Properties of Distemper

             Distemper is a term with a variety of meanings for paints used in decorating and as a historical medium for painting pictures, and contrasted with tempera. The binder may be glues of vegetable or animal origin (excluding egg). Soft distemper is not abrasion resistant and may include e.g. chalk, ground pigments and animal glue. Hard distemper is stronger and wear-resistant and can include casein or linseed oil as binders.
            Following are the properties of distempers :-
              * On drying, the film of distemper shrinks. Hence, it leads to crackling and flaking, if the surface to receive distemper is weak.
              * The coating of distemper are usually thick and more brittle than other types of water paints.
              * The film developed by the distemper is porous in character and it allows water vapour to pass through it. Hence, it permits new walls to dry out without damaging the distemper film.
             * They are generally light in colour and they provide a good reflective coating.
             * They are less durable than oil paints.
             * They are treated as water paints and they are easy to apply.
             * They can be applied on brickwork, cement plastered surface, lime plastered surface, insulating boards, etc.
             * They exhibit poor workability.
             * They prove to be unsatisfactory in damp locations such as kitchen, bathroom, etc.