As an artist or painter, you may have come across calcium stearate referenced in the ingredient lists of your paints and wondered about its purpose. Calcium stearate is a fine, white waxy powder produced by heating stearic acid and calcium oxide. Compared to other metallic soaps like zinc stearate, calcium stearate is more affordable and readily available from domestic sources.
At levels of 1000 ppm, it can act as a highly effective lubricant, waterproofing, and release agent in paints. You can optimize calcium stearate’s use in your coatings and paints by understanding the mechanisms by which it functions.
Calcium Stearate as a Lubricating and Release Agent
As an external lubricant, calcium stearate reduces die swell in rigid PVC extrusion and molding applications. It helps decrease friction between paint particles, thus facilitating smoother mixing and application. This enhanced level of lubrication ensures that the paint can be applied evenly and consistently, providing a uniform and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Additionally, calcium stearate serves as an effective release agent in paints. In paint manufacturing, a release agent is a substance that helps prevent the paint from adhering to unwanted surfaces during processing and packaging. This makes the paint easier to handle and manage, reducing the risk of damage and waste.
Calcium Stearate as a Waterproofing Agent
Calcium stearate acts as a waterproofing agent and improves water resistance in paint. Over the long term, calcium stearate enables rigid PVC and other polymers to retain their properties. It creates a water-resistant film by forming a calcium soap with fatty acids. This hydrophobic coating protects against water damage and prevents moisture penetration.
Calcium Stearate as an Anti-Caking Agent and for Improved Dispersion
When added to paint, calcium stearate prevents the coagulation of particles into lumps, keeping the components evenly distributed. It ensures the paint powder remains free-flowing and easy to handle during manufacturing, transportation, and storage.
Calcium stearate also aids in improving dispersion in paint formulations. It helps disperse pigments and other solid particles evenly throughout the liquid medium, ensuring a consistent and uniform color distribution. This is crucial for achieving a smooth and even finish when the paint is applied to a surface.
Furthermore, calcium stearate can act as a rheology modifier in paints, influencing their viscosity and flow characteristics. It can help control the thickness and consistency of the paint, making it easier to apply and providing better coverage. This property is especially valuable in high-performance paints in automotive coatings and architectural paints.
Order Quality Calcium Stearate From Bisley International
Buying calcium stearate from a reputable supplier is crucial to ensure your paint products’ high quality and consistent performance. Bisley International is a leading distributor of calcium stearate, offering a variety of grades to suit your specific needs.
We are always ready to help you determine your application’s ideal grade and dosage. For superior performance and value, choose Bisley International as your source for calcium stearate. Our holistic understanding of markets and technical expertise will build a tailored solution for your paints and coatings. Contact us today to place an order and discover more about our products.
