Different types and grades of paint provide different application and resistance properties, depending upon the kinds and levels of ingredients used to create the paint. In turn, the properties of a paint determine the general quality of the coating. Some of the many paint properties affected by the ingredients are highlighted below:

In general terms, all paints have four basic components that impact these properties. These components are listed below (for a more detailed description, click on the individual component):

PIGMENTS: provide color and hiding; some are used to impart bulk at low cost; inhibitive pigments are used to boost corrosion

BINDER: also called resin or polymer, it “binds” the pigment together and provides film integrity and adhesion. For waterborne acrylic coatings, the binder is a waterborne acrylic latex polymer

LIQUID: also referred to as the “carrier”, it provides desired consistency and makes it possible to apply the pigment and binder to the surface being painted

ADDITIVES: low-level ingredients that provide specific paint properties such as mildew resistance, defoaming, and good flow and leveling

Click here to watch a short video on the formulation of waterborne acrylic industrial coatings