Guidelines for Architectural Products

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			Overview Starting Point Formulations Formulating Guidelines > Guidelines for Architectural Products > Guidelines for UCAR™ POLYPHOBE™ Rheology Modifiers > Guidelines for Sealants > Guidelines for Industrial Coatings Ask an Expert Product Safety

Coalescing Solvents
Standard coalescing solvents work well with UCAR™ latexes, such as Butyl CARBITOL™ or UCAR Filmer IBT. Coalescent level will depend on the polymer. In general, for non-low VOC polymers levels between 6% and 20% may be required. Generally, flat vehicles require between 5% - 10%. Gloss vehicles may require between 10% and 20% solvent based on total resin solids. UESM Low VOC polymers are specifically designed to have low solvent requirements. Depending on the polymer, solvent requirements for UESM low VOC polymers will be between 0% and perhaps 5%. In many cases where the level of glycol is limited by VOC requirements, utilizing 2 - 3 pounds per 100 gallons of TRITON™ CF-10 will enhance freeze/thaw stability.

Thickeners
Use of cellulosic and/or associative thickeners is recommended with UCAR latexes. Outstanding film build properties can be achieved with UCAR POLYPHOBE™ Rheology Modifiers as well as combinations of cellulosic thickeners and UCAR POLYPHOBES.

Additives
It is recommended that a thorough evaluation of any additive be undertaken. A good starting point for additives is the manufacturer's suggested level.

Defoaming
UCAR Latexes are designed to work with any standard defoamers utilized in the paint and coatings industry. Ideal starting point levels should be the manufacture's recommendation. It is suggested that the defoamer be split between the grind and letdown portions. If further defoaming is required, a thorough evaluation for efficacy should be undertaken.

Perservative and Mildewcides
Standard preservative and mildewcide packages have been used in formulations. It is strongly recommended that thorough evaluations be undertaken for reactions resulting in color changes with either the preservatives and/or mildewcide.

Modifications
The Tg of UCAR latex and acrylic products were designed to impart flexibility to coatings formulated with these polymers. In some situations where harder films are required, blending with a high Tg latex will improve the hardness. Modification with 25% of UCAR "Booster" Latex 6030 has shown improvements in block resistance and wet adhesion.

For more specific information concerning UESM Latex, please review that products sales bulletin.