With the advantages of low odour and low volatile organic content, water-based paints are increasingly preferred in decorative and industrial markets. However, water-based systems are more prone to certain production and application problems than their solvent-based counterparts. Most of these problems are solved with additives used in small amounts in the formulation.
Foam: lost time in production, defects in application
Foam formed during mixing, filling and roller application slows down filling speed in production and returns in the dried film as pinholes and craters. An effective defoamer should break foam quickly both in production and in application without creating defects on the film surface. Silicone-free BiyoDefoam is designed to avoid adhesion problems in subsequent coats.
Pigment dispersion: the key to colour strength
Pigments that are not fully wetted and stably dispersed show up as low colour strength, loss of gloss, colour separation and settling in storage. Dispersants (BiyoDisperse) increase grinding efficiency, while wetting agents (BiyoSpread) help both with pigment wetting and with spreading of the paint on difficult substrates.
Rheology: thick in the can, fluid in application
A good paint should not settle in the can, should not spatter from the brush or roller, and should level well without sagging after application. This balance is provided by thickeners. BiyoThick HEC, a cellulosic thickener, is used in both paint and plaster applications thanks to its water retention and open-time control.
Film formation: paint that doesn’t crack in the cold
In emulsion paints, binder particles must coalesce to form a continuous film. If this process cannot be completed at low temperatures, the film chalks or cracks. Coalescing agents (BiyoFilm) reduce this risk by lowering the minimum film-forming temperature.
Adhesion in construction chemicals
In tile adhesives and plasters, tensile adhesion strength, open time and slip resistance are critical performance criteria. BiyoTile is a powder performance additive designed to improve these properties. Tile adhesives are classified according to EN 12004.
What to consider when choosing additives
- Evaluate additives not one by one but for their compatibility with the formulation as a whole.
- Check storage stability with accelerated tests.
- Carry out application tests on real substrates and at different temperatures.
Frequently asked questions
At which stage of production should I add the defoamer?
Usually part of it is added during grinding and the rest during the final adjustment. This controls foam during production while maintaining effectiveness against foam during application. Care should be taken, as overdosing can cause film defects.
My paint shows colour separation. What could be the cause?
Colour separation is mostly caused by different pigments flocculating at different rates. Reviewing the type and amount of dispersant, using a wetting agent and optimising grinding conditions usually solve the problem.
How does a coalescing agent affect the VOC value?
Some coalescing agents count as volatile organic compounds. Choosing low-volatility products and optimising the dosage according to the target minimum film-forming temperature ensures both performance and compliance with VOC limits.
Conclusion
The quality of a paint is often determined by its smallest components. The right additive package means fewer complaints and more efficient production.
Related products: Paint and Construction Chemicals
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