A paint is a colored liquid, liquefiable or solid mastic composition that transforms into a thin solid film after being applied to a substrate. Most commonly used for protection, coloring, or adding texture. Paints come in a variety of colors and can be made in a variety of ways. Paints are typically stored, sold and applied as liquids, but most types become solids when dry. Most paints are either oil-based or water-based, each with different properties. For one thing, in most municipalities it’s illegal to dispose of oil-based paint down your home’s drains or sewers. [citation needed] Cleaning solvents are different for oil-based paints and water-based paints[1]. Water-based paints and oil-based paints cure differently depending on the outside temperature of the object to be painted (such as a house). Objects to be painted typically need to be at least 10°C (50°F), but some exterior paint/primer manufacturers.
Paints can be applied as solids, gaseous suspensions (aerosols), or liquids. Techniques vary depending on the desired practical or artistic result. As a solid (typically used in industrial and automotive applications) the paint is applied as a very fine powder and baked at high temperatures. This will cause the powder to melt and stick to the surface. The reason for this lies in the chemistry of the paint, the surface itself, and sometimes the substrate (the object being painted). This is called “powder coating”.
