Set flow behaviour deliberately: prevent settling, stop sagging, keep the product workable.
Rheology is the compromise between two demands: in the can and on a vertical surface the formulation should stand still, while stirring, pumping and applying it should flow. Rheology additives build a structure that collapses under shear and rebuilds in a controlled way — fast enough against sagging, slow enough for clean levelling.
The choice between associative thickeners and layered silicates shapes the whole picture: sag resistance, settling behaviour, sprayability, gloss and levelling all depend on it. Incorporation is part of the selection too — several types only develop their effect with sufficient shear energy or a separate activation step.
What matters when choosing
Define the goal: anti-settling, sag resistance or body in the wet film
Water- or solvent-based system
Judge the effect on levelling and gloss as well — both depend on the same structure
Plan for the shear energy and activation needed during incorporation
Check behaviour after storage and temperature cycling
Selection guide at a glance
Type
System
Typical dosage
Effect
Organophilic layered silicates
Solventborne, highly filled systems
0.2–1.5 %
Anti-settling and sag resistance; need shear energy or activation
Waterborne layered silicates
Waterborne paints, renders, construction chemicals
0.1–1.0 %
Thixotropy and anti-settling without solvents
Associative thickeners (liquid)
Waterborne coatings and emulsion paints
0.1–1.0 %
Fine-tunes levelling, spray and brush behaviour
Powder vs. liquid grades
Depending on process
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Powders into the millbase, liquid grades for post-addition
Guide values for initial orientation — our assessment as a distributor. The manufacturer's technical data sheet and trials in your own system are decisive.
Trade names in our range
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