Illusions of applied surface finishes

Abstract

Paint can be seen to be an effective architectural medium, which not only protects substrates, but also contributes greatly to their aesthetic appeal. Paint can be a vehicle to highlight planar surfaces and interpenetrating planes, or can breakdown these solid surfaces to create the illusion of movement and depth in the third dimension. A vast array of thin film finishes are conveyed in this report, their specific suitabilities being dependent upon the chemical nature of its constituents and the physical characteristics that they impart. Through an investigation of the properties of paint, a greater understanding of how they work is achieved, which is also invaluable in clarifying the descriptive terminology associated with these coatings. Proper preparation of the receiving substrate is necessary to ensure longevity of the performance and appearance of any paint system, although the importance of good design should not be forgotten. The application procedures directly affect a paint's final finish and with multi-coat 'special effect' systems, subtle differences in the perceived image can be achieved as the application media are altered. Paint's future resides in its ability to improve the performance of current coatings and embrace developing technologies to meet the demands of specifiers. The presence of lead in older paint types is a concern, and other environmental issues such as toxicity of coatings will also have to be addressed by the industry. All these factors must be considered by Architects to enable the protective and aesthetic qualities of paint finishes to enhance their Architecture.