2.

Material Selection
2.1 SELECTION OF PAINT SYSTEM
Different types and grades of paint systems have varying application and performance properties. Figure 2.1
summarises the key considerations in determining the existing condition of coated surface as well as in selecting
the appropriate paint system.
Figure 2.1: Selection of Paint System

FOR COATED SURFACE

To ascertain the presence of defects and problems

Presence of seepage, peeling, discoloration, algae growth, etc.

Refer to Section 6 for the types of defects.

To determine the root cause(s) of defects

Sources of moisture, use of incorrect paint system, presence of alkaline, too porous substrate ,
improper design of building and its facade etc.

material selection

To rectify the root cause(s)

Install waterproofing, provide proper drainage of condensed water from air-conditioners, reduce
the density of foliage to reduce the occurrence of algae, etc.

Refer to Section 6 for the recommended remedy

FOR UNCOATED SURFACE

Basic Selection Criteria

Type of Substrate and
its Conditions

The common types of substrates are concrete/ cement based, timber and metal
surfaces. Different substrates require different types of primer/sealer. For example,
external concrete wall surface will require the use of alkali resisting sealer whilst
ferrous metal surface will require corrosion inhibitive primer.
Conditions refer to the substrates profile, porosity, and existing conditions etc.
Refer to Tables 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 for details.

Type of Environment

Internal or external.
Identify types of adverse elements that the paint system will be subjected to.
Refer to Appendix B for detail classification.

Expected Appearance

Colour, texture and gloss level

Colour retention properties

Expected Performance

Durability period, weather resistance, algal resistance, UV resistance, alkali resistance,

scrub resistances, chemical resistance, waterproofing characteristic, etc.

Budget

Balance and reconcile a realistic budget with the expectations.

In general, the various paint components used (that is the primer, sealer, intermediate coat and topcoat) should
be compatible. Tables 2.1 to 2.3 provide useful information on the various common paint systems available for
different surfaces and purposes. The following explanatory notes are for the use of Table 2.1 to 2.3.

Column Headings

Explanatory Notes

Surface

Receiving surfaces are categorised according to the type of base substance of the
substrate, i.e. concrete/cement plaster, timber or metal.

material selection

The surfaces have been further categorised into internal (sheltered) or external
environmental exposures.

Finishes

Description is based on the required gloss level or texture.

Comparison of Properties

A 4-point grading scale is used to highlight strengths and weaknesses of the key
properties of the system.

Paint Type

Description is based on the resin of topcoat.

Typical Paint System

Description is based on the types of sealer/primer, undercoat and topcoat to be used.

Numbers of coat to be applied are also indicated.

Remarks

Brief description on the general applications.

M5

Surface

As above and all

floor excluding
gypsum types

Cement plastered
walls and concrete
related surfaces,
brickwork, plaster
boards, gypsum
boards, ceiling
panels

Cement plastered
walls and concrete
related surfaces,
brickwork, mineral
plasters

EXTERNAL

M4

M3

M2

M1

INTERNAL

S/No

Matt

Gloss

Low Gloss/

Low Sheen

Sheen

Matt

Finishes
Required

Ease
in
Painting

Paint Type

ACRYLIC
EMULSION

EPOXY

ACRYLIC
EMULSION

VEOVA
(MODIFIED
ACRYLIC)
EMULSION

ACRYLIC
COPOLYMER
EMULSION

material selection

Durability Anti-Algae Alkaline

Chemical
and
Resistance Resistance
Fungus

Comparison of Properties

Table 2.1: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for CONCRETE/PLASTER SURFACE

Acrylic emulsion
SS150 (Type 1)

Alkali resisting
sealer

Epoxy topcoat

Acrylic emulsion
Epoxy sealer

"Vinyl Silk"
emulsion
Alkali resisting
sealer

Acrylic emulsion
SS150 (Type 2)
Alkali resisting
sealer

No. of
Coats

Alkali resisting
sealer

Typical Paint
System

Good weathering and alkali

resistance.

Used in food, chemical or

heavy duty environment.

Excellent chemical resistance

and very good hardness &
abrasion resistance. Resist
defect by moisture.

Premium grade with superb

washable surface properties

Luxurious sheen emulsion that

gives a smooth and silky
appearance. Premium grade
for interior decor commonly
sold as Vinyl Silk emulsion.

Quality matt emulsion.

Lasting for most internal walls.

Remarks

Surface

Sheen

Gloss/
Semi-Gloss

M9

M10

Low Sheen

Gloss

Cement plastered
walls and concrete
related surfaces,
brickwork, mineral
plasters

Semi-Gloss

Finishes
Required

M8

M7

M6

EXTERNAL (contd)

S/No

Ease
in
Painting

Durability Anti-Algae Alkaline

Chemical
and
Resistance Resistance
Fungus

Comparison of Properties

Table 2.1: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for CONCRETE/PLASTER SURFACE

Paint Type

TEXTURE
COATING
SOLVENTBASED
ACRYLIC
TOPCOAT

TEXTURE
COATING
WATERBASED
ACRYLIC
TOPCOAT

2-PACK
POLYURETHANE

HIGH
PERFORMANCE
ACRYLIC
EMULSION

SOLVENTBASED
ACRYLIC

material selection

1
2

Texture base coat

Acrylic solvent-based
finishing coat

High performance
acrylic emulsion
SS345

Texture base coat

Alkali resisting
solvent-based sealer

Polyurethane
topcoat
Alkali resisting
sealer

High performance
acrylic emulsion
SS 345
Epoxy primer

Acrylic solvent-based
topcoat

Alkali resisting
sealer

No. of
Coats

Alkali resisting
solvent-based sealer

Typical Paint
System

Textured acrylic solvent-based

coating with excellent
adhesion

Textured acrylic-based,
decorative finish with
algistatic, fungistatic & anticarbonation properties

Excellent weather, chemical

and abrasion resistance twocomponents paint system

High quality Acrylic emulsion

with anti algae/fungi
properties

Excellent adhesion and good

durability to weather.

Excellent thermoplastic
coatings for fungus/algae
prone surfaces.

Remarks

Surface

Fair-face brick wall

Roof tiles
(non-glazed)

M12

M13

M14

Natural

Natural

Matt

Gloss

Finishes
Required

1
2
3
4
5

Notes:

Ease
in
Painting

Durability Anti-Algae Alkaline

Chemical
and
Resistance Resistance
Fungus

Comparison of Properties

ACRYLIC
SOLVENT
BASED TILE
COATING

PENETRATING CLEAR
WATER
REPELLENT

WATERBASED
SILICONE
PAINT

TEXTURE
COATING
POLYURETHANE
TOPCOAT

material selection

Acrylic
solvent-based

Remarks

C Good

D Average

Acrylic solvent- based coatings

for fungus/algae prone
concrete and roof tiles.

Protection from external stains

and treatment to moisture
absorption problem. Water
repelling, fungus and weather
resistance.

Excellent alkaline resistance

with high water repelling
properties

Acrylic & 2-pack polyurethane

combination textured system.
Excellent weather, chemical
and abrasion resistance

B Very Good

1-2

Water-based silicone
paint
Solvent-based
penetrating clear
repellent (coat to
saturation)

Water-based silicone
primer

Acrylic emulsion
texture base coat
Polyurethane
topcoat

No. of
Coats

Epoxy primer

Typical Paint
System

LEGEND: A Excellent

Paint Type

All external systems are suitable for internal use.

Resin level differs for paint types specified here. For resin and toxicity levels in paint, refer to manufacturers.
All systems specified are for general painting purpose. Variation is subjected to site conditions or circumstances.
For elastomeric coatings, please refer to SS 500:2002 - Elastomeric wall coatings for more information.
For surfaces not covered here, refer to manufacturers.

Grading for Comparison of Properties

Cement plastered
walls and concrete
related surfaces,
brickwork, mineral
plasters

M11

EXTERNAL (contd)

S/No

Table 2.1: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for CONCRETE/PLASTER SURFACE

Sheen

Gloss &
Satin

T3

T4

Gloss

All kinds of timber

products or related
material

T2

Finishes
Required

Gloss

Surface

T1

INTERNAL

S/No

Ease
in
Painting

Durability Hardness

Yellowing
Stain
Resistance Resistance

Comparison of Properties

Table 2.2: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for TIMBER SURFACES

Paint Type

ACRYLIC
MODIFIED
ALKYD
NITROCELLULOSE
(NC)
LACQUER

VEOVA
MODIFIED
(MODIFIED
ACRYLIC)
EMULSION

2-PACK
POLYURETHANE

ALKYD
RESIN
ENAMEL

material selection

"Vinyl Silk"
emulsion

Alkyd enamel
undercoat
SS 34

NC acrylic lacquer

Aluminium wood
primer
SS 38

Polyurethane
topcoat

Alkyd enamel gloss

top coat
SS 7

Alkyd enamel
undercoat
SS 34

Epoxy primer

No. of
Coats

Aluminium wood
primer
SS 38

Typical Paint
System

Aerosol spray for easy

application on furniture

Decorative emulsion for

panels & ceiling trims.
Commonly sold as Vinyl Silk
Emulsion

Glossy, hard and solvent

resistant and non-yellowing
two-components paint system.

High gloss enamel for painting

of general doors & windows

Remarks

10

Surface

T9

All kinds of timber

products or related
material

EXTERNAL

T8

T7

Gloss

Natural

Natural

Natural

T6

All kinds of timber

products or related
material

Natural

Finishes
Required

T5

INTERNAL (contd)

S/No

Ease
in
Painting

Yellowing
Stain
Resistance Resistance

Paint Type

ALKYD
RESIN
ENAMEL

2-PACK
EPOXY

2-PACK
AMINOALKYD
RESIN ACID
CURE

2-PACK
POLYURETHANE

ALKYD
MODIFIED
POLYURETHANE
1-PACK

material selection

Durability Hardness

Comparison of Properties

Table 2.2: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for TIMBER SURFACES

Alkyd enamel
undercoat
SS 34
Alkyd enamel gloss
top coat
SS 7

No. of
Coats

Aluminium wood
primer
SS38

Epoxy clear

Amino-alkyd coating
clear

2-pack polyurethane
clear

1-pack polyurethane
clear

Typical Paint
System

High gloss enamel for painting

of general doors & windows.

Chemical-resistant coating for

corrosive environment, e.g.
Laboratory benches.

Very tough coating for parquet

floors, railing or furniture

Hard coating for furniture and

wood panels

Very durable varnish for

furniture, wood panels and
doors.

Remarks

11

Surface

All kinds of timber

products or related
material

Natural

Low Sheen

Gloss

Finishes
Required

1
2
3
4

Notes:

Ease
in
Painting

Durability Hardness

Yellowing
Stain
Resistance Resistance

Comparison of Properties

2-PACK
POLYURETHANE

ACRYLIC
EMULSION

2-PACK
POLYURETHANE

Acrylic emulsion

Remarks

C Good

D Average

Very durable coat for external

timber structures.

Exterior grade emulsions

under special requirement

Chemical-resistant coating for

corrosive environment, e.g.
Laboratory benches.

B Very Good

Alkyd enamel
undercoat
SS34

Polyurethane
clear

Polyurethane
finishing coat

Aluminium
wood primer
SS38

No. of
Coats

Epoxy primer

Typical Paint
System

LEGEND: A Excellent

Paint Type

All external systems are suitable for internal use.

Resin level differs for paint types specified here. For resin and toxicity levels in paint, refer to manufacturers.
All systems specified are for general painting purpose. Variation is subjected to site conditions or circumstances.
For surfaces not covered here, refer to manufacturers.

Grading for Comparison of Properties

T12

T11

T10

EXTERNAL (contd)

S/No

Table 2.2: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for TIMBER SURFACES

material selection

12

Low Gloss/
Gloss

F4

Low Gloss/
Gloss

Gloss

Finishes
Required

Low Gloss/
Gloss

(Ferrous type)
Iron & steel related
surfaces

Surface

F3

F2

F1

INTERNAL

S/No

Ease
in
Painting

Durability

Corrosion
control

Paint Type

EPOXY

EPOXY

EPOXY

ALKYD
RESIN
ENAMEL

material selection

Hardness

Comparison of Properties

Table 2.3: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for METAL SURFACES

Epoxy topcoat

Epoxy coating

2-pack high solid

epoxy primer

Epoxy topcoat

Alkyd enamel gloss

topcoat
SS7

Alkyd enamel
undercoat
SS 34

Epoxy/Zinc
phosphate blast
primer

No. of
Coats

Alkyd-based anticorrosion primer*

Typical Paint
System

Epoxy system. Non Toxic

suitable for potable tanks.
Relevant certification should
be obtained before use

High-build epoxy system

for corrosive chemical
environment and NO GRIT
BLAST situation.

Epoxy system for corrosive

chemical environment on
blasted metal.

Easy to use finishing coat over

primed metal surfaces under
non-corrosive environment.

*Refer to SS494 for Lead and

chromate-free primer

Remarks

13

Surface

(Non ferrous
type)
Galvanised metal,
stainless steel,
copper , tin
& other related
surfaces

F7

(Ferrous type)
Iron & steel related
surfaces

EXTERNAL

F6

F5

INTERNAL (contd)

S/No

Gloss

Low Gloss/
Gloss

Gloss

Finishes
Required

Ease
in
Painting

Durability

Hardness

Comparison of Properties

Table 2.3: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for METAL SURFACES

Corrosion
control

Paint Type

ALKYD
RESIN
ENAMEL

EPOXY

ALKYD
RESIN
ENAMEL

material selection

1
1

Alkyd-based anticorrosion primer*

Alkyd enamel
undercoat
SS34
Alkyd enamel gloss
topcoat
SS7

Alkyd enamel gloss

topcoat
SS7

Epoxy topcoat

Alkyd enamel
undercoat
SS34

Alkyd-based anticorrosion primer*

Epoxy primer

No. of
Coats

Etching primer

Typical Paint
System

Easy to use system for

non-corrosive environment,
e.g. residential and commercial
areas.

*Refer to SS494 for Lead and

chromate-free primer

Heavy-duty epoxy system for

corrosive environment such as
chemical industry.

Easy to use finishing system

over properly primed surfaces.
Under non-corrosive
environment, e.g. domestic
home & commercial office.

*Refer to SS494 for Lead and

chromate-free primer

Remarks

14

Surface

Sheen

F11

Gloss

Gloss

(Ferrous type)
Iron & steel related
surfaces

Gloss

Finishes
Required

F10

F9

F8

EXTERNAL (contd)

S/No

C/B

C/B

Ease
in
Painting

Durability

B/A

B/A

Corrosion
control

Paint Type

EPOXY TAR
HIGH BUILD

EPOXY/
POLYURETHANE

EPOXY/
POLYURETHANE

ALKYDBASED
MICACEOUS
IRON OXIDE

material selection

B/A

B/A

Hardness

Comparison of Properties

Table 2.3: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for METAL SURFACES

Coal tar epoxy

topcoat

2-pack polyurethane
finishing coat

Epoxy built-coat

Ethyl silicate zinc

rich primer

2-pack high solid

epoxy primer

2-pack polyurethane
finishing coat

Alkyd enamel gloss

topcoat
SS7

Alkyd-based
micaceous iron
oxide

Epoxy/ zinc
phosphate blast
primer

No. of
Coats

Alkyd-based anticorrosion primer*

Typical Paint
System

Heavy duty Coal Tar system

for long-term or periodic
immersion in sea water.

Epoxy/ Polyurethane system

for highly corrosive
environment and NO GRIT
BLAST situation.

High performance Epoxy/

Polyurethane system for highly
corrosive environment on
blasted metal e.g. exposed to
sea salt or highly corrosive
chemicals.

Modified alkyd & micaceous

iron oxide offering protection
in mildly corrosive & highly
humid condition, e.g. towers,
bridges, heavy structural steel
works.

*Refer to SS494 for Lead and

chromate-free primer

Remarks

15

Surface

(Non-ferrous
type)
Galvanised metal,
stainless steel,
copper, tin &
other related alloy
surfaces

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Finishes
Required

1
2
3
4

Notes:

Ease
in
Painting

Durability

Hardness

Comparison of Properties

Corrosion
control

EPOXY/
POLYURETHANE

ALKYD
MEDIUMOIL TYPE

ALKYD
RESIN
ENAMEL

1
2

Epoxy primer
2-pack polyurethane
gloss finishing coat

Remarks

C Good

D Average

Heavy-duty Epoxy/
Polyurethane system. Excellent
in corrosive chemicals
conditions e.g. chemical
industry, exposed to salted
seawater.

Use in mild corrosive

atmosphere e.g. industrial
chimney, mild chemical
processing plant

*Refer to SS494 for Lead and

chromate-free primer

*Refer to SS494 for Lead and

chromate-free primer
Alkyd resin enamel for noncorrosive environment e.g.
residential, office & light
industries.

B Very Good

Medium-oil alkyd
topcoat gloss
Etching primer

Alkyd enamel gloss

topcoat

Alkyd-based anticorrosion primer*

Alkyd enamel
undercoat

Alkyd-based anticorrosion primer*

Etching primer

No. of
Coats

Etching primer

Typical Paint
System

LEGEND: A Excellent

Paint Type

All external systems are suitable for internal use.

Resin level differs for paint types specified here. For resin and toxicity levels in paint, refer to manufacturers.
All systems specified are for general painting purpose. Variation is subjected to site conditions or circumstances.
For surfaces not covered here, refer to manufacturers.

Grading for Comparison of Properties

F14

F13

F12

EXTERNAL (contd)

S/No

Table 2.3: Reference Chart for Selecting Paint Systems for METAL SURFACES

material selection