5. Conclusion

The formulation of a paint is based, on the one hand, on knowledge of the raw materials and, on the other, on an understanding of the physico-chemical phenomena involved in the various stages of its life. It should no longer be considered as a simple mixture, nor as an unchanging know-how handed down from generation to generation, as regulations and legislation oblige paint manufacturers to develop new products that are more respectful of man and his environment, and whose mechanical and chemical characteristics are comparable to those of traditional paints.

Although the principles of formulation have not changed significantly in recent years, the analytical approach based on statistical techniques now enables us to save considerable time and make a well-considered choice of raw materials.

The paint technician has a number of analytical...