PAINTS, POLISHES AND COATINGS

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Paints, polishes and coatings are used to decorate, protect and prolong the life of buildings and materials. Paint properties such as gloss, durability and flexibility require the use of pigment binders, which until World War II were mostly linseed oil. Following a post-war shortage of linseed oil, artificial binders were invented which were cheap, easy to manufacture, more durable and promoted long-lasting colour. Examples of artificial binders include alkyds, acrylates, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethanes, polyesters and epoxy resins.

Industrial coatings are used on manufactured goods as a protective barrier against environmental and chemical corrosion. The automotive and transport industry uses coatings for vehicle bodies and special coatings for plastic substrates, such as car bumpers, dashboards and grilles, and electronics. Other uses of coatings are: to reduce drag from aircrafts; antifouling for tanks, ships and boats; wood finishes for furniture, fences and decking; leather; electronics; food and drink cans; domestic appliances; composite panels for buildings; and steelwork such as bridges, oil rigs and chemical plants.