---
title: "Enamel; requisites of paints"
subject: "Engineering Chemistry"
chapter: 8
key: "semester_2/engineering_chemistry:enamel-paint-requisites"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/enamel-paint-requisites
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Enamel; requisites of paints

Engineering Chemistry · Chapter 8: Lubricants and Paints

- Asked in: 2069 Poush, 3 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/enamel-paint-requisites
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/chapter-8

## Question

What is enamel? Write the requisites of paints.

## Short answer

Enamel is pigment dispersed in varnish, drying to a hard, glossy, water-resistant film. Good paint spreads easily, dries to a tough adherent film, resists weathering and chemicals, is non-toxic and economical.

## Answer

#### Enamel
Enamel is a paint in which the pigment is dispersed in **varnish** (resin dissolved in drying oil and thinner) instead of in plain oil. It dries to a hard, smooth, glossy and water-resistant film. It is used on metal furniture, machines, vehicles, kitchens and bathrooms.

#### Requisites of a good paint
1. Easy to apply and spreads uniformly with good covering power.
2. Dries in reasonable time to a hard, tough, elastic film.
3. The film adheres well and does not crack, blister or peel.
4. Resists weather, water, chemicals and heat; has a lasting colour and gloss.
5. Non-toxic, no unpleasant smell, and economical.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is enamel?
   A. A paint in which pigment is dispersed in varnish
   B. Pigment dispersed in water
   C. A pigment-free resin solution
   D. Cement in bitumen
   Answer: A. Enamel uses varnish as the vehicle instead of plain oil. (Key point: Enamel definition)

2. What kind of film does enamel give?
   A. Soft and matt
   B. Porous and dull
   C. Hard, smooth, glossy and water-resistant
   D. Transparent with no gloss
   Answer: C. Enamel dries to a hard, glossy, water-resistant film. (Key point: Enamel film)

3. Where is enamel commonly used?
   A. Metal furniture, machines, vehicles, kitchens and bathrooms
   B. Underground pipes
   C. Rough exterior walls
   D. Raw wood grain finishing
   Answer: A. Its hardness and water-resistance suit these uses. (Key point: Enamel uses)

## Related in Engineering Chemistry

- [Paint requisites and types of paints](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Apaint-requisites) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 8
- [Requisites of good paints; varnish](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Apaint-requisites-varnish) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 8