The Chemistry of PaintTradeasia International Pte Ltd

What are the Functions of Paint ?

• Enhance the quality of natural and synthetic materials and serves as a barrier against harsh environmental conditions• Decorative paints: Improve the appearance and safeguard

builings and other objects• Industrial coatings: Applied in factories to finish

manufactured goods such as cars

Components of Paints

• Pigments: Provides color and opacity • Binder/Resin: Aids to keep the pigment in place• Extender: Pigments that are bigger in size which helps to improve

bonding• Solvent/Thinner: To reduce the thickness of paints for a wide variety

of uses• Additives: Change the properties of paints in order to suit different

needs

What makes a good paint?

• Ability to be used in a variety of applications• Good opacity• Paint dries very quickly• Protection against water and heat• Good color stability against visible and ultraviolet rays

Future of Paints

• Water-based gloss paints: Intensive R&D work has been put into develop water-based gloss paints that is greener and higher quality• High solids paints: Figuring how to improve the structure of the

polymer used in paint with the objective to produce one that is of low viscosity and good furnishing• Powder coatings: It is commonly used in the form of sprays on objects

like bicycles. However, powder coating is usually used at high temperature and thus more work is required to produce one that works at low temperature.