What Does
Solvent Balance Mean?
The solvent balance of a paint or coating is defined as the solvent to diluent ratio in a given coating formulation. This property determines the solvency and evaporation rate of the coating, which ultimately affects the quality of the final film formation. If the solvent balance is upset, resin precipitation can occur, resulting in a reduction in coating integrity.
Corrosionpedia Explains Solvent Balance
Solvent balance is directly related to the evaporation rate of a coating. While solvents are temporary elements, they perform a vital function in the coating system. They must evaporate at a specified rate to ensure that non-volatile components left behind form a coherent film product.
For example, if the solvent evaporates too quickly, the solids may not flow and level-out to form a uniform, smooth film. Conversely, if the solvent evaporates too slowly, the coating may sag, especially on vertical surfaces. Therefore, it important for coatings to have the ideal solvent balance for a particular application.