In building finishes, “water paint” refers to which material category? Select the most appropriate choice.

Introduction / Context:
Painting and finishing materials are classified by binder and solvent. Water paint is a traditional, economical finish often used on interiors. The question checks whether you can distinguish between lime-based washes and true water-based paints like distemper.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We compare whitewash, colour wash, whiting, and distemper.
• “Water paint” implies a paint where water is the main thinner/vehicle.
• Focus is on standard construction terminology.

Concept / Approach:
Whitewash and colour wash are primarily lime-based surface washes, not paints in the modern sense. Whiting is finely ground chalk used as a pigment/filler. Distemper, however, is a water-based paint with chalk/whiting and a glue or casein binder, thinned with water and applied as a coating.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard textbooks define distemper as a water-borne paint using whiting and animal glue/casein binders; thus, it fits the definition of water paint.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Whitewash: A lime wash, not a bound paint film.
• Colour wash: Same mechanism as whitewash, just pigmented.
• Whiting: Raw material, not paint.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming any water-thinned coating is a “paint”; distinguishing wash from paint is key.

Final Answer:
Distemper (water-based paint)