Paint additives

Home >> Additives

Paint Additives

ADDITIVES – Ingredients added to improve paint quality.
Below is a list of additives used in the manufacture of latex paints, and a description of how they affect the properties of those paints.
Thickeners and Rheology Modifiers
Provide adequate viscosity (thickness), so the paint may be applied properly
Ensure how thick the paint goes on and how well it flows out when applied
Modern rheology modifiers help latex paints to:
Resist spattering when applied by roller
Flow out smoothly
Prevent spoilage

Surfactants (specialized soaps)
Stabilize the paint so that it will not separate(although this often happens if the paint is left standing in its container for a long time; months+) or become too thick to use
Keep pigments dispersed for maximum gloss and hiding
Help "wet" the surface being painted, so the paint won't "ciss" (move about) when it is applied
Ensure constancy in colouring.

Two types of preservatives are used with emulsion/latex paint
The first is to keep bacteria from growing in the paint. This is important for paint stored in containers that are repeatedly opened and closed.
The second is to prevent mildew from growing on the surface of the paint after it has been applied. This is used mainly in exterior products, although some interior paints, such as those for use in damp areas, e.g., kitchens and bathrooms, may also contain the preservative.

Defoamers break bubbles as they are formed in the paint when:
the paint is mixed in the factory
it is put on the shaker or stirred
it is applied to the surface (especially important when rolling the paint on)
Co-solvents are additional liquids other than water; that:
aid the binder in forming a good film when applied down to the minimum recommended application temperature help the liquid paint resist damage if frozen
enhance brushing properties, including flow and "open time" (the time the paint can be applied and worked, before it sets up)
The co-solvents are generally volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Additives Affect and Enhance Many Paint Properties
Thickeners and Rheology Modifiers provide adequate viscosity (thickness) so the paint may be applied properly, and impact how thick the paint goes on and how well it flows out when applied. Modern rheology modifiers help emulsion/latex paints resist spattering when applied by roller, flow out smoothly, and reduce spoilage (resulting in a putrid odor and/or loss of viscosity).
Surfactants (specialized soaps) stabilize the paint so it won’t separate or become too thick to use, keep pigments dispersed for maximum gloss and hiding, help “wet” the surface being painted so paint won’t move about during application, and provide compatibility with tinting colorants.
Biocides, used in latex paints, are available in two types: a preservative to keep bacteria from growing in the paint, and a mildewcide to discourage mildew from growing on the surface of the paint after application.
Defoamers break bubbles as they are formed in the paint.
Co-solvents, which are additional liquids other than water, enhance brushing properties, help liquid paint resist damage if frozen, and aid the binder in forming a good film.