Paint is a material or mixture that, when applied to a solid material and allowed to dry, adds a film-like layer. As art, this is used to create an image or images known as a painting. Paint can be made in many colours and types. Most paints are either oil-based or water-based, and each has distinct characteristics.

A coating is a covering that is applied to the surface of an object, or substrate.[1] The purpose of applying the coating may be decorative, functional, or both.[2] Coatings may be applied as liquids, gases or solids e.g. powder coatings.