Application of water-based wood paint leveling agent
Water-based wood paint leveling agents can effectively solve the problem of surface defects during construction by optimizing the leveling performance of the paint. Its application covers multiple wood product coating scenarios. The following is an explanation from four aspects: core role, application field, usage method and precautions:
1. Core role: Solve the three major leveling problems of water-based wood paint
Eliminate brush marks and roller coating lines
Water-based wood paint has high viscosity or traces left by construction tools (such as brushes and rollers). The leveling agent can reduce the surface tension of the paint and prolong the flow time, so that the paint film can automatically smooth the texture before curing.
Prevent shrinkage holes and fish eyes
Contaminants such as grease, dust or release agents may exist on the surface of the wood, causing the paint to shrink and form shrinkage holes. The leveling agent quickly spreads to cover the contaminants to form a uniform film layer to avoid defects.
Improve orange peel and Bénard vortex
When the solvent evaporates unevenly or the construction environment temperature is too high, the paint film surface is prone to orange peel-like bumps or vortexes. The leveling agent adjusts the evaporation rate gradient to inhibit the formation of vortices and make the surface smoother.
2. Typical application areas
Solid wood furniture coating
Scenario: Surface treatment of solid wood products such as dining tables, chairs, cabinets, etc.
Demand: The paint film is required to have high flatness to show the natural texture of the wood, while taking into account the matte or high gloss effect.
Function: Leveling agent can eliminate brush marks, improve gloss uniformity, and enhance the wear resistance and stain resistance of the paint film.
Veneer board and wood floorScenario: Coating of density board, particle board after veneer, or surface treatment of laminate floor.
Demand: Fast construction and controllable cost, while avoiding sagging or orange peel.
Function: Leveling agent can shorten the leveling time, improve production efficiency, and ensure uniform thickness of the paint film.
Wooden crafts and decorative lines
Scenario: Coating of complex shapes such as carved wood products and decorative lines.
Demand: The paint needs to be evenly covered on the three-dimensional surface to avoid paint accumulation or sagging.
Function: Leveling agent can improve the thixotropy of the paint and enhance its adaptability to complex curved surfaces.
3. Usage and skills
Addition amount control
Recommended range: usually 0.1%-1% of the total amount of paint, which needs to be adjusted according to the paint system (such as acrylic acid, polyurethane) and construction method.
Overdosage risk: excessive addition may cause the paint film to become sticky, reduce scratch resistance, or affect adhesion.
Addition time
Grinding stage: Add together with pigments and fillers to improve dispersibility and reduce surface roughness caused by particles.
Paint mixing stage: Add in the last stage to avoid high temperature or long-term stirring that causes the leveling agent to fail.
Construction environment optimization
Temperature and humidity: The construction environment temperature is recommended to be controlled at 15-35℃, and the humidity is ≤85% to avoid solvent evaporation too fast or too slow to affect the leveling effect.
Ventilation conditions: Good ventilation can accelerate solvent evaporation, but it is necessary to avoid excessive wind speed that causes the paint film surface to dry quickly.
4. Precautions and common problems
Compatibility test
The compatibility of different leveling agents with resins and additives may vary. Small tests need to be carried out in advance to avoid problems such as flocculation and stratification.
Synergistic effect with other additives
Defoamer: Leveling agent may introduce trace bubbles and needs to be used with defoamer.
Thickener: When adjusting the viscosity of the coating, it is necessary to balance the leveling and anti-sagging properties to avoid difficulty in leveling due to excessive viscosity.
Storage and stability
Leveling agents need to be sealed and stored in a cool and dry place to avoid high temperature or freezing that may cause performance degradation. Some silicone leveling agents may stratify due to improper storage and need to be fully stirred before use.
5. Trends and Prospects
As water-based wood paint develops towards low VOC and high solid content, leveling agents are evolving towards high efficiency, environmental protection and multifunctionality:
Nanotechnology: Through nanoparticle modification, the spreading efficiency and scratch resistance of leveling agents are improved.
Bio-based raw materials: Leveling agents synthesized from renewable resources are used to reduce dependence on petroleum-based products.
Complex functions: Integrate leveling, hardening, anti-fouling and other properties to meet the diverse needs of high-end wood products.