TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON BUILD IPG MATERIALS

TIM - 34

FOP USE IP THE DESIGP OF LOW- COST HOUSING

THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D. C.

S eptember _18_,_ JL 9_36

FEDERAL SPECIFICATION READY-MIXED PAINTS,

SEMI P-dSTE PAINTS AND MIXING FORMULAS

This is primarily a digest of the sections of Bureau of Standards

Technologic Paper No. 274 (December 15, 1924), "Use of United States

Government Specification Paints and Paint Materials, by P. H. Walker

and E. F. Hickson, and Letter Circular No. 333 (July 11, 1932),

"Outside House Painting"; 2 dealing with Federal Specification readymixed paints, semipaste paints, and typical formulas for mixing paints

from semipaste paints.

The following papers contain additional information relative to

paint, paint pigments, oil paints, and water paints:

TIBM - 30

TIES - 31

TIBM - 32

TIBM - 33

TIBM - 35

•TIBM - 36

TIM - 43

"Paint Pigments - White"

"Paint Pigments - Black, Red, and Lakes"

"Taint Pigments - Tel low. Brown, Blue, Green,

and Bronze"

"Federal Specification Paint Pigments and

Mixing Formulas"

"Preparation of Paints from Paste and Dry

Pigments"

"Preparation of Paints from Semipaste Paints,

Thinning Ready-Mixed Paints, and Preparation

of Water Paints"

"Aluminum Paints"

'’Available from Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C, (Price lu cents).

p Available from the National Bureau of Standards, Washington,

D. C. (Free).

101036 1

Ready-mixed paints as compounded are intended to be used for final

coats, or for one coat repainting if the previously painted surface is

in good condition. High grade ready-mixed paints produced by a reliable

paint manufacturer, if intelligently selected, may be expected to give

entire satisfaction. High grade service should not be expected from

low value products.

When skilled supervision is not available, it is frequently best to use ready-mixed paint, since the manufacturer’s label provides simple

directions for reducing such paints for priming coats and body coats.

For priming coats, ready-mixed paints require considerable thinning with

oil or other vehicles. Body coats should be reduced to provide a slightly flat surface in order to furnish a firm anchorage for the final coat.

Caution : Briers should not be added to ready-mixed paints.

Semipaste paints may be poured from the container and are, therefore,

easier to break up than paste pigments which are quite stiff. V/hen more

than one coat is required and the work is to be done under skilled supervision, it is generally advisable to purchase semipaste paint.

Flat washable wall paints generally owe their success to the use of

tung oil varnishes and heavy petroleum spirits, and can be successfully

compounded only in plants properly equipped for such purposes. As

produced by many manufacturers they give satisfactory results in appearance and wearing qualities. They also cost less than ordinary paints.

Federal specifications, approved by the Director of Procurement,

are binding upon and govern all executive departments and independent

establishments of the Federal Government in the purchase of supplies,

with due regard to available types, grades, and sizes.

1

White and Tinted Paints made on a Lead-Zinc Base,

Ready-Mixed and Semipaste

Federal Specification, TT-P-56 ’’Paints; Lead-Zinc Base, Ready-Mixed

and Semipaste, White and Tinted”, covers the grade of linseed oil and

white and tinted paints made on a lead-zinc base suitable for outside

use. With tints it is advisable to agree upon a standard sample for

color

.

Lead Zinc Paint Mixing Formulas : Formulas Wo. 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21

(page 7 of this digest) have been found satisfactory in producing leadzinc mixed paints for various uses, from semipaste white and tinted paints.

Copies of all Federal Specifications mentioned in this digest may

be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing

Office, Y/ashington, D. C. (Price 5 cents each).

2
Plaster Primer and Sealer

Federal Specification TT-P-56 "Paint; (For) Priming Plaster Surfaces (Plaster Primer w Sealer)", covers one grade of ready-mixed

white paint of bodied oil or varnish type for interior use as a primer

on old or new unpainted plaster surfaces. Complete information regarding this paint will be found in TIM-11, "Paint for Priming Plaster

Surfaces «

Titanium-Zinc and Titanium-Zinc-Lead

Outs id e, Peady-I lixed , Uni te Paint

Federal Specification, TT-P-lOla "Paint; Titanium-Zinc and TitaniumZinc-Lead, Outside, Heady-Mixed, Unite" covers one class (ready-mixed)

composed of two types of outside white paint containing titanium dioxide:

Type A : Titanium-zinc-lead ready-mixed oil paint, for general outside use; white only.

Type B : 'Titanium-zinc, lead free, ready-mixed oil paint for special

outside use where sulphide fumes will darken paints containing lead;

white only.

These paints should not be tinted, as colors added to them have a tendency to "fade".

Pigment : The pigment of the titanium-zinc-lead ready-mixed oil paint,

type A, shall contain by weight, not less than 7 percent of titanium

dioxide, not more than 25 percent of zinc oxide, not less than 58 percent of white lead equivalent to basic carbonate white lead, and not more than 10 percent extenders (white silicate pigments, barium sulphate

or mixture thereof). In this pigment the lead and zinc pigments may be

introduced in the form of any preferred mixture of basic carbonate white

lead, basic sulphate white lead; leaded zinc oxide, or zinc oxide. The sun of the white lead, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide shall in no case be less than 90 percent of the total pigment.

The titanium-zinc (lead free) ready-mixed oil paint, type 3, shall

contain by weight not less than 15 percent titanium dioxide, not less

than 30 percent nor more than 35 percent zinc oxide, and not more than

55 percent extenders.

Iron Oxide and Iron Hydroxide Paints,

Heady-Mixed and Semipas be

Federal Specification, TT-P-31 "Paints; Iron-Hydroxide and IronOxide, Ready-Mixed and Semipaste", covers one grade of linseed oil,

iron oxide and iron hydroxide points. It is advisable to agree upon

a standard sample for color.
Iron Oxide Paint Ivlixin.fi; Formulas: Formulas No. 22, 23, 24, 25 and. 26

(page 7) are typical examples for mixing paints from semipaste iron

oxide paints.

Characteristics and Us e: This type of paint is inexpensive and durable,

being one of the best paints for a final color coat on iron and steel

v/hich has previously received protective coats of red lead. It is the

most commonly used paint for metal roofs and is also an excellent paint

for wood where the color is not ob jectionable.

Black Paint; Beady-Mixed and Semipaste

Federal Specification, TI-P-61 ’’Paint; Ready-Mixed, and Semipaste

Black”, covers one grade of linseed oil black paint.

Black Paint Mixing Formulas : Formulas No. 27, 28, 29 and 30 (page 7

1

are suitable for mixing paint from senipaste black paint.

Characteristics and Use : This is an inexpensive but durable oil paint

suitable for use whenever a black linseed oil paint is required. It

has such excellent hiding pov'er that on previously painted surfaces a single coat is frequently sufficienx. Either the ready-mixed paint or paint mixed from the semipaste may generally be used with equally

satisfactory results.

Green Paint, Ready-Mixed and Semipaste

Federal Specification, TT-P-71 ’’Paints; Ready-Mixed and Semipaste,

Green”, covers the grade of linseed oil green paints known commercially

as commercial chrome green paints. It is necessary to agree upon a standard sample for color and hiding power.

Green Paint Mixing Formulas; Formulas No. 31, 32, 33 and 34 (page 7) are suitable for mixing paint from semipaste green paint.

Characteri stics and Use: This is the common chrome green-linseed oil

paint generally used on window blinds, lawn benches, etc. The paint

has excellent hiding power on previously painted surfaces, one coat

generally being sufficient and more than two coats seldom necessary.

An uncontrollable defect in practically all green paints is their

tendency tc change somewhat in color on weathering, some lots becoming

more bluish and some more yellowish. Either the ready-mixed paint or the reduced semipaste may generally be used with equally satisfactory

results.

01 iv e_ hrab Paint, Ready-Mixed and Semi pas te

Federal Specification, TT-P-81 ’’Paints; Ready-Mixed, and Semipaste,

Olive Drab”, covers the grade of linseed oil olive drab paint suitable for

outside use. It is advisable to agree upon a standard sample for color.

4 -
O live Drab Paint Tiring Formulas : Formulas Wo. 55, 36, 37, 38 and 39

(page 7) are -suitable for mixing semipaste olive drab paints for

various uses.

Characterist ics and Use : This is a linseed oil paint of excellent

durability and hiding power. On previously painted surfaces, one coat

work is frequently satisfactory.

Water-Resist ing Fed Enamel

Federal Specification, TT-E-531a ’’Enamel; Water-Resisting, Red.”

Where very close matching of different deliveries is required, it may

only be obtained by having a mutually agreed upon sample for comparision.

Characteristics and Use : This is a varnish paint. The material desired under this specification is an extremely durable, higest quality

red enamel, suitable primarily for outside use. ’7ater-res is ting red

enamel is recommended for outdoor and indoor general use whenever a bright rod durable enamel paint is desired.

Interior Flat Eggshell Oil Paints, White and Light Tints,

Ready-Mixed and Semipast e

Federal Specification, TT-P-51 "Paints; Oil, Interior, Eggshell

Flat Finish, Ready-Mixed and Semi paste. Light Tints and White”,

covers one grade of interior eggshell finish paint, not intended for

outside use. Where tints are desired it is advisable to agree upon

a standard sample for color and appearance.

Ready-Mixed Paint : This form is frequently known as flat or eggshell

wall paint, and is not generally suitable for making a stipple finish.

As compounded it should be suitable for body and finish coat work.

For priming coats on walls add to each gallon, from one quart to one gallon of boiled linseed oil.

S emipaste Paint: This form is intended for a variety of uses, including stipple finishes. The amount of thinning liquids added may be

varied to suit the particular conditions -under which the material is

to be used.

For nearly flat top coats add to each gallon of paste about five

pints of turpentine or volatile mineral spirits. For other finishes

a thinning mixture of equal volumes of boiled linseed oil and turpentine or volatile mineral spirits should be used.

For eggshell gloss top coats add about seven pints of the thinning mixture to one gallon of the semipaste.

For first coat on unpainted walls mix equal volumes of thinning

mixture and the semipaste.

5
For stipple finishes add three pints of the thinning mixture to one gallon of semipaste.

l Application and Ch aracteristics: Unlike linseed oil paints, these

flat wall paints are flowed on like varnish and enamel, with as little brushing out as possible. They set to touch very rapidly (often

within one hour) and dry to practically flat films with a slight sheen,

free of brush marks, laps, etc.

Fashing : While all paints meeting this specification may be washed,

there is considerable difference in the ease of washing of different

paints, ho wall paint is in suitable condition for severe washing

until at least 30 days after application. A gloss paint is more washable than a flat paint.

Comparison Paints: The following comparison paints are standard only

for comparison of working (brushing) properties, texture, and appearance. They are not standard for brightness, color, hiding power or composition.

Comparison Pai nts

Ingredients

: Minimum

{Gloss Pa int

:1 Maximum

{Gloss Faint

Basic Carbonate Fhite Lead Semipaste, ••

•• Containing Volatile Thinner ( TT-V/-25 la

)

: 100 Pounds :100 Pounds

Turpentine (LLL-T-791a) : lac Gallons : li Gallons

Int er i or Varnish ( TT-V-7 1

)

: 7/8 Pint ;£ Gallon

Drier (TT-D-651) :ta Pint Pint

hote : The brushing properties of these comparison paints are somewhat

better and the texture and appearance are somewhat inferior to the high

grade interior eggshell flat paint desired 'under the specification.

Interi or , C-l oss Enamel ; Light Ti nts and hhite

Federal Specification, TT-E-506 "Enamel; Interior, Gloss, Light

Tints and Uhite", covers white and light tint gloss enamels suitable

for interior use and not intended for outside exposure. In purchasing tints it is advisable to agree upon a standard sample.

Characteris tic s : This is an enamel paint, having a varnish-like ve- hicle which dries with an excellent gloss, not weighing so ranch nor hiding quite so well as the interior flat eggshell oil paint called

for under Federal Specification TT-P-51. It does, however, provide

a film that is more resistant to moisture and withstands washing

better.

Use: This enamel paint is frequently known as mill white, and while

less expensive than the highest grades of ainc oxide enamels, it may

generally be used with entire success as an interior enamel paint

with a glossy finish. It is applied as a top coat over undercoats

of flat or eggshell wall paints. 'Various degrees of gloss, such as eggshell, etc., may be obtained by mixing interior flat oil paints

and interior gloss enamels.

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PAINT

MIXING

FORMULAS

USING

FEDERAL

SPECIFICATION

EXECUTIVE

COMMITTEE

SEMIPASTE

PAINTS
Paint llixing Formulas Using Federal Specification Executive

Committee Semipas te Paints

m'"'Federal Specification lumber

' Type of Semina ste Paint

A. Semipaste 'Vhite and Tiruffe d ( TT-P-36 ) . 100 pound’s will occupy

about 5 gallons.

3. Semipaste I ron Oxide ( 'FT-P-31 ) » 100 pounds will occupy about

6 gallons. It should weigh at least 13y pounds per gallon,

but not likely to weigh more than 17g- pounds per gallon.

C. Semipa ste Black (IF-P-61'. 100 pounds will occupy about 9

gallons. T t must weigh at least 10 pounds per gallon, generally weighs lig- pounds per gallon.

3. Semipaste Creen (TI-P-71}. 100 pounds will occupy about 6

gallons.

2. Semipaste Olive Drab (TT-P-81 )., 100 pounds will occupy about

5^ gallons.

°VoIatile I 'inera l Sp irits (TT- 3-291 ) may be substituted for turpentine

in this formula.

" V.ater-Fes isting Spar Varnish ('TT-Y-121a ) is recommended# Int erior

Varnish ( TT--V-7

1

) may be used for interior work. It is better to

add varnish to the paint just before using. Addition of varnish to

the paint serves to harden the coat and provide a wear-resisting

surface.

Vote : In nearly all of the above formulas, except for priming coats

on new wood, a mixture of l/3 to y boiled linseed oil and the remainder raw linseed oil nay be substituted for the raw oil, omitting

the drier.
Conclusions

Cost and Durability:

Dark- colo red p a ints are less expensive and more durable than

white or light -colored paints.

I ron Oxide linseed Oil paint meeting Federal Specification

TT-P-31 will last much longer than any white linseed oil paint.

Tinted paint s are more durable than the basic white paint untinted, Cream, ivory and tan tints are more durable than sky blue.

Finite or light-tinted paints must contain expensive white pigments

to be satisfactory,

' bite Lead versus headyyi uxed_ j jhite Pajnt: ’Then painting is done by

a skilled painter or ‘under skilled supervision; the straight white

lead linseed oil paint, generally mixed on the job, is more "fool

proof 7 ’ and safer to use, as painters generally know more about handling

white lead paint than they do about mixed paints. In mixing white linseed oil paints, the amounts of oil given in the formulas on page 6

of TIM - 33 should never be exceeded. Better results will be had by

using the lower limits in the amount of oil.

Lead -Cine pai nt meeting Federal Specification TF-P-3S will probably

be as good as, and in some respects may be more desirable than,

straight white lead paint, particularly for tinted paints.

Titanium-Zinc Paint: A properly made, mixed white paint with a pigment approximating 7 percent titanium oxide, 58 percent white lead,

25 percent zinc oxide and 10 percent extender should give excellent

service,

Seashore or harine Exp osures : It is frequently advisable, particularly

at the seashore to add from one pint to one quart of water-resisting

spar varnish to each gallon of paint just before it is applied. It is

not advisable to add varnish to paints for undercoat work.

Quick-Drying House Paint; The purpose of such paints is to obtain

a quicker drying product than the regular linseed oil type and one that holds its luster and color better than the usual house paint.

They frequently contain synthetic resins and high-strength opaque

white pigments, such as titanium pigments. For solid colors, pure,

high strength pigments are preferred. Others contain high-hiding

white pigments (with substantial amounts of white lead), in a vehicle,

the drying oils of which are a blend of about 80-90 percent linseed

and 10-20 percent tong ( Chinawood ) oils, A part of the oil is added

in a thickened form.

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