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Part 2 of a 3-part article on the factors that influence a paint’s quality and how well it will work in a particular space
By James Piper, P.E.
OTHER PARTS OF THIS ARTICLEPt. 1: How Type of Paint and Paint Quality Affect PerformancePt. 2:This PagePt. 3: Consider Application Needs, Environmental Conditions In Selecting Paint
This article was originally published in 2015 and has been updated to reflect current information.
To select the most appropriate paint or coating for the space, it helps to understand what goes into the product. Most paints consist of the same basic components: pigments, binders, liquids and additives. Each component serves a role in determining the quality of the paint as well as its performance both during and after application.Pigments, either organic or inorganic, are what give the paint its color and its ability to cover. The level of concentration of pigment in a particular paint also has a direct impact on the durability of the paint’s film. One measure of a paint’s quality is the pigment volume concentrate (PVC). PVC, expressed as a percentage, is the ratio of the pigment volume to the total volume of solids in a particular paint. A PVC value of 45 is generally considered to be the optimum level of concentration for most applications. Lower values typically produce a higher gloss finish but have lower color uniformity, lower tensile strength, and lower water permeability. A higher PVC increases the water permeability and with it, an increased risk of blistering and corrosion.
A paint’s PVC rating impacts performance in other ways. Lower PVC paints tend to adhere better, but higher PVC paints are more durable and are easier to clean.
Paint binders are used to firmly attach the pigment to the surface and into a continuous film. The type and quantity of binder used in the paint impacts performance factors, such as durability, stain resistance, adhesion, and resistance to cracking. In general, the higher the ratio of binder to pigment, the higher the quality of the paint. In high-quality paints, manufacturers can change the binder used to vary the paint’s performance characteristics, including its resistance to moisture, ultraviolet rays, and abrasion. Other binders can improve a paint’s flexibility or adhesion. It is important that facility managers work with manufacturer’s representatives to determine which binders are most suitable for a particular application.
The liquids in a paint typically account for somewhere between 25 and 50 percent of the paint’s volume. Their function is to carry the pigments and the binders. There are two different types of liquids used in paint formulas: solvents and dilutents. Solvents hold the binder and pigment in suspension until the paint sets. In oil-based paint, the solvent is an organic material such as a paint thinner. In latex paint, water serves as the solvent. Dilutents also help to keep the pigments and binders in suspension, but they are used primarily to reduce the cost of the paint. High quality paints tend to have lower levels of dilutents.
Manufacturers use additives in a paint to enhance certain qualities. For example, thickeners and modifiers are used to ease application. Defoamers reduce the appearance of bubbles in a paint’s surface. Hardness can be enhanced through the use of co-solvents. Biocides can be added for applications in exterior or high moisture areas to limit biological growth on the paint’s surface.
James Piper, Ph.D., PE, is a writer and consultant who has more than 25 years of experience in facilities management. He is a contributing editor for Building Operating Management.
Continue Reading: Paint
How Type of Paint and Paint Quality Affect Performance
Basic Paint Components and Their Role in Quality, Performance
Consider Application Needs, Environmental Conditions In Selecting Paint
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posted on 12/5/2022 Article Use Policy
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As an expert in facilities management and the components of paints and coatings, my extensive knowledge in the field allows me to delve into the concepts presented in the article by James Piper, P.E. The article provides valuable insights into the factors influencing the quality and performance of paints, particularly in the context of selecting the most appropriate paint or coating for a given space.
James Piper highlights the fundamental components of paints, emphasizing their roles in determining the overall quality and performance during and after application. The key concepts discussed in the article are as follows:
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Pigments:
- Pigments, whether organic or inorganic, contribute to the color and covering ability of paint.
- The concentration of pigment, expressed as the Pigment Volume Concentrate (PVC), directly impacts the durability of the paint film.
- A PVC value of 45 is considered optimal for most applications, balancing gloss finish, color uniformity, tensile strength, and water permeability.
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Binders:
- Binders are crucial for attaching pigments to the surface, forming a continuous film.
- The type and quantity of binders influence paint performance factors such as durability, stain resistance, adhesion, and resistance to cracking.
- Higher binder-to-pigment ratios generally indicate higher paint quality.
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Liquids:
- Liquids in paint, including solvents and dilutents, carry pigments and binders.
- Solvents (e.g., paint thinners in oil-based paint) suspend the binder and pigment until the paint sets.
- Dilutents reduce paint cost but are present in lower levels in high-quality paints.
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Additives:
- Manufacturers incorporate additives to enhance specific paint qualities.
- Thickeners and modifiers ease application, defoamers reduce surface bubbles, and co-solvents enhance hardness.
- Biocides may be added for exterior or high-moisture areas to prevent biological growth on the paint surface.
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Quality and Performance:
- The article stresses that the ratio of components, such as pigment to binder, impacts the overall quality of the paint.
- High-quality paints may offer varied performance characteristics, including moisture resistance, UV resistance, and abrasion resistance.
James Piper, with his Ph.D. in the field and over 25 years of experience, serves as a reliable source in facilities management. His contributions as a writer and consultant, coupled with his role as a contributing editor for Building Operating Management, further establish the credibility of the information presented in the article.
In conclusion, the article effectively communicates the intricate relationship between the components of paint and their impact on quality and performance. Facility managers can use this knowledge to make informed decisions when selecting paints or coatings for different applications within their facilities.
