Wetting Agent - 118ml

A surfactant is used in several ways in paint making. Surfactants are used to “wet out” pigments to ease their introduction into paint mediums. Surfactants can also be added to thin paint mixtures to help reduce the surface tension of water.

Wetting Agent is very useful for thin paint applications, as it dramatically reduces the surface tension between the diluted paint and the substrate. Certain supports are inherently water-repelling and require the use of a wetting agent to allow the paint to wet and flow over the substrate.

How to use the wetting agent;

Always dilute Wetting Agent with water prior to adding to paint or dry powder pigments. Wetting Agent is a concentrated surfactant, and we recommend adding minimum amounts and increasing dosage gradually. It is recommended to use the minimum amount needed to achieve the desired effect.

NOTE: Wetting Agent is an additive and is not intended to be used full strength.

Starting Dilutions

• Start by mixing 1 part Wetting Agent to 20 parts water. Add more Wetting Agent if needed to overcome the hydrophobicity of the pigment. Use this mixture whenever adding the Wetting Agent to paint or to make paint with dry powder pigments.

• When painting on non-absorbent surfaces, do not exceed the 1 part Wetting Agent to 10 parts water in the paint to minimize water sensitivity.

• For painting on absorbent surfaces, higher levels of Wetting Agent may be used as it will be absorbed by the surface area of the substrate.

• Use Wetting Agent to pre-wet the painting substrate to increase the flowing or spreading capabilities of the paint.

• Add to water for making pigment pastes or dispersions for hydrophobic or difficult to mix dry powder pigments.

The dilution table below is the recommended starting strength. More can be added to water, but should not exceed 10 parts water to 1 part Wetting Agent. Use the minimum amount needed to create the desired effect.

Mix by stirring gently. Stirring vigorously or shaking the mixture will generate foam.