When it comes to Paint and Coating, durability remains the top priority for formulators, contractors, and DIY painters during the selection of the products. Durability refers to various aspects that determine how well paint and coating resist stains, scratches, fading, and cracks.
Paint durability plays a crucial role in the maintenance and preservation of buildings and structures. The quality of painted surfaces also influences the durability of the paint. When the quality falls short, it may lead to premature repairs and additional costs.
Paint can deteriorate when components such as binders and pigments degrade. It is primarily due to the formation of reactive free radicals. These radicals are generated by factors like UV light, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles. The presence of free radicals leads to damage, causing issues like peeling, wrinkling, sun spots, and changes in color and gloss.
The Extent of Paint Durability the Market Needs
There are two different markets for durable paints: contractors and DIY painters. Though both markets usually seek coatings that are easy to apply and visually appealing, they need differing durability and specific requirements.
The interior market, which is dominated by DIY painters, focuses on appearance, stain resistance, and stain removal. Meanwhile, the exterior market is driven by professional painters and client satisfaction based on durability. Time efficiency is crucial for contractors. Therefore, they prefer high-quality, long-lasting paints that minimize the need for repainting and callbacks.
Slip and Leveling Agents to Prolong Durability
To meet the demand for durable paint products, certain additives caught the attention of manufacturers. One of them is leveling agent additive, which enhances the ability of coatings in smoothing out surface defects that may occur after application. Using leveling agent like Efka® SL 3034 can eliminate defects, resulting in an improved overall quality of the coated surface.
Additionally, Efka® SL 3034 provides improved slip resistance, preventing the unwanted phenomenon of floating. It also enables better wetting of the substrate by reducing the interfacial tension. Efka® SL 3034 is suitable for various industrial coatings, including water-based and solvent-based formulations. By incorporating Efka® SL 3034 into coatings, manufacturers can achieve superior leveling, anti-cratering, and substrate-wetting properties, ultimately enhancing the overall performance and visual appearance.
Achieving optimum leveling results in even spreading, flatness, and consistency of the paint. It allows for thinner coatings, which also reduces material consumption and costs. Click here to find your solution.