Observation

Few candidates skipped the question, another set answered the question fairly and also another group answered out of point. The performance of the candidates to this question was average. They were expected to provide the following answers in order to score good marks:

            (a)        -           pigment;
-           binder/medium/vehicle/film-former
-           drier;
-           thinner/solvent/diluent

(b) (i)   -           prevents the settling of heavy pigment;
-           hardens the paint film;
-           increases the bulk of paints;
-           improves flowing properties of paints;
-           cheapens the cost of the material;

(ii)    -           gives elasticity to the film;
-           makes the coating adhere to the surface;
-           provides gloss to the coating;
-           binds the pigment particles together;
-           converts paint from the liquid coating to a solid dry film;
-           holds the pigment in suspension when on storage.