Alkyd paints are made from alcohol and acid with the addition of fatty acid or oil. The addition of fatty acid and/or oil can be varied to give alyds with different properties.

Alkyds paints include many different types. They have different properties, but are mostly used for decorative purposes and for protection of steel exposed to relatively mild environments.

Alkyd paints can only be used above water (not submerged) as the water resistance is poor.
They are not used on zinc primer or galvanised steel as a chemical reaction - saponification - would occur with the binder, with subsequent blistering and flaking. The drying/curing process is also temperature dependent. This is because alkyd paints dry or cure by absorbing oxygen from the air. This is a chemical reaction and such reactions are always influenced by
temperature.

Pre-treatment required can vary from St 2 to Sa 2½, depending on the purpose of the paint and the environment to which the paint is exposed. By modifying the alkyds for example with styrene or silicon, other properties can be achieved.

• Easy application, both with airless spray, roller and brush
• Good wetting properties
• Good adhesion to the surface, and good penetration properties
• Good weather resistance; Good gloss and colour stability
• One-pack product: Usually easier to use than two-pack paints
• Easy to repair details in the paint film during application
• Good levelling properties

• Poor resistance to chemicals, especially to alkalis.
• Limited water resistance: Can usually tolerate ordinary outdoor humidity, but can not be used under water or in especially humid conditions.
• Limited resistance to solvents: Can swell (lift) under the influence of strong solvents such as xylene, ketones, alcohols and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
• Can not be used on zinc primers: zinc soaps will be formed (saponification)
• The film thickness per coat is limited, usually 30-50 microns, up to 80 for special types
• Must not be overcoated by paints containing strong solvents (will swell the alkyd)

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