Understanding the Main Components of Coatings

Introduction

There is an epidemic misunderstanding of paints, stains, and coatings out in the world, and I guess I’m on a mission to correct it. The fact is, paint made for walls is no good on cabinets or cars, and paint made for cabinets or cars is overkill for walls. Many things in your life have a coating, and that coating was professionally engineered for its dedicated purpose. Cabinets, walls, baseboards and door casing, tubs and sinks, hardwood floors, pre-finished hardwood floors, water bottles, cars, filing cabinets, and much more. None of those coatings was built the same.

As a cabinet refinishing expert (snob) I am begging you to take a few minutes and learn about how coatings work and which coatings are appropriate before beginning such a project. Cabinet refinishing can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom without the cost and hassle of a full renovation. If your cabinets are structurally sound but look dated or worn, refinishing them is a great project to consider, but only if you do it right. If you do it wrong, you’ll have made things much worse.

During my career in professional cabinet refinishing, I have learned loads about the fundamentals of coatings. The value of understanding those fundamentals cannot be understated. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project or hiring a pro, knowing how coatings work can make all the difference.

All coatings are made up of three primary components: solvent, resin, and pigment. Understanding these components can help you choose and apply the right coating for your project and achieve professional results.

Component 1: Solvent

Think of a solvent this way: When you spill your Pepsi and forget to clean it up, the water dries and you are left with a sticky, brown, round spot on your counter. This is effectively how a coating works. It arrives in a solvent and when the solvent evaporates, the stuff that stays behind is the coating. In the case of the soda, water was the solvent, and all the sugar and flavors that were left behind are the other components we’ll get to later. A critical thing to understand is that those original ingredients (the sugar and other components) are water soluble by definition. This means that when water is reintroduced, the components that were left behind will dissolve again.

Let that sink in. If you use a water-based coating on your grandma’s clawfoot tub, the coating will quickly dissolve away due to water exposure. So a fundamental principle in the coatings industry is to use coatings that are very unlikely to be exposed to their original solvents.

The solvent is the carrier that allows the coating to be applied easily and evenly. It helps dissolve the other components to create a uniform liquid that can be brushed, sprayed, or rolled onto a surface. Once applied, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind the other components to form the finished coating.

Examples of Solvents:

• Water: Used in water-based coatings, it is environmentally friendly and easy to clean up.
• Mineral Spirits: Common in oil-based paints and stains, it provides a longer drying time, making it easier to work with.
• Acetone: Found in fast-drying coatings like lacquers, it evaporates quickly and requires proper ventilation.

Solvent-based coatings (like those with a Mineral Spirit base) tend to be easy to use and produce a high-quality, durable finish for cabinets or other high-traffic wood surfaces.

Component 2: Resin

Resin is the binder that forms the film on the surface, giving the coating its durability, adhesion to the substrate, and other desired physical properties (like scratch-resistance). Think of it like a glue that’s been dissolved in the solvent. It determines how the coating will perform over time and is included in coatings for specific characteristics. Some resins bend but don’t break, others are hard but brittle. They vary across a wide variety of dimensions like cost, ease of production, chemical finnickyness, etc.

Examples of Resins:

• Acrylic: Often used in water-based coatings, it provides excellent durability and UV resistance.
• Alkyd: Found in oil-based coatings, it offers a smooth finish and strong adhesion.
• Urethane: Known for its toughness, it is often used in high-traffic areas or for protective topcoats.

Other Common Resins: Shellac, Latex, Varnish, Lacquer, Vinyl

Component 3: Pigment

Pigment provides the color and opacity of the coating. It consists of finely ground particles suspended in the resin and solvent, which stay on the surface after the solvent evaporates. Pigments can also contribute to the coating’s hiding power and resistance to fading. This stage of the process often occurs at the paint counter when you purchase paint. The salesperson will tell the computer what color you have selected, it will dispense the appropriate amount and combination of pigments into your can of paint, and then the bucket will be mixed to properly disperse the pigments uniformly.

Often in the case of stains, a dye is used instead of a pigment. Dyes tend to fade more easily in sunlight, they are typically translucent, and tend to be much less potent color-wise.

Examples of Pigment Chemistries:

• Organic Pigments: Derived from carbon-based compounds, these pigments offer vibrant colors but may have less durability.
• Inorganic Pigments: Mineral-based and highly durable, these are used in applications requiring long-lasting finishes.
• Glycol Pigments: Often used in waterborne systems for their excellent dispersibility and stability.

How These Components Work Together

When a coating is applied, the solvent ensures smooth application by keeping the resin and pigment in a workable state. As the solvent evaporates, the resin (with the pigment) binds to the surface, creating a durable and visually appealing finish. Choosing the right combination of these components is essential for achieving the desired look and longevity of your refinishing project.

Other Components

While solvent, resin, and pigment are the primary components of a coating, additional additives play important roles in modifying the coating’s properties:

• Matting Agents: Reduce gloss by scattering light on the surface, creating semi-gloss, satin, or matte finishes.
• Flow Additives: Enhance the coating’s leveling and reduce brush or roller marks.
• Plasticizers: Improve flexibility to prevent cracking.
• Drying Agents: Accelerate or control drying times for optimal application.
• Stabilizers: Prevent degradation of the coating during storage or application.

These components work in harmony with the primary ingredients to ensure the coating achieves the desired performance and appearance.

Stay tuned for more in-depth posts about coatings, tools, and techniques to elevate your DIY skills! If you’d prefer to leave it to a professional, reach out to us for expert cabinet refinishing services in Colorado Springs and beyond!