primers or Undercoats
A preparatory coating applied before painting for better adhesion
b. Finishing Coats
Polish to create a smooth and shiny surface
c. Sanding Sealer
Sanding sealer fills small pits and pores. It is usually applied on wooden surfaces to achieve smother surface
d. Floor Paint
Long lasting paints used to provide good and hard surface finish for concrete or other rough floors, e.g. Urethane Oil-Based Paint
e. Galvanized Iron Primer
It is a water-based anti-corrosive quick drying coat applied on metal surfaces
f. Spray Paint
Applied with spray gun for even and smooth surface finish
Based on Pigment Used
a. Zinc Rich or Zinc Dust Primer
Zinc rich paints are used to withstand continuous temperature up to 550 C°. It is also used to protect the surface against weathering and corrosion as well as prevention of underfilm corrosion attack
b. White Lead Paints
It is the cheapest and decolorizes on exposure and is therefore commonly used for ordinary buildings. It is not suitable for exterior works. It cannot be used as a protection against corrosion
c. Graphite Paint
It consists of powdered graphite and oil and is used to coat metallic structures
d. Red Lead Paints:
In combination with linseed oil it may be used as a thick, long-lasting anti-corrosive layer
e. Micaceous Iron Oxide
Used for the protection of steel against corrosion
f. Calcium Plumbate Primer:
Can be applied both on timber and metal, and is therefore ideal where the two are combined. e.g. A metal window frame with a wooden outer frame.
g. Zinc Chromate:
Used as a corrosion resistant agent and increase the durability of the surface several times
Based on Sheen of a Paint
The sheen of paint is the amount of light reflected by the painted surface. Depending on level of sheen paints may be of four types;
- Flat Paints
- Paints with Satin Finish
- Semi-Gloss Paints
- Gloss Paints
Based on Appearance
- Eggshell
- Multicolored
- Matt
- Iridescent Texture
- Satin Finish
- Wrinkle Finish
- Semi-Gloss
- Luminous
- Fluorescent
- Gloss
- Crackle Finish
- Flat
Based on Binder/Medium
- Acrylic
- Latex Paint
- Latex Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)
- Shellac Based Paint
- Spirit Based Paint
- Epoxy Paint
- Polyurethane
- Alkyd Resin
- Tung Oil Paint
- Linseed Oil Paint
- Distemper
- Emulsion
- Chlorinated Rubber