Thickening

The thickening of a coating describes the process in which the viscosity of the coating material increases. This effect can occur intentionally or unintentionally and has an influence on the processing properties and quality of the finished coating.

Unintentional thickening often occurs due to evaporation of solvents, improper storage or ageing of the material. Factors such as high temperatures, contact with air or mixing with unsuitable materials can intensify this effect. Excessive viscosity makes processing more difficult, for example when spraying, rolling or brushing, and can lead to uneven layers or surface defects.

Deliberate thickening is deliberately brought about in order to improve certain properties of the coating. This is done, for example, by adding thickening agents to increase the stability of vertical surfaces or to control the layer thickness during an application. Care must be taken to ensure that the rheological properties of the material are maintained in order to ensure even distribution and optimum adhesion.

To avoid unwanted thickening, coating materials should always be stored and processed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If necessary, suitable thinners can be used to restore viscosity without affecting the performance of the coating.