Paint is a coating applied, in one or more layers (thin layers of a few tens of micrometers thick; µm), on different materials called “substrates”. The result is only obtained after application and drying. When drying, or industrially prefabricated, the paint forms a solid, adherent and durable film. The paint “film” is also called “foil”. If the film is transparent or translucent, it is a varnish; if it is opaque, it is a paint according to safety rules and production requirements (deadlines, quality, etc.).

The paint is a mixture of heterogeneous materials whose two main functions are to protect the supports (wood, plastics, metals, masonry …) and to decorate them (colour, gloss, structure …). According to the needs, so-called “intelligent” paints can be developed today. Some may have self-cleaning, phytochrome, hydrophobic, depolluting, anti-corrosive, anti-cracking, anti-mould, antibacterial properties or even properties to improve thermal or electromagnetic insulation.

Anti-corrosion paint protects the works while enhancing them with colour. It is often associated with so-called “marine” paint because its primary function is to protect structures against the assaults of time, water, frost and wind. These paint systems are essential for the protection of structures and are an integral part of the construction from the design stage.