The Student Work Experience Programme

(SWEP) for 2019/2020 SESSION

REPORT ON THE PRODUCTION OF PAINT

BY ERICA TIM-OSEGHE
MATRICULATION NUMBER 18CF024002
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL
ENGINEERING

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ABSTRACT

This report gives a detailed description of the topic of paint: Its types, components and how it is made.

It also focuses on what was done during the paint production section of SWEP where a particular type of
paint was produced and applied.

Given that different colours of pigments were available, each of them (blue,black,red,Orange and Green)
was added to two parent colours of paint produced (Magnolia and Harmattan Grey). This was to show
variation of paint when certain colours of pigments are applied to them.

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TABLE OF CONTENT
PAGE NUMBER
TITLE PAGE 1
ABSTRACT 2
LIST OF CONTENTS 3
INTRODUCTION 4
THEORY 5
METHODOLOGY 22
RESULT 28
REFERENCES 30

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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Paint has been discovered as far back as 40000 years ago making it one of the earliest
inventions of humanity.
The first painting was made by primitive men, believed to have been made by Homo
Neanderthals in the prehistoric era. Archaeological excavations carried out in Europe,
Africa and Asia reveal that primitive men were the first painters and sculptors and
demonstrated through these arts their daily lives.
Archaeologists and anthropologists have been studying and dating these discoveries. The
pieces extracted from the excavations are historical documents, true testimonies of the
beginning of man’s life in remote times and of extinct cultures.
Paint has evolved over time from using pigments that had minerals like blood, sap, berry
juices, dry plants and roots also gums or animal glue that helped mixture to stick to walls
to be decorated to chemicals such as pVA, Resin and other compounds.
Paint can be used for several reasons: as a decorative material, construction purpose and
give meaning to various equipment.

1.2 Applications of Paint

Paint can be used for the following:
 To beautify/ decorate a surface, space or building.
 To serve as a corrective measure to cover or fill unwanted surfaces
 To protect the surface of a wall or object from sunlight, dampness, dust, abrasion,
and weathering. 
 To colour and possibly provide texture to objects.
 For Construction purposes, paint is used for surface durability, pest protection,
chemical protection, and visual appeal. 
 To provide easily cleanable surfaces that help keep the substrates clean and tidy. 
 To help alter the interior of a building by the use of colour, light or darkness, matt
or reflective surfaces and not to forget with texture.

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CHAPTER 2: THEORY

2.1 Paint

Fig 2.1 Diagram of Paint in different colours

Paint is any pigmented liquid, liquefiable, or solid mastic composition that, after

application to a substrate in a thin layer, converts to a solid film (Wikipedia contributor,
2021). A Paint is essentially a coating or covering material applied on metallic or non-
metallic surfaces for decorative or protective purposes.
Paints can be defined as a liquid solution of pigment (coloring material) and solvent,
which is applied on different surfaces for decorative or protective reasons and also be
defined as dispersion of pigment (coloring substance) in a suitable drying oil in the
presence of a solvent (paint thinner). There are different kinds of paint and depending on
how good the quality of paint is and the type of object it is being placed on, it can either
beautify or make the particular point not to be decorated to its optimum.

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2.1.1 Quality of good Paint
Paint should have the following to be termed ‘high quality’:
 Good Hiding Power: It should be capable of covering the existing surface of
material uniformly and thoroughly.
 Color: after its use on outer surfaces, they are exposed to the atmosphere. Due to
the exposure to the atmosphere, it may be effected by rain or various types of
radiation from sunlight, which will cause bad effects on its ‘Color’.
Good paints must maintain its color under all these conditions or in any other
circumstance.
 Resistance: Paints should be chemically inert to the atmosphere. This is essential
if it has to protect the underlying surface of a metal.
 Easy Application: They might have to be used over wide surface areas.
It is, therefore, necessary that it should be of such a nature that can be spread
easily, smoothly, and uniformly.
 Economical in Cost: Types of Paint should be selected according to the
construction, and its cost should be as low as possible. Costly paints should not be
used in common constructions.

2.1.2 Classification of Paint

Paint can be classified into two
 Water-Based paint
 Oil based paint

[Link] Water-Based paint

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Water-based paint is a paint manufactured with water as the solvent. Water-based
paint is a staple in almost every interior and exterior painting project. This type of paint is
easy to clean up, dries quickly, and doesn’t have a harsh odor like some oil-based paints.
Water-based paints contain acrylic and/or vinyl. The terms acrylic and latex are applied
to water-based paints used for home painting, but both contain acrylic as a bonder. Some
lower quality paints use more vinyl instead of acrylic resin.
 Acrylic Paint: In general, any paint labeled “acrylic” has more acrylic polymers
than latex paint. Due to this, acrylic paint typically costs more and provides better
adhesions, durability, and resiliency. The extra cost is not worth it for interior
drywall, but for kitchen cabinets or outdoor furniture. Some manufacturers use the
word “enamel” in the paint description to describe acrylic paint that is especially
durable.
 Latex Paint: To save costs, latex paint contains a lower ratio of acrylic polymers.
This type of paint is perfect for a vertical surface like walls but will not look won’t
good on a piece of outdoor furniture. Professionals use this paint frequently
because it provides greater coverage than acrylic paint, is less expensive, and more
eco-friendly.

[Link] Oil based paint

Oil paint is a type of slow-drying paint that consists of particles of pigment suspended in
a drying oil, commonly linseed oil. The viscosity of the paint may be modified by the
addition of a solvent such as turpentine or white spirit, and varnish may be added to
increase the glossiness of the dried oil paint film. Oil-based paints are made with either
alkyd (synthetic) or linseed (natural) oils. Alkyd paint is more common because it is less
expensive and tougher (In some places in the world, it is illegal to use).
Oil-based paints are extremely durable and can withstand routine contact, making
them ideal for moldings and trims.

Differences between the water and oil-based paints are based on the following
parameters:
 Appearance: Water based paint does not have a shiny coating and it may require
multiple coats of paint to achieve a level finish (The matte finish does, however,

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hide defects well). Oil paint is very shiny. Often referred to as “high gloss” paint, oil
based paint does not hide defects very effectively.
 Endurance / Durability: Latex (water-based) paints stand up well without
cracking and do not turn yellow over time. Latex paint resists cracking (turns
yellow over time). Can crack and chip and lift off of the surface. Oil paint does
however usually cover the surface in one coat.
 Drying time: 4-6 hours of drying time is usually enough for latex paints. Water
based paint will dry much faster than Oil Based Paint. Oil-based paint can take 6-8
hours to dry to the touch, and you may have to wait up to 24 hours to apply a
second coat of paint.
 Eco-Friendliness: Water based paint contains much less Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOC’s)-better for use by people with sensitive sinuses. Oil-based
paint contains much more VOC’s, thus the strong chemical like odors that require
much more ventilation.
 Cleanup-Water based paint can be cleaned up quite easily with soap and water
while Oil based paint will require harsh chemicals like Mineral Spirits to clean up.

A useful method can be used to check whether paint is water or oil-based by using a
damp cotton ball/pad or cotton swab over a small area on the surface. If the paint does not
rub off, it is oil-based paint and you will need to prime the surface. If the paint comes off,
it is a water or latex-based paint and you can proceed by painting over the surface with
any type of paint.

2.1.3 Types of paint

Different types of paint are categorized into two:

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In terms of Construction:
 Oil Paint.
 Enamel Paint. This type of paint is produced by adding lead or zinc to varnish.
 Emulsion Paint.
 Cement Paint.
 Bituminous Paint.
 Aluminium Paint.
 Anti-Corrosive Paint.
 Synthetic Rubber Paint.

In terms of Interior and exterior:

 Oil-Based Paint.
 Water-Based Paint.
 Latex-Based Paint.
 Primer.
 Flat Paint.
 Matte Paint.
 Eggshell Paint.
 Satin Paint.

Some of this paint types are explained below:

 Oil Paint: Oil paints use white lead as a base, and are applied in three coats:
primer, undercoat and finish coat. Oil paints can achieve mat and glossy
finishes, while being durable and affordable. They are characterized by their

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ease of application, and painted surfaces are easy to clean. Oil paint is
commonly used in walls, doors, windows and metal structures.
It is noted that oil paint is not suitable for humid conditions, and it takes time to
dry completely. Also, before application of oil paints, linseed oil and pigments
must be added to it.
 Enamel Paint: This type of paint is produced by adding lead or zinc to varnish.
Pigments are added to achieve a wide variety of colors. Enamel paints form
hard and glossy coatings, which are easily cleaned. They are characterized by
being waterproof and chemically resistant, offering good coverage and color
retention.
The following are some common uses of enamel paint:
i. Interior and exterior walls
ii. Wood trims, doors, and flooring
iii. Windows
iv. Stairs
v. Surfaces like wicker, masonry, concrete, plaster, glass, and metals.
The main limitations of enamel paint are slow drying, and requiring a titanium
coating before application.
 Emulsion Paint: Emulsion paints use polyvinyl acetate and polystyrene as
binding materials, and they contain driers like cobalt and manganese. They can be
water or oil based, and pigments are used to achieve the desired color. Emulsion
paints are characterized by their fast drying and hardening, and surfaces can be
cleaned easily with water. Once applied, enamel paints offer durability, good color
retention, and alkali resistance.
Emulsion paints are commonly used for interior walls, ceilings and masonry work.
Some specialized types of emulsion paints can be used for woodwork.

 Cement Paint: Cement paint is available in powder form, which is mixed with
water to achieve paint consistency. The base material is white or colored cement,
and it may also contain pigments, accelerators and other additives. Cement paint is
durable and waterproof, and it is commonly used in rough internal and external
surfaces.

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Consider that cement paint has a long drying time, typically 24 hours. It must also
be applied in two coats to prevent dampness issues.
 Bituminous Paint: This type of paint is made from dissolved asphalt or tar, which
gives it a characteristic black color. It is waterproof and alkali-resistant, but not
suitable for applications where it will be exposed to the sun, since it deteriorates.
Bituminous paint is commonly used in underwater ironworks, concrete
foundations, wooden surfaces and iron pipes. It also helps provide rust resistance
when applied in metals.
 Aluminium Paint: This type of paint is produced by mixing aluminium particles
with oil varnish. It is resistant to corrosion, electricity and weather exposure.
Aluminum paint is commonly used for metals and wood, and some specific
applications are gas tanks, oil tanks, water pipes and radiators.
 Anti-Corrosive Paint: Anticorrosive paint is characterized by its chemical
resistance, as implied by its name. It is made from linseed oil, zinc chrome and
fine sand. Anticorrosive paint has a black color, and it is durable and affordable. It
is normally used for metallic surfaces and pipes.
 Synthetic Rubber Paint: This paint is made from dissolved synthetic resins, and
can include pigments. It has a moderate cost and its main benefits are chemical
resistance, fast drying and weather resistance. Synthetic rubber paint is used for
concrete surfaces in general, and this includes fresh concrete.
 Cellulose Paint: Cellulose paint is produced from celluloid sheets, amyl acetate
and photographic films. Adhesion can be improved by adding castor oil, and
surfaces can be easily cleaned and washed once the paint has dried. This type of
paint is characterized by its quick drying, smooth finish and hardness, while
offering resistance to water, smoke and acids. Thanks to its properties, cellulose
paint is commonly used in cars and airplanes.
The main disadvantage of cellulose paint is its high price.

 Plastic Paint: This paint uses water as a thinner, and it is available in a wide range
of colors. It dries very quickly and offers high coverage. The following are some
common applications:
[Link] and ceilings of auditoriums, showrooms, display rooms, etc
[Link]
[Link]

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 Silicate Paint: This type of paint is made from a mixture of silica and resinous
substances. Its performance benefits include good adhesion, hardness, heat
resistance, and being chemically unreactive with metals. Therefore, this type of
paint is commonly used in metal structures.
 Casein Paint: This paint is made from casein mixed with white pigments. It is
available in powder and paste form, and pigments can be added. Casein paint is
commonly used to paint walls, ceilings and wood.
 Primer: A primer or undercoat is a preparatory coating put on materials before
painting. Priming ensures better adhesion of paint to the surface, increases paint
durability, and provides additional protection for the material being painted.
Primers are available in oil, latex or shellac based.
[Link] Based Primer: Oil based primer is suitable for both interior and exterior
application. It is mainly used for wood work, i.e. new wood, painted wood, dry wood,
etc. It can be used on metal surfaces as well.
[Link] Primer: Latex primer is the best option for interior and exterior surfaces
including drywall, plaster, masonry, woodwork and painted metal. Latex primer is also
known as an acrylic primer and basically, it is water based.
It is more flexible, fast drying, water soluble and less brittle than the oil based
primer. It also comes with low or no VOC compounds, making them a healthier
alternative to oil based and shellac primer.
 Flat paint: It is also called "matte paint. '' It is a type of paint that has a very
minimum reflective finish and dries instantly. This paint gives a best color payout
and if a wall has patches, uneven textures or any other imperfections, this color
makes these flaws less noticeable and gives an overall matte look. Flat paint has a
non-reflective finish that will feel slightly chalky and rough when you run your
hand across it.
The finish is quite velvety in appearance and is initially very attractive since the
lack of reflectiveness hides bumps and gouges. It provides a very contemporary
and modern look
 Eggshell paint: is a paint sheen, or gloss, that looks and feels somewhat flat but
with a slight gloss to it. Eggshell paint is between matte (or flat) and satin paint
sheens.
Eggshell paint reflects more light than matte to produce a low luster. This low
luster pulls out more of the paint’s color than a flat sheen and it gives the room a

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soft glow. Because eggshell paint has a slight gloss, it is easier to maintain than
matte or flat paint.
 Satin paint: Satin paint has some sheen to it, and is an excellent choice for
hardworking rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms. It stands up exceptionally well
to scrubbing and regular cleaning. However, its glossiness highlights wall
imperfections like cracks, divots or poorly patched areas

2.2 Components of Paint

All paints generally have four main ingredients -- pigments, binders, solvents (liquids)
and additives.
A relationship relating these components is given below:
Paint = Binder + Solvent Additives + Pigment + Extender

Fig 2.2 Diagram representing how components of paint are proportioned in a bucket

2.2.1 Pigments

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Fig 2.3 Diagram showing colours of different pigments
A pigment is a colored material that is completely or nearly insoluble in water. Pigments
are the compounds added to materials to give them color and coverage. Pigments are
usually in powered form but when the undergo change they form paste. This deceptively
simple application has shaped our perception of the world via art, fashion, and even
computer displays and medicine. Pigments are used in other products apart from paints
such as inks, plastics, fabrics, cosmetics even food.
There are two types of pigments:
i. Organic Pigments: This type of pigments occurs naturally and they’ve been used
for centuries. They’re quite simple in their chemical structure. They’re named
organic as they contain minerals and metals that give them their colour. Organic
pigment manufacturers produce them through a simple process that’s made of
washing, drying, powdering and combining into a formulation. Compared to
inorganic pigments, these usage of these pigments is less frequent and that’s why
there are limited number of organic pigment suppliers. These pigments are used
when the required colour strength isn’t too much.
ii. Inorganic Pigments: this type of pigments is exactly the opposite type of organic
pigments. These pigments are also known as “synthetic pigments.” They’re
formulized in labs and offer great scope of control to inorganic pigment
manufacturers. Inorganic pigments are manufactured by relatively simple chemical
processes such as oxidation.
Inorganic pigment suppliers supply this type of pigments mainly to paints,
plastics, synthetic fibres and ink industry. In uses where bright colours are

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required, organic pigments are used as they bolster high colour strength. Inorganic
pigments include white opaque pigments which are commonly used to lighten
other colours and also to provide opacity.
Examples of inorganic pigments is titanium dioxide which is usually white in
colour which is inorganic having a high capacity, another one is yellow oxide
which has a fairly high capacity, Red oxide which is Inorganic, very high.

2.2.2 Binders
 Binders are ingredients that provide a binding effect that holds the pigments together to
create a dry film on the surface. Paint binders are used to firmly attach the pigment to the
surface and into a continuous film. A paints binder is the key ingredient that directly
relates to a paints performance, including adhesion, wash-ability, scrub resistance, fade
resistance or gloss retention.
In general, the higher the ratio of binder to pigment, the higher the quality of the paint.
In high quality paints, manufacturers 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.

2.2.3 Solvents (liquids)

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.

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Biocides can be added for applications in exterior or high moisture areas to limit
biological growth on the paint’s surface.
Common solvents historically used as paint thinners include:
 Mineral spirits (US)/White spirit (UK)
 Acetone.
 Turpentine.
 Naphtha.
 Toluene.
 Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
 Dimethylformamide (DMF)
 2-Butoxyethanol, or any of the other glycol ethers.

2.2.4 Extenders
An extender pigment is a naturally occurring chemical substance (usually having a white
color) that is added to a paint or coating to improve its properties such as durability, cost,
and resistance to corrosion or wear.
Extender pigments are added in order to reduce the cost of a paint formulation. They are
also used to modify the flow (viscosity), sedimentation stability and film strength. Most
extenders appear white and possess a refractive index similar to commonly used binders.
Majority of them occur naturally and others can be produced synthetically. Aluminium
silicate, magnesium silicate (talc), silica, calcium carbonate (synthetic and natural) and
barium sulfate are some commonly used extender in paints and coatings.

2.3 Production of paint

There are five critical parts in the paint manufacturing process. These parts are:
 Measurement of ingredients
 Preparation and pigment dispersion

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 Let-down
 Laboratory testing
 Canning (Packaging).
Paint is manufactured in large quantity. Using calibrated vats, the ingredients are
measured and weighed accurately on scales. Pigments are added next. These powders are
small and stick together forming clumps. Due to this, they are broken down by the resin
and additives that keep them from sticking together- this is called dispersion.
Industrial paint mixer machines are used to combine and disperse the pigments.
In the let-down stage, the resin, solvent, and additives are combined in a large vat. The
mill-base is stirred in during this phase. Any final additions are added during this stage, if
necessary. The finished product is then tested in a laboratory. Before manufacturing is
approved, critical ingredients are tested. They will ensure it is sufficiently mixed and no
further processing is needed. Viscosity, tint strength, color, gloss, dry time, and overall
appearance are tested.
When the batch is complete, it can be canned/packaged. Two samples are taken during
this phase. A retained sample is kept and stored for future references, and then there is the
final inspection sample. The final sample is inspected to guarantee conformance to
standards. Once the final sample has been completed, it can be dispatched.
Another website gives a more thorough description of how paint is made from the
laboratory to filling.

2.3.1 Laboratory
Before production starts each separate paint has a unique formula developed for it in the
laboratory. During this development stage the paint's quality aspects are comprehensively
tested. The laboratory is also responsible for inspecting the raw materials before they go
into the product and monitoring the quality during the production process. In addition to
the above activities, particular attention is also given to research into new raw materials
and paint systems.

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2.3.2 Weighing the raw materials
The central warehouse stores all the dry raw materials. This includes pigments and
extenders, as well as binders such as dextrine and Gum arabic which is later made liquid
through dilution. At the start of the production process the dry raw materials are weighed
here accurately to the gram and prepared for transport to the next department, the pre-
mixing department. The pre-mixing department stores the liquid binders and additives.
The correct amount is tapped off, after which the weighed dry raw materials are added.
As small amounts of dry raw materials are left behind in the sacks during this process, the
paint has to be checked at each subsequent production step against standards for the
relevant product according to colour and viscosity, and is adjusted if necessary.

2.3.3 Dispersion
Pigments are insoluble in the binder. They therefore have to be regularly dispersed in the
binder, that is to say finely distributed. This dispersal occurs in two steps: first through
pre-mixing with a mixer and then the final fineness is determined with a triple roll mill.

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2.3.4 Pre-mixing
The pigments are supplied in dry powder form, with the pigment components held
together in clusters. During the pre-mixing these are turned to smaller clusters and
homogenously distributed throughout the binder. The tinting strength of the paint is now
relatively low, but this will increase as the pigment is ground finer in the next production
phase.

2.3.5 Grinding the pigments

In the triple roll mill the pigment clusters are ground further to the desired fineness.
During this process the pigment particles must not get damaged as this may result in a
change of colour. The three rollers rotate in opposite directions with different speeds. The
first roller turns relatively slowly, the second 3 times as fast and the third 9 or 12 times as
fast, depending on the type of mill. The difference in speed helps to grind the pigment
lumps and the paint goes from one roller to the other. The paint is finally removed using a
scraper.

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2.3.6 Fineness inspection
The distance between the rollers determines the fineness of the grind. This process is run
through for a maximum of five times. The finer the grind, the greater the tinting strength
of the paint. The rollers are hollow and are cooled on the inside with water, as the
pigments would otherwise burn through the heat of the friction. Depending on the nature
of the pigment and the purpose of the paint or ink, the pigments are ground to between 2
and 55 microns (1 micron = 1/1000 mm). After the last grinding the paint finally has the
required viscosity.
After the grinding the fineness is checked using the Hegman bar. The depth of the groove
in the bar gradually increases, indicated in microns. The paint is thinned to a certain
viscosity and then applied to the groove and levelled off. At the point where the pigment
particles are larger than the thickness of the paint layer they stick up above the surface of
the paint film. At this point, visible to the human eye under skimming light, the fineness
is read off.

2.3.7 Colour inspection

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The new colour is now compared against the standard colour. Both are applied thick as
well as thin so that both the mass tone and the undertone of the colour can be seen. There
must not be a difference between the new colour and the standard colour.

2.3.7 Stability inspection

In order to ensure that only quality products are sold, each batch is left to stand for a
certain time in order to check the stability. After this period another laboratory check is
carried out, and after approval the paint is filled into containers.

2.3.8 Filling
Bottles are filled, closed and then labelled. The final step is to check that the packaging
contains the right amount of paint.

Chapter 3: Methodology
The first main practical conducted was to produce Emulsion paint and the second was to
apply paint on a surface having different pigments

3.1 Apparatus

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The following apparatus were used for the production of Emulsion paint
 Hand-held Paint Mixer
 A Large drum
 Paint Bucket
 Paint Brush

3.1.1 A hand- held Paint mixer

Fig 3.1 Pictures showing (a) A hand-held paint mixer (b) the mixer in use

Portable Electric Paint Mixer tool or hand held paint mixer, is a mixer that could be used
for the paint mixing, putty plaster mixing and latex anamel mixing. It applies to various
viscosity materials mixing. Especially in putty, mortar, resins, and emulsion paints. It is
powered by electricity and speed is controlled with a switch.
It was used in this experiment to mix the components of paint provided to form paint.

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3.1.2 Drum

Fig 3.2 Picture showing a drum

Also known as poly drums, they are the internationally-approved container for shipping
liquid food products, world-wide.
The exact capacity varies by manufacturer, purpose, or other factors. Standard drums
have inside dimensions of 572 millimetres (22.5 in) diameter and 851 millimetres (33.5
in) height. These dimensions yield a volume of about 218.7 litres (57.8 US gal; 48.1 imp
gal), but they are commonly filled to about 200 litres.
It was used as a container to mix the components of paint together.

3.1.3 Paint Buckets

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Fig3.3 Pictures showing (a)Sealed Paint Bucket (b) Paint Buckets stacked

Paint buckets (sometimes referred to as pails) are containers that hold paint while it's
being applied. It can also help to even out any minor inconsistencies in color. It was used
to hold the final product (paint).

3.2 Materials
The following materials were used for this experiment
 Solvent (Texanol, Water)
 Extender (Calcium Carbonate)
 Dye/Pigment
 Dispersant
 Formalin and Ammonia
 Binder

3.2.1 Solvent

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 Water: This is a substance composed of the chemical elements hydrogen and
oxygen and existing in gaseous, liquid, and solid states. It is one of the most
plentiful and essential of compounds. A tasteless and odourless liquid at room
temperature, it has the important ability to dissolve many other substances. Water
serves as the dissolving agent in paint production to mix the chemicals together. A
clean normal water is enough for this task.

 Texanol: This is an organic compound with the chemical formula C12H24O3 and
also called 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate. It is a colourless
liquid with a mild characteristic odour. Texanol is used in paint production as a co-
solvent for synthetic polymers. It swells the molecule, thus softening it and
making it stickier so that when the water evaporates and the molecules of polymer
are forced together, they will for a more complete bond. Texanol normally stays in
the dried film but very slowly migrates out. As this and other semi-permanent
chemicals leave the dried film, shrinkage results as well as hardening and possibly
cracking of the film.

3.2.2 Calcium carbonate 

Fig 3.4 picture of packaged Calcium carbonate

Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula CaCO3. It is a common

substance found in rocks as the minerals calcite and aragonite (most notably as limestone,
which is a type of sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcite) and is the main
component of eggshells, snail shells, seashells and pearls. It is used as an extender, an

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agent to either reduce or enhance gloss, an extender / spacer for titanium dioxide, a
rheology modifier and as a paint and coating additive to make the paint dense.

3.2.3 Formalin and Ammonia

These chemicals are very corrosive and they serve the same function. They are both
preservatives as they prevent the paint from decaying and increase the paint durability.

3.2.4 Dye

Fig 3.5 Picture of different colours of dye in bottles

Dyes are colored liquids with no pigment suspension. Dye consists of organic small
molecules in aqueous or alcoholic solution.

3.3 Procedure
For the production of Emulsion Paint:
 Each component needed for the paint was measured in their right proportions.

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 Water was added to the large drum alongside preservatives (ammonia) and titanium
oxide which was mixed between the ranges of 15-20 minutes using the hand-held
paint mixer.
 Calcium carbonate was added to the mixture and also allowed to mix.
 Nitrosol (thickener) was added to the mixture also but before adding, it was prepared
separately with water, added to the main mixture and mixed until the mixture became
thick.
 Bubbles were observed and in order to reduce this, a defoamer was added to the drum
containing the mixture of water and pigment. Acrylic was also added.
 The yellow pigment was added to give colour to the mixture and mixed properly to
give a light shade of yellow.
 The viscosity was then checked to see whether the paint was too thick or too thin to
apply (Water was applied to make the paint less viscous).
 The paint buckets were rinsed thoroughly with water and final product was put into
each bucket.
 Each bucket was then properly packaged by getting sealed with its cover.

For the application of Paint on a board:

 Things needed for this part were prepared
 The surface of the wooden board was sectioned into 16 spaces.
 Sixteen 4-litre buckets were brought out with eight of them containing the Magnolia
and the rest containing Harmattan Grey (one from each side was grouped together as
the same pigment would be put in them and mixed thoroughly).
 Pigments were then added separately to each set of buckets with the parent paint in
the following order: None, Green, Orange, Blue, Red, Black, Black and Blue, Black
and Red. This was properly mixed.
 Paint with different colours of pigment was then applied to each section with time of
each application noted.
 The paint was then left to dry and the time it took to dry was also noted.
 A second coat of paint was then applied wit the time it was applied and the time it
took to dry noted.

3.4 Safety Precaution

 Each component of paint was properly measured.

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 Machine when not in use was switched off.
 Smoothness of paint was frequently checked while mixing.
 Buckets were properly rinsed before putting paint in them.
 Equipment used to produce the paint was properly rinsed before being stored.

Chapter 4:Results

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Fig 4.1 Pictures showing paint in colour (a) Harmattan Grey and (b) Magnolia

Fig 4.2 Picture showing different colours after adding pigments and applying on each board

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Fig 4.3 Picture showing a closer look at the colours applied on the board

Based on Observation:
For the production of Emulsion paint,
 Bubbles from the mixing process of solvent with titanium oxide and calcium
carbonate were reduced drastically upon addition of a defoamer.
 Colour of mixture changed immediately after yellow pigment was added from
white to dark yellow then a lighter shade of yellow as the paint became thoroughly
mixed.
 As thickener was added to the watery mixture, the mixer became more viscous.
 A smooth consistency was observed after the paint became thicker.

For application of Paint on a surface,

 Drastic change in colour of parent paint while mixed with different pigments was
observed.
 Almost all the paint with different colours of pigment covered the surface of the
board in one coat.

REFERENCES
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 Basic Paint Components and Their Role in Quality, Performance. (2015, August
4). Facilitiesnet. [Link]
Components-and-Their-Role-in-Quality-Performance--16071
 Brian, J. (2018, November 22). What is Paint, Definition, Properties, &
Components of paints. CivilSeek. [Link]
properties-components-of-paint/
 Production process paint. (n.d.). Royal Talens. Retrieved July 29, 2021, from
[Link]
 ralphrosario@[Link]. (2020, June 11). Differences between Oil base and Water
based Paint. Genesis Pro Painting. [Link]
between-oil-vs-water-based-paint/
 Types of Water-Based Paints. (2018, September 25). Five Star Painting.
[Link]
based-paints/
 What is Pigments – What are the Types of Pigments? (n.d.). Meghmani Global.
Retrieved July 28, 2021, from [Link]
what-are-the-types-of-pigments/
 Wikipedia contributors. (2021, July 26). Paint. Wikipedia.
[Link]
%20liquid,or%20provide%20texture%20to%20objects.&text=Most%20paints
%20are%20either%20oil,and%20each%20have%20distinct%20characteristics.

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