Key Working Principles and Effects of Leveling Agents

By regulating the surface tension, fluidity, and drying speed of the system, leveling agents achieve three core effects:

• Eliminating Surface Defects: They reduce the surface tension of coatings/inks, inhibit "cratering" caused by differences in the surface tension of substrates (such as plastics and metals), and at the same time alleviate "brush marks" and "roller marks" generated during brushing/spraying.
• Enhancing Surface Flatness and Smoothness: They promote the full flow of the coating layer before drying, reduce "orange peel" and "cratering", and make the final surface more uniform. This is particularly crucial for high-gloss coatings (e.g., automotive clear coats).
• Improving Adhesion and Durability: Some leveling agents can help reduce bubbles inside the coating, indirectly enhancing the adhesion between the coating and the substrate. Meanwhile, they prevent the risk of local wear and corrosion caused by surface unevenness.