Print Quality Problem

Print Quality Factors

When it comes to selecting paint, facility executives are faced with a variety of options. Both a blessing and a curse, the large number of choices enable facility executives to closely match the characteristics of the paint to the requirements of the application. But unless one understands paint characteristics, it is easy to select the wrong type of paint for the application.

Compounding the problem is the wide range of paint prices. The lowest cost paint may not be a bargain, particularly if its service life is half that of a higher quality, more expensive paint. But always selecting the highest cost paint also may not be the best option. Facility executives may be paying for paint characteristics that are not needed for a given application.

Pigment

  • There are two different types of pigment that go into a can of paint. First are "prime" pigments.

    These provide color and hide. Second are low-cost "extender" pigments. By comparison, they add bulk to the product, but have little value as it relates to color.

    Higher-quality paints have more of the all-important, yet more expensive prime pigments – all the things that in the end give you easier application as well as better durability and color retention.

Binders

  • There are a variety of binders used in today's paints. Latex paints contain either 100 percent acrylic, styrene-acrylic, or vinyl acrylic binders. Oil paints typically contain linseed oil, soya oil, or modified oils called alkyds.

    The type, quality and amount of binder affect everything from stain resistance and gloss to adhesion and crack resistance. Higher quality binders, found in higher quality paints, adhere to surfaces better and provide enhanced film integrity and longer lasting performance. This makes them more resistant to cracking, blistering and peeling.

Liquids

  • The liquid provides no added performance benefits. It's simply the "carrier" that allows you to get the paint from the can to the surface.

    As you might guess, top quality paints have a greater ratio of solids (pigment and binders) to liquids, while cheaper paints are more "watered down" with liquid.

Additives