What Are Paint Additives?
There is only so much paint can do. That’s where paint additives come in. Additives in paints are chemicals that interact with other chemicals in the paint or with the surface itself. They enhance paint to deliver a better performance. It can make paint smoother, flow better and weather-resistant. You can use them to prevent defects in the coating and prevent paint from separating or becoming clumpy. Additives can be added to the paint during production, or it may be purchased separately.
Types of Paint Additives
Each type of paint additive adds a distinct feature to the paint you use. The best paint additives for you depend on the kind of finish you want to achieve.
Scent Additives
Purpose: These additives are added to infuse a particular scent into the paint. This can be either a neutral smell or a pleasant scent like tropical, citrus or vanilla smells. Scent additives can linger for about two to four months based on which one you use. It can act as an air freshener and dispel any bad odors. It can also eliminate the smell of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) usually present in paint. These are potentially harmful and its concentration is ten times higher indoors.
When to Use: Scent additives can be used to incorporate a particular scent you like in your room or neutralize existing odors. Mostly scent additives in paint are used to eliminate its chemical smell. Use these in latex or oil-based paint.
Paint Conditioner
Purpose: A paint conditioner is essentially used to make paint thinner. Add some to your paint and mix it up for smoother paint flow and to reduce brush marks. The conditioner also helps keep a wet edge, which means the paint won’t dry while you do adjacent sections.
When to Use: You can use a paint conditioner to speed up the drying process and aid in adhesion by enhancing the performance of the paint binder. The paint binder holds paint particles together and allows them to stick to the wall.
Floetrol or Penetrol
Some of the best paint additives, floetrol and penetrol are commonly used as paint conditioners. Their major features and uses are highlighted below.
Water-based Floetrol
Floetrol, a water-based paint conditioner, improves paint finish while retaining the original characteristics of the paint. It acts as a lubricant to make the paint flow more easily off your brush and onto the wall. It also prevents the paint from drying too soon, resulting in a smoother finish. It’s suitable for both interior and exterior painting projects. It’s also great if you want to create any special effects with your paint. Acrylic pouring is one technique that results in fluid art effects with the help of floetrol, which extends the drying time. Another artistic finish that can be achieved with floetrol include swiped effects to create swirling patterns. This also works well in hot, humid and cold climates.
Oil-based Penetrol
Penetrol is specifically designed for oil-based paints. It works the same way that floetrol works to get a smooth finish and reduce brush marks. Penetrol is a low-odor paint additive that can help with the effects of weather and surface conditions on paint. It can also be used on metal and fiberglass.
Penetrol is also ideal for indoor use since it’s non-toxic when it dries. It prevents untreated furniture and panels from becoming dull. It also rejuvenates faded wood stains and makes them appear rich.
Paint Hardener
Purpose: It’s a chemical used to harden paint spills and colorants instantly. This helps with cleanup and easy disposal. It’s meant to be used with latex and oil-based paints.
When to Use: A paint hardener can deal with any paint spills you encounter while painting. Sprinkle some over the spill and sweep up the hardened pieces.
Texture Additives
Purpose: These additives in paint are meant to hide minute to moderate flaws and create interesting textures like grainy or sandy finishes. They also make the paint more durable and create a smooth finish. Texture additives in paint can be used for both interior and exterior painting. They can add textures like stone or sand to any paint.
When to Use: Adding a textured wall might be a good idea to create visual interest.
Insecticide Additives
Purpose: These types of additives can be used for both interior and exterior painting. They can also be used in oil-based or water-based paints. It repels flying or crawling insects that land on the painted surface. Their effects tend to last for a few months after application.
When to Use: If you have a lot of issues with ants, carpenter bees or termites, consideradding insecticide additives to your paint.
Anti-Mildew Additives
Purpose: If you live in humid conditions, your rooms may be at increased risk of mold growth. Anti-mildew additives in paint offer protection against mold and mildew for dry paint. It can be used with water, latex and oil paints.
When to Use: Anti-mildew additives can be used in kitchen, bathroom or laundry room to resist mold growth.
Decorative Paint Flake Additives
Purpose: Paint flake additives can create a unique and attractive feel for your home if added to the paint. You can add metallic glitter to your paint for a sparkle. This would look perfect on accent walls to create visual interest.
When to Use: Adding glitter flakes to your paint can change the atmosphere of your room and create an attractive look.
Get the Perfect Finish
Whether you want a smoother finish or an insect-free space, additives in paint always do the job. The ideal paint additives are those which fulfil the purpose you need it to.