Solvents: what happen?

Conventionally, solubilizing agents can be divided into solvents and diluents. The solvent dissolves the binder and also reduces the viscosity, i.e. the fluidity of the paint. Diluent only lowers the viscosity (suitable for ink diluent, generally indicated by the manufacturer in the bank). On this basis the paint is divided into two classes-borne and water-soluble.

Paints based on organic solvents. They tend to form denser and therefore little or not "breathe" surface film. Designed for wood and metal surfaces. The solvent is usually used mineral spirits, less solvent. The advantages of paints based on organic solvents should include, first of all, the possibility of their use at low temperatures, which can significantly expand the seasonality of works. It is also important that the freshly applied coating can not be damaged by adverse weather conditions such as rain. Disadvantages are reduced to the fact that such dyes are characterized by high toxicity and flammability.

Water-soluble paints. The main advantage of these materials is that instead of expensive, flammable and toxic organic solvents in which water is used. And a diluent is also water. Such paints have virtually no odor, dries quickly. The ability to "breathe" in the film formed by them, as a rule, is essential, because they are much more suitable for mineral surfaces.

Useful binders and existing paint.

Binders - the major component of paint. They form on the solid surface well adheres thereto and sufficiently hard film. Their properties depend largely on curing speed, strength and durability of the resulting film. That binder (film-forming) and gives the paint, if I may say so, the name - oil, alkyd, acrylic, latex, polyurethane, vinyl, etc. There are about 40 kinds of colors, are used for facades dozen.