The metallic oxide used in the form of powder in a paint is called:
🔬 Understanding the "Base" of a Paint
The 'Base' is the foundational solid component of paint. It is typically a metallic oxide in powder form that provides the main body, substance, and hiding power to the paint film. Think of it as the skeleton or foundation upon which the paint is built.
Base: The principal pigment in a paint formulation. Its primary job is to provide opacity (the ability to hide the surface) and to form the bulk of the protective film.
⚖️ Detailed Comparison of Paint Components
To understand why 'Base' is the correct answer, it's essential to distinguish it from the other components listed.
(c) Base
What it is: A metallic oxide powder (e.g., Titanium Dioxide, White Lead, Zinc Oxide).
Function: This is the core answer. It provides the essential properties of opacity and durability. It makes the paint film non-transparent and gives it the strength to protect the underlying surface.
(a) Vehicle
What it is: The liquid portion of the paint, also known as the binder (e.g., linseed oil, acrylic polymer).
Function: It binds the solid particles (like the base and pigments) together and to the surface. It is not a powder; it's the liquid that carries the powder.
(b) Drier
What it is: A chemical compound, often a metallic salt, added in small quantities.
Function: It acts as a catalyst to accelerate the drying and hardening process of the vehicle (binder). It is an additive, not the main body of the paint.
(d) Extender
What it is: An inexpensive powder, also known as a filler (e.g., barium sulphate, chalk, silica).
Function: It is added to increase the volume of the paint and reduce its cost. While it is a powder, it is not the *principal* metallic oxide responsible for opacity. Its main job is to add bulk, and it has low hiding power compared to the base.
đź’ˇ Study Tips for Paint Components
- Base is the Body: Remember that the Base gives the paint its main substance and hiding power. It's the most important solid.
- Vehicle is the Van: The Vehicle (or binder) is the liquid "van" that carries all the solid powders and glues them to the wall.
- Drier makes it Dry Faster: Its name clearly states its function—it speeds up the drying time.
- Extender Extends the Volume: An Extender is a "filler" used to make the paint go further and reduce cost, but it's not the primary functional powder.