The type of additive depends largely on the type of pigment used. We first recommend using Tech-58687 and Tech-58685N. In primer systems, the additive dosage is 70% of the pigment solids content. For topcoats, we recommend using Tech-6013, Tech-5861, or Tech-5561 at the same dosage.

Using silicone surfactants such as Tech-2849N, Tech-2835, or Tech-2837 ensures good substrate wetting. For surfaces with very low surface energy, you can also try Tech-2409, Tech-2870, or Tech-245.

Tech-690 is suitable for improving the stability of various products during the grinding of resin-free pastes. It can also be used with transparent iron oxide pigments. The issue with this specific type of pigment is that it contains iron ions, which can cause water-based resins to gel. To prevent gel formation, add 1–5% Tech-598 together with Tech-690 (with the additive solids content accounting for approximately 25% of the pigment) during paste grinding. Before blending, be sure to adjust the paste’s pH to match that of the coating system. Alternatively, use Tech-675.

To wet the substrate, use 0.2–0.5% of an organosilicon surfactant, such as Tech-2409, Tech-2870, or Tech-245. To improve resistance to pinholes and achieve a certain level of surface slip, I would further add some polymeric organosilicon, such as 0.1–0.2% of Tech-2033 or Tech-2733.

Since water evaporates much more slowly, the mechanism of metal orientation in water-based systems is significantly different. This means that the rheology of the coating is the key mechanism influencing pigment orientation. Therefore, you need to use additives that provide pseudoplasticity through certain elastic components to keep the foil flakes oriented in the coating; we strongly recommend that you test Tech-8421.

As long as the intermediate coat is sanded properly, a small amount of reactive silicone, such as Tech-2778, can be used in the intermediate coat to improve substrate wetting and resistance to crating. In wet-on-wet (non-sandable) applications, reactive silicone will reduce the surface energy of the drying intermediate coat, which can lead to scuff marks. For such applications, it is best to use Tech-2550, which reduces surface tension without significantly affecting surface energy.

In most cases, optimal leveling in two-component polyaspartic clear coats can be achieved by using highly polar modified silicones. Among active ingredients, Tech-2306 provides good wetting properties and resistance to pinholes.

For the grinding of resin-containing pigments in water-dilutable coatings and emulsions, Tech-6076, Tech-6774, and Tech-6208 are our top choices. These slurry grinding agents allow for the use of amines, thickeners, surfactants, and co-solvents. Both products provide good stability for a wide range of pigments (primarily transparent and opaque organic pigments). They can provide ideal blackness for carbon black. There is no adverse effect on the stability of pH-sensitive systems.