---
title: "Distemper forms and preparation"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:distemper-forms-preparation"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/distemper-forms-preparation
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Distemper forms and preparation

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 9: Paint and Varnishes

- Asked in: 2068 Baisakh, 1+1+2 marks
- Video: [How to Make a Distemper || Distemper Bnane ka Tarika || Local Distemper Making process || Distemper](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0U_D3sSXEI) — 3D Paint Mani
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/distemper-forms-preparation
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-9

## Question

What are distempers? In what form are they commercially available? How do you prepare the commercial product in the field for painting?

## Short answer

Distemper is a water-based paint with chalk or lime base and glue binder, used on interior plaster. It is commercially supplied as dry powder or oil-bound paste. To prepare, mix dry powder with water to a smooth paste, then dilute and strain; for oil-bound paste, stir and add water (1:1) to a creamy consistency then strain.

## Answer

#### What is distemper

**Distemper** is a water-based paint with chalk (or lime) as the base, glue or casein as the binder, pigment and water. It is used on interior plastered walls and ceilings.

#### Commercial forms

1. **Dry distemper:** Supplied as powder in packs.
2. **Oil-bound distemper:** Supplied as a paste (thick liquid) in tins, with oil as the binder.

#### Preparation in the field

- **Dry distemper:** Mix the powder with the quantity of clean water stated by the maker (about 1 part powder to 1 part hot or cold water) and stir it to a thick, smooth paste. Then dilute it and stir until it reaches brushing consistency. Strain it and use it warm, within the same day.
- **Oil-bound distemper:** Stir the paste thoroughly, add water slowly (1 : 1 or as per the maker's instructions) to get a creamy mixture, and strain it through a cloth before use.

## Check yourself

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

1. What is distemper?
   A. Resin in spirit
   B. Water-based paint with chalk or lime base and glue/casein binder
   C. Bitumen emulsion
   D. Oil paint with lead base
   Answer: B. Distemper uses chalk or lime base with glue/casein binder, pigment and water. (Key point: Composition)

2. In which forms is distemper sold?
   A. Sheets and rolls
   B. Dry powder and oil-bound paste
   C. Only liquid in cans
   D. Blocks
   Answer: B. Dry distemper is powder; oil-bound distemper is paste in tins. (Key point: Commercial forms)

3. What binder does oil-bound distemper use?
   A. Casein only
   B. Glue
   C. Cement
   D. Oil
   Answer: D. Oil-bound distemper has oil as the binder. (Key point: Binder)

4. How is dry distemper prepared in the field?
   A. Mixed with petrol
   B. Applied directly as powder
   C. Mixed with water to a thick paste, diluted to brushing consistency and strained
   D. Burnt first
   Answer: C. Make a smooth paste with water, dilute, strain and use warm within the day. (Key point: Field preparation)

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