What is binder in paint?

The term binder is used to describe a material which provides structural support to any system. Various types of binders are used for construction. A common example of a binder is the use of straw and fibre to strengthen the clay in wattle and daub construction. The common binder agent of cement would be concrete. Without concrete, cement can never be strong enough to be used for building or constructing houses. Just like cement, clay wattle, and binders are also used in painting. So, what is binder in paint? Be it acrylic paint binder, or oil paint binder, we can consider it as the main body of the paint.

• Binder is an adhesive that holds the texture of the paint together and maintains the grip between the pigment and the applied surface.

• Some examples of natural binders are chalk, lime, casein, animal and vegetable glues, oil, etc.

• Slaked chalk can be considered a binder in paint which is commonly known as whitening. It is used in interior walls and ceilings before the application of paint.

• Lime is also a binder and it is applied on walls for painting purposes. Lime has antibacterial properties so it prevents the wall from getting damaged by bacteria.

• Binders help to maintain the pigment of the paint. The surface looks more glossy when coats of paint are applied.

• Due to binders, the texture of the paint becomes uniform.

• Binders also increase the durability, toughness and waterproof-ness of the paint

The answer to the question ‘

which is the function of a paint binder

’ would be the points stated above.

What is the binder in acrylic paint?

Resin is used in acrylic paint which is a man-made product. The ingredients used in acrylic binders are Methyl Methacrylate Monomer and a common real catalyst. Catalyst helps to create polymethyl methacrylate which in turn creates acrylic plastic polymer.

What is the binder in oil paint?

The common binders used in oil paints are

• Linseed oil

• Tung oil

• Poppy oil

• Nut oil

As a matter of fact, the binder in paint is extremely important. Without the binder, the paint won't get coated on the wall evenly and pigments will also fade eventually. Paint’s durability will automatically decrease and texture will also get damaged. So we must use binder in paint.

I hope you know what is acrylic paint binder now.

Read more: