wetting/leveling agent for coating

Coating additives are an important component of coating formulations. Although their dosage is usually small (0.1%~5%), they have a significant impact on the storage stability, application performance, film-forming effect, and final film properties of coatings.The selection principle of additives for coatings: high efficiency, minimal negative impact, high cost-effectiveness, and compliance with environmental requirements.The following is the selection method and key considerations for coating additives.     1. Main categories and functions of coating additives Classification Function Example Dispersant Improve pigment dispersibility, prevent sedimentation and flocculation Polyacrylate and Phosphate Esters Wetting Agent Reduce surface tension and improve substrate wettability Organic Silicon and Alkynediol Defoamer Restrain the production of foam and reduce coating defects Mineral Oils; Organic Silicon Leveling Agent Improve coating leveling and reduce orange peel and brush marks Acrylic Ester and Organosilicon Thickener Adjust the viscosity of the coating to prevent sagging and settling Cellulose Ether, Polyurethane, Bentonite Anti-Settling Agent Prevent pigment settling and improve storage stability Gas Phase Silica, Polyamide Wax Cure Accelerator Accelerate coating curing and improve reaction efficiency Organic Tin, Amine Cure Accelerator Prevent UV degradation and improve weather resistance UV Absorbers, Hals Fungicide Inhibit mold growth and extend coating life Isothiazolinones, Benzimidazoles Adhesion Promoter Improve the adhesion between the coating and the substrate Silane coupling agent, epoxy phosphate ester   2. Key factors in additive selection (1) Coating system (water-based/solvent-based/UV curing) l Water-based coatings: water-soluble or water-dispersible additives (such as BYK-190 dispersant, Tego Wet 270 wetting agent) must be selected. l Solvent-based coatings: oil-soluble additives (such as BYK-161 leveling agent, BYK-011 defoamer) must be selected. l UV curing coatings: photoinitiator-compatible additives (such as Tego Rad 2100 leveling agent) must be selected. (2) Coating type (primer/topcoat/clear coat/colored paint) l Primer: Focus on adhesion promoters and rust inhibitors (such as zinc phosphate). l Topcoat: Key considerations include leveling agents, matting agents (such as silica matting powder), and weather resistant additives. l Color paint: water-based paint dispersant, anti settling agent. (3) Construction method (spray coating/brush coating/roller coating) l Spray coating: Low foaming additives and leveling agents are required. l Brush coating/roller coating: anti sagging agents and anti splash agents are required.   3.Environmental and performance requirements Demand Recommended Additives Weatherability Uv Absorbent+Hals High Gloss Leveling Agent+Defoamer Matte/Frosted Matte Powder+Anti Settling Agent Anti-Bacteria   Mold Inhibitor+Algae Inhibitor High Adhesion Epoxy Phosphate Ester+Silane Coupling Agent   4.Verify long-term stability Perform accelerated aging testing (such as storing at 40 degrees for 30 days) to observe whether: l Settlement (adjust anti settling agent) l Viscosity change (adjusting thickener) l Decreased defoaming performance (hydrolysis of defoamers)   5.Common problems and solutions Common Problem Possibility Analysis Solution Ideas Shrinkage Of Coating Film Incompatible Leveling Or Defoaming Agents Replace With Compatible Additives Pigment Sedimentation Insufficient Dispersant/Anti Settling Agent Add Anti Settling Agent Poor Leveling Performance Improper Selection Of Leveling Agent Switching To Organic Silicon Leveling Agent Too Much Foam Wetting Agents Have Strong Foaming Properties Adjust Defoamer Poor Adhesion Insufficient Wetting Of The Substrate Add Adhesion Agent   6.General selection ideas   The material determines the performance, and the reasonable selection of additives can significantly improve the application defects of coatings. It is recommended to optimize the formula through small-scale experiments and pay attention to the synergistic effect between additives. Only by applying them correctly can they be fully utilized.   China AAB Industry Technology Group offers a comprehensive portfolio of additives and polymers, as well as detailed one-to-one customer service to meet specific needs. Our main functional additive products include: wetting and dispersing agents, defoamers and air release agents, wetting and leveling agents, tackifiers and coupling agents, wax additives, rheological additives, high-performance HAA curing agents, TIGC curing agents, GMA resins, matting agents, functional leveling agents, texture agents, charge additives, dispersants, leveling agents and epoxy curing agents, pigment dispersants, flow and wetting modifiers, anti-yellowing agents, adhesion additives, etc. Our Kabasph® additive products are widely used in automotive coatings, refinishing paints, marine coatings, anti-corrosion coatings, wood coatings, inks, epoxy floor paints, powder coatings, UV gel nail polish, textiles, rubber, architectural coatings, papermaking, etc. Plastics, skin care products, cosmetics, etc.   If you need any technical support or free samples,please feel free to contact us: Tel: +86 13951823978 (WhatsApp, Telegram) Email: info@aabindustrygroup.com