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Paint can be defined as a mixture of separate ingreedients, including binding agents, pigment, VOC & additives, which when applied on a surface in a thin layer forms a solid dry adherent film after oxidation/evaporation/polymerization.

A quality paint should be resistant to atmospheric conditions, washable, corrosion resistant,. and give the surface a glossy appearance after it is applied. It should resist the corrosive effect of sun, wind, rain, frost, and other natural elements to protect the surface to which it is applied.

The binding agent binds the pigment, fillers, & additives together. It also helps adhesion and influences gloss and durability. Typical binding agents include alkyds, polyurethanes, epoxy, and polyesters.

Pigments add the color to paint. they are mainly formed from the finely ground powder of both organic (carbon based) and inorganic substances. The pigment offers color opacity, film cohesion, and sometimes corrosion inhibition. Widely used pigments are Titanium Dioxide, Red Oxide, Carbon Black, Prussian Blue, Zinc Oxide, Chrome Yellow, and White Lead Aluminum powder among others.

Fillers are used to increase the the thickness of the film, increase the volume, and reduce the cost of the paint. It helps increase toughness, durability, and consistency of the paint. Widely used fillers include Gypsum, Ground Silica, Barytes, Slate Powder, French chalk, Calcium carbonate, china clay, asbestos, silica, mica, and whiting.

VOC or thinners are a liquid component of paint used for viscosity adjustment and correct application. These are used to dissolve binders and facilitate the application of paint. Widely used thinners include Turpentine oil, Benzene & Naphtha, Mineral Spirit, Acetone, carbon tetrachloride, and ethyl alcohol.

Driers are added to decrease the drying time of the paint layer. The thicker the layer is applied, the longer the drying time will be. Widely used drying agents are Cobalt octane, Litharge, Red lead, Lead acetate, Manganese octane, Manganese dioxide, and Zinc sulfate.

Additives are a generic term for small quantities of chemical substances added to the paint to improve or modify the paint properties. They are generally less than 5% of the total volume of the paint but have a profound influence on the physical and chemical properties of the paint. They help prevent clustering of pigments, increase flexibility and durability, and minimize film cracking in addition to many other physical and chemical properties.