Scholars have discovered that the resulting design of dry paint is contingent upon variables such as the concentration of pigment and the temperature at which the paint dries. A study published in ACS’ Langmuir demonstrated that when drops contain lesser pigment or are placed on cooler surfaces, they adopt a “fried egg” appearance upon drying, while those with higher pigment concentrations or subjected to higher temperatures exhibit a more consistent look. These insights indicate that manipulating the concentration of pigment and the temperature of drying can influence the ultimate visual characteristics of dried paint.
Variability in drying paint patterns is influenced by both pigment concentration and temperature, and modifications in these variables can be employed to manage the final visual result.
When coffee is spilled and dries, it typically forms a dark perimeter around the edge of the spill. However, drying paint exhibits a range of appearances, from “fried egg” shapes characterized by colorful centers surrounded by white halos to more homogenous designs. To explore these variations, a study led by Stella Ramos and Catherine Barentin and featured in ACS’ Langmuir meticulously observed the drying process of paint. They discovered that both pigment concentration and temperature are instrumental in affecting the paint’s gelling and evaporative behaviors, offering valuable information for managing how dried paint patterns form.
Paint is a composite substance comprising elements like resins, pigments, additives, and solvents such as water. Due to the intricate mixture of components in paint, numerous chemical interactions occur during the evaporation process, occasionally resulting in unwanted patterns or minuscule cracks. While artists and those engaged in domestic painting endeavors generally prefer a smooth and even distribution of pigment after the application, mitigating the formation of irregular patterns during drying has remained a complex issue. Hence, the study led by Stella Ramos and Catherine Barentin sought to investigate the elements that influence the evaporation characteristics of water-based paint.
For the study, the researchers prepared five different solutions, each combining water-based acrylic paint and water, and deposited these solutions onto heated glass slides. Through the process of evaporation, they scrutinized and captured images of the deposits and discerned three main phenomena:
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Initially, there was a competition between inward and outward liquid flows: the inward movement from the heated surface to the cooler top of the droplet countered by an outward movement caused by capillary flow.
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Subsequently, the gelation of the paint increased its viscosity, limiting the mobility of the pigments.
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The final phase of drying affixed the pigments to the surface of the slide.
Both the concentration of pigment and the temperature of the glass slide played significant roles in determining the dimensions, form, and design of the dried paint droplets. For instance, droplets with reduced pigment concentration or placed on cooler surfaces with temperatures as low as 86 degrees Fahrenheit, took on a “fried egg” appearance, accumulating colorful molecules in the center. However, with higher concentrations of pigment and temperatures reaching up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit, the resulting dried pattern was more homogenous, with evenly distributed colors across the entire circle.
To achieve control over the visual outcome of dried paint, the researchers recommend adjusting the pigment concentration and surface temperature in accordance with the desired final pattern.
Reference: “Drying Drops of Paint Suspension: From ‘Fried Eggs’ to Quasi-Homogeneous Patterns” by Stella M. M. Ramos, Damien Soubeyrand, Rémy Fulcrand, and Catherine Barentin, published on 14 September 2023 in Langmuir.
DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01605
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about dried paint patterns
What variables influence the final appearance of dried paint?
The final appearance of dried paint is significantly influenced by the concentration of pigment and the temperature at which the paint dries.
What were the key findings of the study published in ACS’ Langmuir?
The study demonstrated that drops of paint with lesser pigment or placed on cooler surfaces took on a “fried egg” appearance upon drying. Conversely, drops with higher pigment concentrations or dried at higher temperatures appeared more uniform.
How can one control the patterns in dried paint?
By adjusting the pigment concentration and the temperature of the surface onto which the paint is applied, one can exert control over the final appearance of dried paint.
What substances make up paint, and how do they affect the drying process?
Paint is comprised of a mixture of substances including resins, pigments, additives, and solvents like water. Due to this complex composition, various chemical interactions occur during the evaporation process that can lead to different patterns.
What methodology did the researchers employ in the study?
The researchers prepared five mixtures of water-based acrylic paint and water, which were then dropped onto heated glass slides. As the liquid evaporated, the deposits were analyzed and photographed to study the patterns they formed.
What phenomena were observed during the drying process?
Three key phenomena were observed:
- Initially, there were competing inward and outward flows of liquid.
- Over time, gelation increased the viscosity of the paint, slowing down pigment movement.
- The final phase of drying locked the pigments into place on the slide’s surface.
Can this research be applied to both artistic and industrial contexts?
Yes, the insights gleaned from this study offer valuable guidelines for achieving specific visual outcomes in dried paint, relevant to both artistic and industrial applications.
More about dried paint patterns
- ACS’ Langmuir Journal
- Chemical Interactions in Paint
- Importance of Pigment Concentration in Paint
- Understanding Paint Drying Mechanisms
- Artistic Applications of Paint
- Industrial Applications of Paint
