Film formers are found in paints and are used as a surface applicant on steel surfaces. They act as corrosion inhibitors and are inexpensive chemical products that attempt to maintain the visual appearance of steel such that it looks clean. Film formers also help to insulate the steel surface from rust and corrosion and other contaminants. However, they can create a false positive by temporarily masking the very failure mechanisms that will eventually cause the coating system to fail.
Film formers are also known as binders.
Film formers are the binding components found in paint and are the only component that is always present among the various types of formulations.
Many times film formers or binders are too thick to be applied and must be thinned. The type of thinner, if required, varies with the film former.
Once applied on the metal surface, film formers impart various properties to it such as gloss, durability, flexibility and toughness. Film formers include synthetic or natural resins such as alkyds, acrylics, vinyl acrylics, vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE), polyurethanes, polyesters, melamine resins, epoxy, silanes, siloxanes and oils.