[formulax]

Considering my horrible math/science skills, this is a big task for me. I currently work for a paint retailer, and I understand the basics of what paint is made out of (pigments, binder, solvents, additives). I got a crazy idea of making a gallon of homebrew paint and decided to see if anyone here has any experience. I searched and didn't find very much.

I have a good idea of what is going to go into the can (after hours of research online and printing up a Glidden paint MSDS), but I would like some pointers or lessons learned from others about this subject. I picked out my materials but my problems are... in what order should I mix them, etc? Any help in general would be very helpful!

My goal for now is to develop a very basic paint that works. Later on (once I understand more), I want to develop a paint that can be rolled onto a wall that will look and feel like a paint purchased in a store, with reasonable durability.

Thanks!

[enahs]

Generally what are you going to be putting in your paint and how much?

[formulax]

Pigment : titanium dioxide

Binder : sodium polyacrylate and polyvinyl acetate

Solvent(s) - odorless mineral spirits

I am not even on the level of calling myself a citizen chemist, that is how little knowledge I have! As for amounts, I am not quite sure where to start. I was just going to experiment if no one here has any experience with it. With the titanium dioxide, I will have a better idea. I know how white paint is and I will add until I have gotten the correct brightness. I may not get that far! But I will try.

[billnotgatez]

please let us know how your experiments went

[zaphraud]

The only curing method possible with the ingredients listed is going to be dehydration-esterification, unless you expose it to a lot of UV 

With that in mind, you might consider adding some highly unsaturated fatty acids (or corresponding fats), the kind that can be expected to degrade in the presence of air, especially after the solvent has evaporated. Since food-grade sources of this are also available, you should be able to add this to your experiment and still stay within the realm of FDA-GRAS ingredients (less risk of making retards when the paint chips are consumed by bored inner-city kids someday)