Rheological Additives in Latex Paint Formulations (Zoom course - 2/26/26)

Product Details

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This zoom course will run February 26, 2026, 1:00-4:00 PM EST

This short course, “Rheological Additives in Latex Paint Formulations: How to Select Them and Adjust Viscosity to Obtain the Best Workability and Stability”, provides a comprehensive and practical overview of rheological control in waterborne architectural coatings. The session explores the fundamentals of paint rheology, key testing methods (ASTM D2196, D562, D4287, D4400, D4062, D4707, and others), and the selection and combination of rheological additives—cellulosic, HEUR, acrylic, and phyllosilicate-based—to achieve targeted viscosity profiles and secondary performance properties. Through detailed case studies from Spektrochem’s laboratory research, participants will see how different thickeners influence low-, mid-, and high-shear viscosity, spattering, sagging, leveling, tinting stability, and storage behavior. The course emphasizes how to translate rheological theory into formulation practice and provides actionable insights for balancing flow, workability, and film integrity in modern latex paints for diverse applications including interior, exterior, and elastomeric coatings.

What You Will Learn:

• Understand the role of rheology in paint formulation, application, production, and storage.
• Learn how to characterize paint rheology using viscosity measurements across shear ranges and standardized ASTM test methods.
• Discover the functional differences between key rheological additive classes:
  • Cellulose derivatives (HEC, hmHEC, MHEC, MEHEC, MFC)
  • Polyurethane thickeners (HEUR)
  • Acrylic thickeners (ASE, HASE)
  • Phyllosilicate clays (attapulgite, smectite, bentonite)
• Explore case studies showing practical comparisons of thickeners in latex formulations of different PVC levels.
• Learn how to optimize and combine rheological additives to control Brookfield, KU, and ICI viscosity simultaneously.
• Understand the impact of rheology on secondary properties such as sagging, spattering, leveling, tintability, and stability.
• Gain insight into the formulation challenges when using high- and low-shear thickeners together.
• See how rheological additives influence performance in specialized coatings like elastomeric roof membranes.
• Learn best practices for incorporation and activation of thickeners (including pH adjustment, pre-gel preparation, and hydration control).
• Acquire practical formulation guidelines and data-driven recommendations directly from Spektrochem’s R&D laboratory results.

Instructor Bio:

Artur Palasz, Ph.D.
 R&D Director
 Spektrochem Coatings Laboratory, LLC

Dr. Artur Palasz is a chemist with 20 years of experience in polymer synthesis, formulating waterborne coatings and testing according to ASTM procedures. He is the technical director of the independent formulating and testing lab Spektrochem Coatings Laboratory, and is responsible for research and innovation projects with clients on the US market. He is the author of many technical publications, a speaker and instructor of short courses at many international conferences. Privately, a bourbon lover.