How is paint made? We use paint for a variety of reasons on a multitude of applications, but never actually think about where it comes from. It’s often used for DIY projects, to stop injury, sold as art, and also graffiti. But how is it possible paint can be used for so many things?
In this article, we will discuss the essential ingredients in paint that give it the versatile textures we know and love, and quality control measures to ensure it’s suitable for the job.
How Is Paint Made?
The proposed formula is first tested in a laboratory. It takes into account environmental factors, the requirement of the paint, priming and top coats, and colour. Once confirmed, it is made into large batches and distributed to suppliers.
Paint is capable of both building careers and crime. It brings joy and improved aesthetics, but can also be a pain(t) to maintain. So, how is paint made?
The process typically includes:
- Preparation: all the ingredients will be measured and mixed together by a machine
- Adding pigment: the colourant is added, broken down and blended in by the paste
- Thinning (if required): an additional solvent may be required to get the correct consistency
- Testing: before the paint is sealed shut and shipped, the texture and appearance is tested one last time
How Is Quality Checked in Paint Production?
Each batch of paint is quality-checked during the manufacturing process. The process is as follows:
- Material inspection
- Mixing and blending quality
- Colour matching
- Consistency testing
- Drying time
- Performance testing
- Colour or quality changes over time
- Environmental and safety impact
Manufacturers must follow the regulations and ensure once the paint is sealed, the information labels are correct and clear on the tin.
What Are the Core Ingredients in Paint?
Do you require acrylic paint with a top coat for your pottery business, or perhaps a primed metal paint for your bicycle? There’s not just one formula for all paints — your requirement determines the key ingredients in paint.
Similar to the formula, there is no one substance used to make paint. But how is paint made in general? There are actually three main components:
- Solvent
Solvents are typically liquid and make it possible to dissolve other substances. It’s essentially the first step to mixing and thinning all the other ingredients. There are four main solvent types:
- Mineral and white spirits: these are derived from petroleum, used for oil paints, and create a smoother paint
- Turpentine: this is made from pine trees, is used for oil paints, dries quickly, and thins the paint
- Water: this perfectly mixes, blends, and binds the ingredients together and dries quickly
- Alcohol: typically isopropyl or ethanol, these are used for specialty paints and coatings due to their quick-drying and adhesive properties
- Pigment
The next important step is pigment. There are four main types of pigments:
- Inorganic: these are made from chemicals (e.g., titanium dioxide = white)
- Organic: these are carbon-based (e.g., phthalocyanines = blues and greens)
- Natural: these are derived from minerals, plants, or animals (e.g., ochre = neutral, earthy tones)
- Speciality: these change the opacity and finish (e.g., fluorescent or pearlescent)
You may use the national RAL colour chart to determine which pigment is best suited for your project. This ensures a perfect colour match with the correct code and official pigment name.
- Binder
This last substance used to make paint makes long-lasting, durable paint possible. When creating paint at home, many forget about the importance of binders. Whereas, artists flock towards them. But why?
- Resin: either liquid or solid, this ingredient is often more expensive and only used by professionals due its aggressive nature. Its main properties are durability, abrasion and environmental resistance, and hardness.
- Latex: this liquid material is derived from rubber trees. Its purposes are quick drying, adhesion, and resistance to cracking when applied well.
- Binders: a binder produces a glue-like liquid or solid that ensures pigment adhesion. But its main qualities are durability, moisture resistance, and finish quality.
Bulk Paint Orders at BC Paints
Every manufacturing process is different, but we hope this little snippet has inspired you to learn more about the different types of paint and their properties.
BC Paints is the UK’s leading paint manufacturer, producing and supplying paints for a variety of projects from non-slip factory floor paint to durable vehicle paint. We ensure only the highest quality paints, made with the best ingredients on the market.
We guarantee a reduced lead time on all our products and discounts for bulk orders, offering nationwide delivery to any business.
But how is paint made at BC Paints? Get in touch today with any questions about our specific manufacturing process or the products we have to offer.
