Why are leveling agents used in coatings

Why use acrylic leveling agents in paint formulations? The main functions of coatings are decoration and protection. If there are flow and leveling defects, it not only affects the appearance but also damages the protective function. During the construction and film-forming process of coatings, some physical and chemical changes may occur, which, along with the properties of the coating itself, will significantly affect the flow and leveling of the coating.

After coating application, new interfaces will appear, usually the liquid/solid interface between the coating and the substrate, and the liquid/gas interface between the coating and air. If the interfacial tension between the liquid/solid interface of the coating and the substrate is higher than the critical surface tension of the substrate, the coating cannot spread on the substrate, naturally resulting in leveling defects such as fish eyes and shrinkage cavities.

Therefore, it is necessary to add acrylic leveling agents and adjust the coating properties and changes during construction and film formation to help the coating achieve good leveling. Of course, more methods of operation are also possible. Interested friends are welcome to discuss with us whether to add leveling agents in coatings and what their effects are.