The 4 Components of Paints & Coatings

Pigment Binder or Resin Additive? Solvent or Liquid?

Pigment

Two different types of pigment go into a can of paint. First are “prime” pigments. These provide color and hide. Second are low-cost “extender” pigments. By comparison, they add bulk to the product, but have little value as it relates to color.

Higher-quality paints have more of the all-important, yet more expensive prime pigments – all the things that in the end give you easier application as well as better durability and color retention.

Pigments are defined as any insoluble solid in coating materials. They are typically the colorant portion of a coating material, but can also perform other functions.

Some pigments provide corrosion protection, stability in ultraviolet (UV) light, or protection from mold, mildew or bacteria. Others can be used for conductive ability, texture, or metallic or pearlescent appearance.

Rust Bullet Pigment

Rust Bullet Products are very unique in that they contain ONE Pigment – That ONE pigment is the PRIME Pigment. We do not add a low-cost extender pigment to our product.

Binders or Resins

Binders primarily function as an adhesive to the substrate. They are polymer resin systems with varying molecular weights.  The molecules in the binder crosslink during the curing stage to improve strength and create the thin film. The type of binder usually gives the paint formulation its name. Common binders are acrylics, epoxies, polyesters, and urethanes.

A variety of binders are used in today’s paints. These are latex and oil paints. Latex paints contain either 100 percent acrylic, styrene-acrylic, or vinyl acrylic binders. Oil paints typically contain linseed oil, soya oil, or modified oils called alkyds.

The type, quality and amount of binder affect everything from stain resistance and gloss to adhesion and crack resistance. Higher quality binders, found in higher quality paints, adhere to surfaces better and provide enhanced film integrity. This makes them more resistant to cracking, blistering and peeling.

The viscosity of the paint is often attributed to the binders contained in the coating formulation. Coating viscosity must be considered when choosing certain application techniques.

Rust Bullet Binders or Resins

Rust Bullet Products are unique in that not only is the one and only Pigment a PRIME Pigment, The Resin, which is a Urethane, is a PREMIER RESIN. The combination of a single Prime Pigment and a Premier Resin provide the most optimum performance provided by any coating available.

Additives

Additives are the ingredients that give paint a specific benefit that it might not otherwise have. Common additives in higher-end paints include:

* Rheology modifiers – provide better hide and durability
* Mildewcides – keep mildew in check
* Dispersing agents – keep pigment evenly distributed
* Preservatives – prevent spoilage

Additives are usually low molecular weight chemicals in coating formulations that allow coatings to perform specific functions but do not contribute to color.  Non-pigment additives include stabilizers to block attacks of ultraviolet light or heat, curing additives to speed up the crosslinking reaction, co-solvents to increase viscosity, or plasticizers to improve uniform coating.

Rust Bullet Additives

Rust Bullet Products are unique in that there is no need for an Additive. Not only is the one and only Pigment a PRIME Pigment, this Prime Pigment is so unique, that it provides the specific benefits of the additive;

– CORROSION CONTROL
– UV PROTECTION
– THERMAL STABILITY
– APPROPRIATE VISCOSITY

Solvents or Liquids

Providing no added performance benefits, liquids are simply the “carrier” that allows you to get the paint from the can to the surface. As you might guess, top quality paints have a greater ratio of solids (pigment and binders) to liquids, while cheaper paints are more “watered down” with liquid.

Four common types of coating materials are;

* Solvent-based coatings
* High-solids coatings
* Waterborne coatings
* Powder coatings

The names are descriptive of the main type of carrier fluid present in the coating. The carrier fluid is typically a liquid such as an organic solvent or water. The carrier fluid allows the coating material to flow and be applied by methods such as spraying and dipping.

This component may be in the coating formulation before application, but evaporates afterwards to allow the solid materials to immobilize and form the thin protective film.

Despite its temporary presence in the coating material, the solvent plays a major role in how well the film will perform.  Powder coatings have no carrier fluid and consist only of the other three components.

While the solids portion adheres to the work piece, the solvent component of coating materials evaporates and causes the most environmental concern.  The solvent materials are mostly volatile organic compounds (VOCS) that contribute to the creation of ozone (smog) in the lower atmosphere and are toxic to human health.  Some solvents may also be classified as  hazardous air pollutants (HAPS).

US Federal environmental statutes now regulate these VOCs and HAPS.  One way organic finishing facilities have responded to these regulations is by creating coatings with lower solvent content.

Rust Bullet Solvents

RUST BULLET MEETS THE HIGHEST STANDARDS SET FOR VOC COMPLIANCE;

* The SMAQMD RULE 442 – Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District

* The SCAQMD METHOD 318-95 – South Coast Air Quality Management District

Coating Formulations

Coating formulations vary widely, with different types and amounts of pigments, binders, additives, and carrier fluids.

The differences in coating formulations provide film characteristics specifically set for the part and its end-use.

Often, one type of coating cannot be formulated to provide all of the desired properties. Several layers of different coating material may be applied to a surface to form a coating film that will thoroughly protect the part. The first coat is typically called the primer, or undercoat, and the final layers are called topcoats.

Coating Success

Regardless of the coating formulation or number of layers applied, proper surface preparation, application techniques, and curing processes are necessary for the desired coating characteristics to be achieved.

RUST BULLET IS COATING SUCCESS

Rust Bullet Products:

* REQUIRE MINIMAL SURFACE PREPARATION

* EASE OF APPLICATION VIA BRUSH, ROLLER OR SPRAY

* PROVIDE AN ARMOR-TOUGH SURFACE UPON CURING