Binders + Resins for Paint - Ingredients Guide | Coating.com.au (2024)

Binders and resins for paint – the film forming component

A paint or coating is the combination of a pigment, a binder, a solvent, and additives. The binder, or resin, is usually what gives the coating its name, such as polyurethane or acrylic. While the pigment provides a paint with colour, the additives give it extra desirable characteristics, and the solvent gives it the necessary consistency for application, it is the binder that, as the name suggests, binds it all together.The binder is the film-forming component of paint, the vehicle that carries the pigment and then dries or cures, holding it in place. The binder is also responsible for adhesion, durability, flexibility, gloss, and other physical properties. Binders and resins for paint are one of the most important elements of a coating.

In this article we look at the different binders and resins technologies and their applications across the coatings industry. We also look at some of the main binders and resins companies and manufacturers in Australia.

The setting mechanisms – thermosetting and thermoplastic resins for paint

Though there are many types of resins for paint, there are two setting methods for the synthetic resins used in paints: thermoset and thermoplastic.

  1. Thermoplastic resins
    Resins which are thermoplastic remain plastic after setting. They do not cure irreversibly, but soften with heat. Film formation occurs through evaporation of the solvent or water. Thermoplastic resins for paint provide excellent protection against corrosive materials and environments.
  2. Thermosetting resins
    These resins cure irreversibly when exposed to the right conditions. These can be extreme heat, chemical reaction or irradiation in the case of UV-cured thermoset resins. Uncured, thermoset resins are in a viscous, liquid state. During the curing process, the molecules that make up the resin form crosslinks, combining into long, tightly-bound polymers which set permanently. Because of these crosslinks, thermoset resins provide excellent adhesionas well as resistance to heat, chemicals, and water.

5 types of binders and resins for paint with unique properties

A resin is a solid or highly viscous substance of plant or synthetic origin. The term “resin” is applied tothe component of a liquid that dries to a hard film or finish. In the coatings industry, natural resins (such as plant resins) have been almost entirely replaced by synthetic resins. Below are the top resins for paint throughout the industry, their applications, and the companies that provide them.

1. Epoxy (thermoset)

Applications:Epoxy is the go-to industrial and protective coating for many markets. Common uses for epoxy resin coatings includeflooring, can coating, waterproofing cement, steel, tanks, pipes and shipping elements, offshore and oil and gas applications, automotive coating, industrial coating, and more.

Description: Epoxy resins, like polyurethanes, are thermosetting polymers that form a tough film through the process of crosslinking. There are a variety of formulations of epoxy resin includingbisphenol A epoxy, bisphenol F epoxy (which has lower viscosity than bisphenol A epoxy), novolac epoxy, and aliphatic epoxy. Each of these resin formulations result in a slightly differentepoxy resin coating, with different strengths. Curing of epoxy resins is an exothermic reaction, and can be achieved through mixing the resin with a curative or hardener before application, or through heat. Epoxy resins are generally two component, though single component formulations are available, and they are water or solvent based.

Advantages: Epoxy resins have a range of desirable qualities – water resistance, chemical and solvent resistance, temperature resistance, excellent adhesion, and durability, all add up to make epoxy an easy choice.

2. Polyester and vinylester resins (thermoset)

Applications: Polyester and vinylester coatings are bothused in severe chemical environments. They are extensively used incoil coating among other applications.

Description: A polyester resin is formed bythe polymerization of an alcohol and an acid. A vinylester resin is a subclass of polyester resins where the polyester base is modified by an epoxy, typically a bisphenol A epoxy or a novolac epoxy. Polyester and vinylester resins are both thermosetting resins, and the resin is usually dissolved in a monomer such as styrene in order to reduce their viscosity and make them workable. The curing process for these resins involves a reaction with a catalyst (often methyl ethyl ketone peroxide or MEKP). Both resins are highly reactive, so only have a short shelf life.

Advantages: Polyester and vinylesterprovide superior chemical and temperature resistance to most coatings. They are also abrasion resistant, quick curing, and provide long term corrosion protection, hence their use in marine coating.Polyester coatings also have the benefit of being cheaper than other coatings on the market. Vinylesters have better water and chemical resistance, and more resilience than polyester resins.

3. Acrylic resins(thermoset & thermoplastic)

Applications: Solvent-based acrylic coatings (lacquers and enamels) are used forindustrial flooring, coil coating, metal furniture coatings, appliance coatings and automotive coatings, although the tightening restrictions on VOC emissions mean that there is a move towards water-based coatings across the entire industry. Other uses of acrylic resins includearchitectural coatings especially for exterior applications.

Description: Acrylic resins account for nearly 30% of the coating resin market. Acrylic resin isderived from the polymerization of acrylate and methacrylate monomers (such as methyl methacrylate or MMA)and can be thermoset or thermoplastic. Acrylic resins for paint are included in both water-based and solvent-based coatings as lacquers (lower volume solids), enamels (higher volume solids), and powders (100% solids). They are also used to modify other coating types (such as polyurethane or epoxy) in order to enhance their appearance attributes.

Advantages: Acrylic resins are known for their good colour and gloss retention, as well as their superior weathering and UV resistance.

4. Polyurethane resins(thermoset)

Binders + Resins for Paint - Ingredients Guide | Coating.com.au (1)

When choosing resins for paint for cars; acrylic and polyurethane based binders should be considered.

Applications: In general, polyurethanes are high performance coatingsfor metal, concrete, wood, plastic, and more. Their versatility means they have application across a wide range of markets includingarchitectural, automotive, industrial, and marine and protective coatings.

Description: Polyurethanes are reaction polymers created by reacting an isocyanate with a polyol. The types of isocyanate and polyol that form the polymer influence the resulting polyurethane. This is one ofthe strengths of polyurethanes– it has a great variety and versatility depending on its constituents.Polyurethanes are thermosetting polymersand the degree of crosslinking is one of the factors which determines the properties of the coating – for example, more crosslinking means a tougher coating where a polymer with fewer crosslinks or longer chains is more flexible.Polyurethane coatings come in one or two component varietiesand can be either water or solvent based

Advantages:Polyurethaneshave excellent chemical and solvent resistance, corrosion resistance, weather resistance, UV stability, abrasion resistance, gloss durability, hardness, and flexibility. They also come in a great variety and versatility depending on the constituents.

5. Alkyd resins(thermoset & thermoplastic)

Applications:Alkyd resins are used across a range of substrates,from metal and wood to plastics and more, and in industries such asarchitectural coatings(particularly decorative gloss paints), furniture coatings, automotive coatings(including underhood and underbody coatings), insulating enamels, coil coatings, and more. Long alkyds are commonly used in architectural coatings, where short alkyds are more commonly found in industrial baking enamels.

Description: An alkyd is the result of thepolymerization reaction between an alcohol (like glycerol) and an acid, modified by the addition of oils. They are also known as oil-modified polyesters. The oil content of the formulation varies; a short oil alkyd has the lowest percentage of fatty acid by weight (less than 40%), then medium oil (40-60%), then finally long oil (60-70%). Long oil alkyds are the slowest drying and most flexible, where short oil alkyds are fast drying and form the hardest films.The recent trend towards water based coatings has seen alkyd popularity drop off in favour of acrylics, epoxies, and polyurethanes.

Advantages:The desirable properties of alkyds include good adhesion, hardness, flexibility, corrosion resistance, and gloss retention.

A look into the future of coating resins and binders

The binders and resins market has grown over recent years, and it is expected to continue with its upward trajectory. The main companies in the coating resins market areAllnex, Arkema, BASF, Dow Chemical Company, DSM, Evonik, Helios, Momentive, and Valspar Corporation.The market has in recent years has shown a distinct trend towards environmentally friendly and sustainable coatings, as shown through the decline in popularity of the previously dominant alkyd market. Resins that produce solvent-free, low or zero VOC emission coatings are preferred. Regulations on these pollutants are also becoming more restrictive, forcing manufacturers to preemptively focus on products in this trend.

Newer coating technologies are also making their mark.Fluoropolymers, UV curable coatings, silicone-modified coatings, super polyesters for coil coatings, polyurea coatings, and many more are making waves in the coating world. Whether your project requires traditional binders or you are interested in the newer resins,we’ll find you the right supplier. For more information or requesting a quote, contact us via email or by clicking on the button at the bottom of this page.

Find globally known binders and resins manufacturers

Below is a table outlining just a very small few of the coating binders and resins available from some of the top coating resins companies.

Coating Resins Manufacturer/ProductBinder/resin typeDescription
Allnex Crylcoat 2415-2Polyester resinArchitectural resin for matte dry blend, for smooth powder coatings with excellent outdoor weathering resistance.
Allnex BeckoPox EP147wBisphenol A/bisphenol F epoxy resinWater-based, liquid epoxy resin for metallic and mineral substrates to provide chemical, abrasion, and corrosion protection.
Arkema ENCOR Flex 187100% acrylic resinAn acrylic binder designed for elastomeric roof and wall coatings. Resistant to dirt pick up, high solids, and low VOC.
Arkema CHEMPOL 801-6050Long oil alkyd resinA flexible air dry alkyd with a mineral spirits solvent. Excellent for exterior applications.
Dow Chemical Company ROVACE 9900Vinyl-acrylic resinA solvent-free PVA for architectural coatings. Low-odour, excellent gloss capability, and scrub resistance.
DSM Uralac UltraPolyester resinA specially designed powder coating resin for MDF substrates and other heat-sensitive wood products.
Helios DOMALKYD 4161Polyurethane alkyd resinA resin for use with wood (parquet floor lacquers) and metal.
Helios DOMALKYD 1492Medium oil alkyd resinQuick drying medium oil alkyd resin for paints for metalwork (industrial machine, and radiator paints).
Binders + Resins for Paint - Ingredients Guide | Coating.com.au (2024)

FAQs

What is binder in coating? ›

Binder. The binder or resin combines all solid components of the coating and acts as the film former. It imparts mechanical properties such as hardness, flexibility and adhesion. The binder itself is clear and glossy.

Do all paints use the same binder? ›

From Oil to Egg Yolks

The difference between the type of paints, such as oil paint, acrylic paint or watercolour, is simply due to the different binder type used. So the binder could be oil, acrylic polymer or even egg yolk, and it's this – that gives each painting its characteristics…

What can be used as a natural paint binder? ›

Unlike commercial paint binders, which use byproducts of refined crude oil (such as acrylic or vinyl), natural binders that can be used are chalk, lime, casein (non-fat milk curds), animal or vegetable glues, and oil.

What are the 2 types of binder paint? ›

Binders may be natural or synthetic and are separated into two categories: oil/alkyd-based and water-based (e.g. acrylic and latex). Binders are responsible for many of the protective and decorative properties of the coating. Therefore, the type and concentration of binder helps to determine the performance of a paint.

What is a binder resin? ›

Resins and binders are used to deliver desired protective and performance properties, enhanced aesthetic appeal, resistance to chemicals, water and abrasion resistance for a variety of materials, such as coatings for rigid substrates, inks, coatings for flexible substrates and adhesives.

What is binder or resin? ›

Binders, such as epoxies and polyurethanes, are formed by combination of two low molecular weight resins. A solid film is formed after they react upon application on the solid surface. (e) Condensation binders. Binders, such as phenolic resins, release water during polymerization.

What is the function of binder? ›

A binder or binding agent is any material or substance that holds or draws other materials together to form a cohesive whole mechanically, chemically, by adhesion or cohesion.

How do you make a homemade paint binder? ›

Instructions
  1. Mix together – 1 cup hot distilled water, ½ cup gum Arabic powder, 1/5 cup honey and/or glycerin (I mixed equal parts of box), two drops clove essential oil, two drops ox gall (optional)
  2. In a separate bowl, mix 1 Tbsp. honey with 9 Tbsp. ...
  3. Mix watercolor base with pigment starting at a 1:1 ratio.
Nov 1, 2021

Can I use olive oil as a paint binder? ›

The binder, also known as the oil, sticks to this pigment and enables the application of the pigment onto canvas or other such painting support. Often, linseed oil acts as the binder, though vegetable oils such as canola or olive oil can act as an alternative.

Can I use coconut oil as a paint binder? ›

In conclusion, virgin coconut oil can be used as a potential binder in the production of lacquer enamel paint.

How do you thicken paint naturally? ›

Combine 1.5 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a saucepan over low heat until a thick consistency is formed. Once the consistency is indeed thick like paste, remove the saucepan from the stove and allow to cool.

Is honey a paint binder? ›

Honey allows for high pigment loads, and an incredibly smooth application. The combination of gum arabic and honey result in a binder that is free from additives and filler, allowing for the purest painting experience possible.

Is beeswax a paint binder? ›

Beeswax is used as a protective coating (varnish) in painting, as a paint binder, and as a stabilizer in oil colors.

What binder is in acrylic paint? ›

Acrylic paint has acrylic polymer as its binder and this forms a film after the water has evaporated. Vehicle - this refers to the part of the paint that carries the pigment and binder.

Is Floetrol a paint binder? ›

We like Floetrol because it does everything well! It binds to the paint for the perfect consistency. It doesn't change the color or finish characteristics.

What is the most commonly used binder? ›

Common traditional binders include sucrose, gelatin and starch. More recently introduced binders include polymers such as cellulose derivatives and polyvinylpyrrolidone, which have improved adhesive properties. Examples of dry binders include cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone and microcrystalline cellulose.

What are the three most common types of binding? ›

The most common types are saddle stich, perfect bound, wire-o, and spiral.

What is the most effective binder? ›

What's the best chest binder to buy?
  • Underworks FTM Gynecomastia Ultimate Chest Binder Tank 997.
  • Idtswch Chest Binder For Transgender Breast Binder Half FTM Binder.
  • Underworks FTM Econo High Power Chest Binder Top.
Jun 4, 2022

Are there different types of binders? ›

Binders for school. A blue binder, a pink binder, and other colorful binders. Binders that have arch mechanisms for keeping the papers in place. 3-ring binders with pockets that are useful for storing papers that have not been hole punched etc and custom binders such as a zipper binder or a presentation binder.

What are the different types of binder material? ›

Binder Type
  • Geopolymer.
  • Binders.
  • Carbonation.
  • Central Composite Design.
  • Low-Temperature.
  • Asphalt Binder.
  • Asphalt Mixture.
  • Binder Content.

What kind of resin is used for paint? ›

Adding epoxy resin to a painting or art piece enhances the colors and gives the piece a glossy, clean finish. A clear coat of resin also provides added protection from general wear or scratches.

Is binder and resin the same? ›

The binder, or resin, is usually what gives the coating its name, such as polyurethane or acrylic.

Which resins are included in binders? ›

Silicone and acrylic-based resins enable excellent adhesion, durability and protection when used as binders and film formers in paints, coatings, finishes and personal care products.

What is the safest type of binder? ›

The most popular safe methods are to use commercial binders, sports bras, strategic layering, and bandages or elastic materials. If you're binding frequently, make sure to take breaks throughout the day and take days off, as binding continuously can cause negative side effects (2,4).

What are examples of binders? ›

Binders are usually:
  • Microcrystalline Cellulose.
  • Starches.
  • Lactose.
  • Sugar alcohols like mannitol.
  • Polymers like PVP and PEG.
  • Isomalt.
  • More.

How do paint binders work? ›

They are what holds the pigments in place and binds all the ingredients of the coating together. All of these ingredients are what makes up a coating's protective attributes. Getting the correct ratio of binders in your coatings makes a big difference in it's appearance and durability.

What type of paint uses milk or egg for a binder? ›

Tempera (Italian: [ˈtɛmpera]), also known as egg tempera, is a permanent, fast-drying painting medium consisting of colored pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder medium, usually glutinous material such as egg yolk.

What is the ingredient in paint which binds the ingredients together? ›

Binders. Paint binder is a major ingredient which provides the binding effect which holds the paint pigments together and is responsible for a paint coating/ layer on the surface after drying.

What is the material used to thin a paint binder? ›

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.

Is walnut oil a paint binder? ›

Walnut oil has indeed been in use by oil painters for centuries, but as a binder, not a solvent. Reference texts characterize it as “short” compared to linseed oil: that is, it doesn't flow like linseed oil and is more apt to produce crisp, stroke-showing daubs of paint.

Does Vaseline stop paint? ›

Vaseline can be used as a substitute for painter's tape on touch ups. Apply a layer to surfaces you want to protect from paint such as door knobs, windows or hard surfaced floors.

Will Vaseline keep paint from sticking? ›

Do you have a painting project in your future? If so, try Vaseline as a substitute for painter's tape. Apply a thin layer to mask surfaces where you don't want the paint to adhere, such as window glass, door hinges or knobs, and the edges of linoleum, tile, or wood floors.

How can I make my paint adhesion better? ›

Sandblasting or liquid honing a part prior to painting to increase the surface roughness is an excellent way to promote paint adhesion. These processes may also help reduce the need for other deburring methods.

What oil is best for making oil paint? ›

Linseed oil is the most common drying oil used in oil paint manufacture; however Poppy, Walnut and Safflower are all used as well.

Does baking soda thicken paint? ›

So when you add baking soda to your paint it doesn't react with the paint in any way. It just adds texture, the grains of baking soda in the paint create the texture. Baking powder however reacts with the paint and changes it. As you'll see in pictures below the paint bubbles up, making it thicker.

How do you make paint super thick? ›

How to Thicken Acrylic Paint Using Cornstarch or Flour
  1. Add some water and cornstarch into a pot, turn on the heat and let the mixture thicken into a paste.
  2. Stir continually until you achieve the consistency you desire.
  3. If you need to, add in some more cornstarch.
Sep 16, 2022

Can flour make paint thicker? ›

If you're in a pinch and need to thicken your latex paint right away, experiment with the same household thickening agents that can be used for tempera paints: flour, cornstarch, salt, sugar, sand or sawdust.

What type of paint uses hot bees wax as a binder? ›

Encaustic painting uses beeswax as its medium. Beeswax is probably the oldest known pigment binder, and the technique of Encaustic goes back to the Ancient Greeks where beeswax, resin and pigments were used to paint warships.

Can you mix honey with paint? ›

Honey also keeps the paint from getting rock hard on the palette, and the moist, slightly sticky hygroscopic influence of honey gives body to the paint making it easy to work with. Honey too has a way of blending and evenly dissolving the pigments for smooth washes of color when painting.

What paint medium uses wax as a binder? ›

Encaustic paint mixes dry pigment with a heated beeswax binder. The mixture is then brushed or spread across a support surface. Reheating allows for longer manipulation of the paint. Encaustic dates back to the first century C.E. and was used extensively in funerary mummy portraits from Fayum in Egypt.

What are the three ingredients in paint? ›

Paint is a science of ratio. At the core paint involves three components: solvent, pigment and resin.
  • Solvent, either water or oil, is the component in which the chemicals are dispersed. ...
  • Pigment impacts the concentration of the paint. ...
  • Resin/Latex/Binder are the variables that give each paint its unique properties.

Why binder is used in pigment printing? ›

BINDERS FOR TEXTILE PIGMENT PRINTING

High chemical and mechanical stability with good runability. High chemical and mechanical stability with good runability. High chemical and mechanical stability with good runability.

What is the difference between binder and vehicle? ›

The vehicle, which is the liquid portion, generally consists of two parts, one nonvolatile, the other volatile. The non-volatile vehicle forms the film and is also called the binder because it binds or holds the pigment to the surface.

What is the binder in enamel paint? ›

Resins are the binder in paint, which is the part that does the work of adhesion and overall bonding to the surface. Pigments (dry or liquid) provide hiding and color. The solvent or thinner keeps the product a liquid from the can to the surface.

What is a binder in oil painting? ›

The binder in oil paint is linseed oil. The solvent could a variety of things, but most often it is turpentine or mineral spirits. Understanding the properties of the ingredients found in any paint will affect your success when painting with them.

What is the difference between pigment and binders? ›

The binder surrounds the pigment particles and holds them in place. Pigments produce paints that are more opaque than dyes and have low tinting strength. Opacity is the ability for paint to cover and hide another dried color that it has been applied over.

What is the ratio of pigment to binder? ›

The most common measure of pigment concentration is called “P/B,” pigment-to-binder ratio. This is simply the weight of the pigment divided by the weight of the binder ingredients (usually polymers) in the dry film.

What are the cons of binders? ›

They aren't waterproof, so give it plenty of time to dry out. Wearing a wet binder can lead to skin irritation.
...
If your binder is too small or too tight, it can:
  • Restrict breathing.
  • Irritate your skin.
  • Break skin around the edges of the binder.
  • Cause overheating.
  • Bruise or fracture your ribs.
Apr 9, 2021

Can you use oil as a paint binder? ›

The oil holds the pigments together as a paint film, so it is important to have enough oil to form a strong film. But oil is a slow-drying binder because it hardens by oxidation (absorbing oxygen from the air) and not by evaporation. Having too much oil will mean that the paint can take years to become even touch-dry.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Stevie Stamm

Last Updated:

Views: 6312

Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Stevie Stamm

Birthday: 1996-06-22

Address: Apt. 419 4200 Sipes Estate, East Delmerview, WY 05617

Phone: +342332224300

Job: Future Advertising Analyst

Hobby: Leather crafting, Puzzles, Leather crafting, scrapbook, Urban exploration, Cabaret, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.