Paint

Paint is a colored substance that is spread over a surface and dries to leave a thin decorative or protective coating. It consists of three main components: pigment (color), binder (glue), and solvent (thinner).

Description of what it is like

Paint is typically a viscous liquid or paste. Its color and opacity depend on the pigment used. Upon drying, it forms a solid film that adheres to the substrate. The texture can range from matte to high gloss depending on the binder-to-pigment ratio.

• Protection: Protecting metals from rust or the reflective layer in a Silver Mirror from oxidation.
• Signaling: High-visibility colors for safety.
• Camouflage: Blending into the environment.

Origin and where to find it

• Pigment: Sourced from minerals, plants, or soot (see Pigments).
• Binder:
  • Natural: Egg yolk (Tempera), Gum Arabic (Watercolor), Animal Glue (Distemper), Linseed/Walnut Oil (Oil Paint), Casein (Milk Paint).
  • Synthetic: Acrylics, Alkyds.
• Solvent: Water, Turpentine, Mineral Spirits.

Minimum processing required

1. Pigment Preparation: Grinding pigment into fine powder.
2. Binder Preparation: Separating egg yolk, dissolving gum, or refining oil.
3. Mixing: Thoroughly mixing the pigment and binder. This often requires grinding them together (mulling) to ensure every pigment particle is coated with binder.
4. Thinning: Adding solvent to reach brushable consistency.

Tools needed to work on it

• Muller and Slab: For grinding pigment into binder.
• Palette: For holding and mixing paints.
• Containers: For storage (tubes, jars, bladders).
• Brushes/Spatulas: For application.

Common forms of use

• Oil Paint: Pigment + Drying Oil. Slow drying, durable, flexible.
• Tempera: Pigment + Egg Yolk. Fast drying, brittle, permanent.
• Watercolor: Pigment + Gum Arabic. Transparent, water-soluble.
• Fresco: Pigment + Water (applied to wet lime plaster).

Possible substitutes

• Stains/Dyes: Penetrate the surface rather than sitting on top.
• Textile Dye: For fabric dyeing when color must bond to fibers.
• Colored Clay/Mud: Primitive body paint or temporary wall covering.
• Blood/Berry Juice: Makeshift paints, though often fugitive.

Limitations and common failures

• Cracking: If applied too thickly or if flexible layers are painted over brittle ones (fat over lean rule).
• Peeling: Poor adhesion to the surface (surface needs priming).
• Fading: UV exposure degrading the pigment.
• Yellowing: Oil binders can yellow over time in the dark.

Risks and safety

• Flammability: Solvents like turpentine are highly flammable.
• Toxicity: Solvents can cause respiratory issues. Pigments can be toxic if ingested or inhaled.
• Spontaneous Combustion: Rags soaked in drying oils (linseed) can self-ignite as they oxidize.

Related materials

• Pigments: The coloring agent.
• Brush: Tool for application.
• Painting Walls: Surface preparation and application workflow.
• Textile Dye: Fiber colorant alternative to paint.
• Fabric Dyeing: Process for permanent textile coloration.
• Oil: Common binder.
• Egg: Common binder.
• Canvas / Wood: Common substrates.
• Primer/Gesso: Base coat to prepare the surface.
• Silver Mirror: Protective application.