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Flow/leveling of metallic thermoplastic acrylics

I am facing the flow/leveling problem during spray of metallic acrylic resin especially leafing aluminium. after spray small spots/bits are formed. by increasing the solvent it turns to blackish, also use leveling agents but all in vain. how I prepare aluminium acrylic paint for finishing of plastic and metallic goods.

Lubna Bashir
chemist - Lahore, Pakistan
March 13, 2009

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Hi, It has been a very long time since I formulated a solvent based metallic, however, I still think the basics have not changed that much over the years.
1) Leafing aluminium will be very susceptible to contamination. Check your air-line for oil and water.
2) Applying a wet coat will cause defects... try to apply the coating a little on the dry side. Also try a faster solvent blend.
There are are additives that counter act the (I can't think of the name a physics engineer would give) - but it is an internal flow set up within the coating due to evaporation.
I recall that a good guide to formulation of this type of product was produced by Eckart.

Terry Hickling
Birmingham, United Kingdom
March 19, 2009

thanx, terry.

Lubna Bashir
chemist - Lahore, Pakistan
August 21, 2009