Question

Protective coatings consist of pigments, binders, and solvents. Paints are typically classified according to their vehicles or binders. What are the two main types of paint?

Answer

The two main types of paint are alkyd and latex. Pigments govern color and sheen; binders (or vehicle) provide the hardness and adhesion; and solvents affect odor, viscosity, and ease of application. Alkyd paints are made by combining various vegetable oils (binders) with synthetic materials. Alkyds are extremely versatile synthetic resins that dry faster and are much harder than the oil-based paints they now typically replace. Latex paints have synthetic binders. Latex paint is water-thinned and has better color and gloss retention, lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and less odor. It dries faster and is easier to clean up than alkyds. The two main types of latex paints are vinyl acrylic latex (PVA) and acrylic latex.