Guide to using leveling agents for shoe coatings: Winning at every step
Leveling agents for shoe coatings are additives used to improve the coating effect of shoe surface coatings, and enhance
the flatness and gloss of coatings. Proper use of leveling agents can avoid defects such as orange peel, shrinkage craters,
brush marks, etc., and ensure that the upper coating is uniform and smooth. The following are its usage methods and
precautions:
1. Usage methods
Choose an appropriate leveling agent
Choose the corresponding leveling agent according to the type of shoe coating (such as water-based, solvent-based,
UV-curable, etc.).
Consider the compatibility of the leveling agent with the coating system to avoid shrinkage craters or decreased adhesion
due to incompatibility.
Select a leveling agent with specific functions for different process requirements (such as high gloss, scratch resistance,
yellowing resistance, etc.).
Determine the amount of addition
The amount of leveling agent added needs to be adjusted according to the coating formula, construction process and
performance requirements, usually 0.1%-1.0% of the total coating amount.
Excessive addition may cause the coating to re-stick, reduce anti-adhesion, and even affect interlayer adhesion; insufficient
addition will not effectively improve leveling.
Addition method
Pre-mixing addition: Stir the leveling agent and the coating thoroughly to ensure uniform dispersion.
Post-addition adjustment: In the late stage of coating production or during construction, add a small amount of leveling
agent as needed to optimize performance.
Construction condition control
Temperature and humidity: The construction environment temperature should be controlled at 15-35℃, and the humidity
should not exceed 80% to avoid high temperature and high humidity causing the leveling agent to fail.
Dilution and viscosity: Adjust the viscosity according to the dilution ratio recommended by the coating supplier to ensure
that the leveling agent plays a role in the appropriate system.
Coating method: Select a suitable coating method (such as spraying, roller coating, curtain coating, etc.) according to the
characteristics of the leveling agent, and control the coating thickness (usually 15-30μm).
2. Precautions
Compatibility test
Before batch use, a small test is required to verify the compatibility of the leveling agent with the coating and observe whether
stratification, flocculation or shrinkage occurs.
Avoid excessive stirring
Excessive stirring may damage the molecular structure of the leveling agent or introduce bubbles, affecting the leveling effect.
It is recommended to use low-speed stirring (300-500rpm) for no more than 10 minutes.
Storage and shelf life
The leveling agent should be sealed and stored in a cool and dry place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature.
Products that have exceeded the shelf life need to be retested for performance and can only be used after passing the test.
Safety and environmental protection
Wear protective gloves and masks when using to avoid contact with the skin and inhalation of volatile substances.
Waste must be handled in accordance with local environmental protection regulations to avoid polluting the environment.
3. Common problems and solutions
Pitting problem
Reason: insufficient amount of leveling agent added, surface contamination of the substrate, or incompatibility of the leveling
agent with the coating.
Solution: Increase the amount of leveling agent, clean the surface of the substrate, or replace the leveling agent with better
compatibility.
Re-sticking phenomenon
Reason: excessive addition of leveling agent or insufficient curing conditions.
Solution: Reduce the amount of leveling agent, increase the curing temperature, or extend the curing time.
Insufficient gloss
Reason: uneven dispersion of leveling agent or too thin coating thickness.
Solution: Strengthen stirring, optimize coating process or appropriately increase coating thickness.
