History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c20.s3.t4: Surface coatings
History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c20.s3.t4
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Surface coatings
v1.c20.s3.t4.1
There are references in many of our ancient texts to prove that paints were used as surface coating to walls, pillars, etc. (Śiv. R. VI.2.2-4)
v1.c20.s3.t4.2
A paint meant for surface coating also is a mixture of opaque solids dispersed in a liquid medium which is used as a protective or decorative coating for surfaces which dry up by the oxidation and evaporation of portions of its components. Hence as paints are mechnical mixtures, the pigments and extenders are carried or suspended in the vehicle. The vehicle also should be a film- forming oil to which other liquids are added in varying amounts (Shreve, p.495). Hence the technique of preparing pigments from different colouring agents involved an arduous process of selecting suitable diluents or thinners, vehicles, etc. Moreover, specific requirements of the paints had to be taken into consideration such as colour, hiding (obliteration), weather resistance, washability, gloss, metal anti-corrosive properties and consistency as related to the mode of application like brushing, dipping etc. No doubt, people were highly skilled in these techniques as it is clear from several descriptions of painted walls, śikharas and gopuras or palaces and mansions in many literary texts.
Linked texts (1)
- Śivatattvaratnākara — Basappa Nāyaka 1684, Sanskrit