Know Your Raw Materials

A simple technical reference page to understand the function, selection, and practical importance of raw materials used in emulsion paints and allied coating systems.

        Strong coatings begin with strong raw material knowledge. Selection should consider function, compatibility, dosage, processing behavior, cost, and final performance.
      

Binders

The film-forming backbone of the paint. Determines adhesion, toughness, water resistance, flexibility, and durability.

Acrylic Styrene Acrylic VAE

Pigments

Provide colour, opacity, whiteness, and protection. Titanium dioxide is the prime opacifying pigment in most premium systems.

TiO₂ Colour Pigments

Extenders

Control PVC, sheen, hardness, sanding, and cost. Also influence scrub resistance and film packing.

Calcite Dolomite China Clay

Additives

Small in quantity, high in influence. Manage dispersion, foam, viscosity, preservation, wetting, and film behavior.

Dispersant Defoamer Biocide

Example Raw Material: Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a multifunctional supporting additive in emulsion paints. It is widely used for improving workability, moisture retention, and film formation support.

Property / Role	Function in Emulsion Paint	Practical Benefit
Humectant	Retains moisture and slows down water loss during application	Improves open time and reduces lap marks
Coalescing Support	Helps polymer particles come together during drying	Supports better film formation, especially at lower temperatures
Application Aid	Improves brushability and roller feel	Better leveling and smoother finish
Freeze-Thaw Support	Helps stabilize water-based systems under storage stress	Improves storage stability in colder conditions
Viscosity Influence	Can slightly reduce apparent viscosity	Improves handling and additive compatibility

How to Evaluate Any Raw Material

Function: What exactly does it do in the formula?
Compatibility: Does it work well with binder, pigment, and other additives?
Dosage: What is the safe and effective level?
Process impact: Does it affect grind, let-down, foam, or viscosity?
Performance impact: Does it improve gloss, opacity, scrub, adhesion, drying, or stability?
Cost impact: Is the improvement worth the additional cost?

Quick Classification for Paint Raw Materials

Category	Main Purpose	Examples
Binder	Film formation and adhesion	Acrylic emulsion, styrene acrylic, VAE
Pigment	Colour and hiding	Titanium dioxide, iron oxides, phthalocyanine blue
Extender	Bulk, sheen control, cost balance	Calcite, talc, kaolin, dolomite
Rheology Modifier	Viscosity and sag control	HEC, HPMC, associative thickeners
Dispersant	Pigment wetting and stabilization	Polyacrylate dispersants
Defoamer	Foam suppression	Mineral oil, silicone, polymeric defoamers
Preservative / Biocide	In-can protection	MIT/BIT blends and related systems
Coalescent / Solvent Aid	Film development support	Texanol, propylene glycol