How to formulate paints & coatings with good leveling?

Poor leveling leads to:

• Visual defects such as orange peel effect, craters, fisheyes.
• Reduced hiding power: Poor leveling can lead to patchy coverage, where the underlying surface shows through.
• Weaker adhesion: leads to risk of peeling, flaking, or cracking over time.

Image credits: Guangzhou Deco Chemical Technology^a

We are sure you have clarity on possible ways to omit that worsens your leveling. Here is a brief for you to check mark off your list:

• Foaming agents: Foam can make leveling worse as it increases the viscosity.
• Solvents: A less volatile solvent should be preferred to achieve optimum leveling. Faster the solvent evaporates, less time there is for leveling.
• Layer thickness: A thick layer is easy to level.
• 2K reaction: The faster the reaction, faster the viscosity goes up and hinders the leveling.