- Enamel paints: These paints are available in numerous shades. They mainly consist of white lead or zinc white, resinous matter and petroleum spirit. Their formation into hard, impervious, decay resistant enamel-like surface soon after application protects it from being affected by acids, alkalies, fumes and gas, hot and cold water, etc. They can be used for internal as well as external purposes.
- Cement paints: These include a variety of paints in which cement is the main constituent responsible for the hardness and durability of the painted surface. They are available in dry, powder form. Cement paints are waterproof. It is desirable to provide cement paints on a rough surface rather than smooth surface because its adhesion power is more on rough surface than on smooth surface. It proves to be economical as compared to oil paints. They are suitable for painting fresh plasters having high alkalinity because cement paints are not likely to be attacked by the alkalinity of the masonry surface. It is not necessary to remove the existing paint for the application of new paint.
- Oil paints: They are generally applied in three different layers with varying composition. These are termed as primes, undercoats and finishing coats. The dampness of the wall affects the life of the oil paint; hence, it must not be applied during damp weather. This is the ordinary paint which is cheap, fairly workable and possesses the qualities of opacity, good appearance, durability and resistance to weathering effects.
- Cellulose paints: They are prepared from the nitro cotton, celluloid sheets, photographic films, etc. The cellulose paints harden by evaporation of thinning agents. The surface painted with cellulose can be washed and cleaned easily. They are a little more costly than other paints.
- Aluminium paints: The finely ground aluminium is suspended in either quick drying spirit varnish or slow drying oil varnish as per requirement. As the spirit or oil evaporates, a thin film of aluminium is formed on the surface. These paints form a better protective surface over steel and iron. They are impervious to moisture and possess high electrical resistance. They have a good appearance and are visible in darkness.
- Emulsion paints: These paints contain polyvinyl acetate, synthetic resins, etc. It is easy to apply and is retained for a long period and can be cleaned easily by water. For a rough plastered surface, a thin coat of cement paint may first be applied to smoothen the surface. It is necessary to have a sound surface to receive the paint.
- Anticorrosive paints: They consist of oil and a strong drier. The pigments such as chromium oxide, lead or zinc chrome is taken and after mixing it with a small quantity of very fine sand is added to the paints. They are cheap and last for a long duration. They are black in colour, usually.
- Synthetic rubber paints: These paints are prepared from resins. They have an excellent chemical resistant property. They can be applied to surfaces which may not be completely dry. They offer good resistance to water and are not affected by heavy rains. They dry very quickly. They are not affected by weather and sunlight and are quite easy to apply.
TYPES OF PAINTS