---
title: "Characteristics of good paints"
subject: "Engineering Chemistry"
chapter: 8
key: "semester_2/engineering_chemistry:paint-characteristics"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/paint-characteristics
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Characteristics of good paints

Engineering Chemistry · Chapter 8: Lubricants and Paints

- Asked in: 2072 Magh, 2 marks; 2071 Bhadra, 2 marks (asked 2 times)
- Video: [L-7.  Requirements for good paints | characteristics of good paints | paint industry #MScchemistry](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogDGJOPeRY8) — MJD Chemistry
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/paint-characteristics
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/chapter-8

## Question

Write the characteristics of good paints.

## Short answer

A good paint is easy to apply, has high covering power, dries to a tough elastic film that adheres without cracking, resists weathering and fading, and is non-toxic and cheap.

## Answer

Characteristics of a good paint:
1. It should be easy to apply and spread uniformly with a brush or spray.
2. It should have good covering power (opacity).
3. It should dry within a reasonable time to give a hard, tough, elastic film.
4. The film should adhere well and not crack, blister or peel.
5. It should have good colour and gloss, and resist fading.
6. It should resist weather, water, chemicals and heat.
7. It should be non-toxic, cheap and free from a harmful smell.

## Check yourself

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

1. What is meant by good covering power (opacity) of paint?
   A. It dries instantly
   B. It dissolves in water easily
   C. It gives a transparent film
   D. It hides the surface beneath in few coats
   Answer: D. Opacity is the ability to cover the surface well and uniformly. (Key point: Covering power)

2. Which behaviour shows a good paint film?
   A. It peels off to allow repainting
   B. It adheres well and does not crack, blister or peel
   C. It cracks to let moisture escape
   D. It blisters under heat
   Answer: B. The film should adhere firmly and not crack, blister or peel. (Key point: Film adhesion)

3. A good paint should resist which of these?
   A. Only water
   B. Only fading
   C. None; it only needs to look good
   D. Weather, water, chemicals and heat
   Answer: D. Resistance to weather, water, chemicals and heat is a key characteristic. (Key point: Resistance)

## Related in Engineering Chemistry

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

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