Interior Decora

Do you wish to learn more about how paint works? Then read on.

When paint is applied to a surface, the drying process starts. The outer layer of paint evaporates and leave behind a thin film which is a composition of binder, additives and pigment.

Paint drys in two different ways. Oil-based paint dries by releasing solvent while ‘coalescence’ is used to discribe the drying process of water based paint. Do note that paint must be allowed to dry properly, if not, this can lead to cracking, peeling and other problems.

In the drying process of oil based paint, the paint particles begin to connect and form newer, longer particles in a process known as chemical bonding. However, the pigment, binder and additives do not bond together as paint dries. What actually happened is that the  particles move closer together until they fill up the gaps left by the evaporating water particles. (coaalescence.)

So what result can we get from the two different drying process? Oil based paint tends to be hard and brittle while water based paint tends to be softer and is more flexible.

So the next time you wish to select a paint for your expansion joints, do use water based paint as it allows for expansion and contraction.