A paint system is the practice of applying different types and layers of paint or other coating materials in a certain sequence. Each layer has its own special purpose. The combination of these different types of coatings and paints ideally results in a solution for protecting the substrate (substrate) from the corrosive and weathering environment.
Paint systems are classified by the number of layers they have. Three, four, five and six paint systems exist, and an even greater number of paint systems are used. There are also one- and two-coat or dual-phase paint systems.
A paint system usually consists of a primer, an intermediate coat and a top coat. Primer is the first coat in the system. It is applied directly to the substrate. Primers are not only used to provide protection to the substrate, but also to give subsequent coatings an excellent surface to which to adhere. An intermediate coat or coat is used to provide thickness to the paint system. Typically, the thicker the coating requirement, the more intermediate coats are required; however, this is not always the case if the intermediate coats used can achieve high thicknesses in a single application. The top coat serves two purposes. It can provide aesthetic appeal to the entire paint system if desired. Also, since it is on the outer layer, it is used to protect the paint system. It needs to be protected from abrasion, water, sunlight and other conditions that can be detrimental to a paint system.
