Understanding Types and Functions of Paint and Coatings- When it comes to using paint and coatings, understanding the types and functions of paint and coatings is an important step to take. With a deep understanding of the available varieties and qualities of paint and coatings, you can easily make the right choice according to your needs. Therefore, this article will explain the types and functions of paint and coatings that you need to know. Here is the discussion!
1. Decorative or Architectural Paint
Decorative paint is a type of paint primarily used for decorative purposes, although it also provides some level of protection. As the name suggests, this type of paint is commonly used to coat building walls and other parts of a building or house. For concrete walls, surfaces with cement render or gypsum paneling, and wooden frames, acrylic emulsion paint is commonly used. Alkyd enamel paint, also known as oil-based paint, can be used for wooden window or door frames, wooden objects, and iron fences. Innovations in product development and marketing have led to "new" decorative paint types such as waterproofing paint, mosquito-repellent paint, antibacterial paint, and others. These types
ofpaint can generally be purchased at hardware stores.
2. Industrial Paint
Industrial paint is a type of paint specifically used for certain industries and is usually not sold to the general public. These paint and coating products are directly ordered by specific industries from paint and coating manufacturers. Industrial paint and coatings can be further classified into two subtypes:
a. Metal Coating: Examples include paint and coatings used for food can containers, paint and coatings for iron drum packaging, and paint and coatings for refrigerator walls. Generally, this type of paint and coating is used to coat objects with metal surfaces. The function of these paint and coatings is also related to the safety aspects of the packaged products.
b. Non-Metal Coating: Examples include paint for wooden furniture, paint and coatings for computer and laptop surfaces, and paint for mobile phones. In this case, the emphasis is on aesthetics and decoration. When used on wooden objects, these paint and coatings function as a preservative, prolonging the lifespan of the object.
3. Automotive Paint
Automotive paint is used in the automotive industry for both decorative and corrosion resistance purposes. This category includes various types of paint and coatings due to the many components involved in the automotive industry. For the final top coat of the exterior body of cars and motorcycles, metallic aluminum-based paint, commonly known as metallic paint, is widely used. Automotive paint and coatings can be further divided into two subtypes:
a. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): This type of paint and coating is used by automotive manufacturers and assembly plants. OEM paint and coatings are not sold to the general public; they are only ordered by automotive manufacturers according to their respective standards and specifications. Paint and coatings used for metal parts are cured by heating them in a high-temperature oven between 120°C and 150°C. This unique curing process gives OEM paint and coatings their specific hardness.
b. Automotive Refinishes: This type of paint and coating is used by vehicle body repair shops for repairing damaged exterior surfaces. The durability of these paint and coatings is lower than that of OEM paint and coatings. They can be cured in an oven at a temperature of approximately 60°C and cannot be cured at high temperatures like OEM coatings because some parts of the automotive object are made of plastic or electronic instrumentation and entertaiment system inside the car are not resistant to high temperatures.
4. Marine Offshore Protective Coating (MOPC)
This type of paint is primarily designed for the protection of large objects made of iron or metal materials. Its main function is to provide protection against rust or corrosion and in some cases for safety aspect. Aesthetic or decorative aspect are not prioritized in this case. This type of paint and coating is usually ordered directly by users from manufacturers. However, there are also paint stores that sell it in limited types and quantities. Common users of this type of paint and coating are engineering contractors, shipbuilding industries, and large-scale factory installation contractors. Examples of its applications include paint and coating for fuel tanks, chemical plants, and bridges made of iron or metal.
Within these four categories of paint and coatings, there are some types that are somewhat ambiguous in their classification. An example of this is furniture paint and coating. This type of paint is generally transparent in color and is often referred to as varnish. This product can be classified as both decorative paint and industrial paint.
When selecting paint and coatings, it is important to consider your specific needs and usage goals. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with paint and coating specialists to ensure that you choose the right type of paint that suits your needs.
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