Application of leveling agents in two major coating systems

Powder coating system: 

Powder coatings do not contain solvents and do not generate surface tension gradients during film formation. Leveling is more related to substrate wetting.

Powder coatings often use acrylic leveling agents. If the leveling agent is in liquid form, it usually needs to be pre made into a masterbatch before use. There are also acrylic leveling agents made into powders, specifically used for powder coatings. 

If powder coatings require smoothness and anti scratch properties, organic silicon leveling agents should be used. There are already organic silicon leveling agents specifically used for powder coatings that are made into powders. Be careful to avoid the formation of shrinkage when using organic silicon leveling agents. 

Water based coating system: 

In water-soluble systems, the most commonly used leveling agents to reduce the surface tension of the system are organosilicon leveling agents and fluorocarbon leveling agents. Of course, if a truly smooth surface is required, acrylic leveling agents for water-based systems are necessary. 

For latex systems, the film-forming mechanism is completely different, and viscosity does not change with solvent evaporation. The use of leveling agents in the formula may improve the substrate wettability of the coating, while acrylic leveling agents can improve the smoothness of the paint film. However, the main flowability of the coating is mainly controlled and adjusted by adding rheological control agents.