Alkyd resins from the largest group of synthetic resins are used in paint industry. Most air drying enamels are based on long or medium oil alkyd resins. These resins dry at room temperature and have excellent flow and leveling properties, good exterior durability and can be thinned with mineral turpentine. Oils used for producing alkyd resins are linseed oil, soybean oil and Dehydrated Castor Oil (DCO).

Plant Operation
S F ENGINEERING WORKS solvent based plant produces paints, coatings, stains, and surface treating products at a rate of about 1.1 million gal/yr. This paint manufacturing plants operations primarily involve blending and mixing of raw materials, product testing and packaging and cleaning of vessels and lines. Color separation of the product is done to befit customer specifications.

Water-based and solvent-based paints are mixed in different tanks from 200- to 1000-gal capacity. The material used in water-based paints include water, latex, resins, extenders, and dispersed pigments. For solvent-based paints, the materials are generally similar in type, but solvent replaces water and latex. Other ingredients used in this base include plasticizers, tints, and thinners.

After batches are made up, they are transferred to the let-down tanks. Additional water (or solvent), resins, preservatives, anti-foaming agents, thinners, and bactericides are added thereafter in the tanks. Batch testing encompasses checking color, viscosity and gloss. The material are then filtered and charged to cans for labeling, packaging, and shipping.