Overview Key Applications Wood Coatings Surface modifiers are added to wood stains and sealers to significantly improve the weatherability of exterior applications such as decks, rails, stairways and siding to: Protect these investments from costly damage Maximizing their long term aesthetic value With the proper use of a surface modifier, wood floor coatings (residential, commercial, and athletic facilities) can be protected from various degrees of traffic and wear during their lifetime, and can meet your VOC requirements. Wax emulsion formulations have been shown to reduce scratching, scuffing, marring, general wear and loss of gloss. Concrete Coatings Unprotected concrete in residential or commercial applications is susceptible to damage from many sources including the weather, equipment and vehicles, as well as humans. Surface modifiers are used in coating and sealer formulations over finished concrete to improve water, scuff, abrasion, stain and graffiti resistance, and for hot-tire pickup resistance. They can also be used as "concrete curing membranes" that are applied to freshly poured concrete to control and optimize its cure rate. Thirdly, surface modifiers are added to "cure and seal" formulations, where the product is applied over wet concrete and acts as a curing membrane, as well as a long-lasting barrier coating. Metal Coatings Metal is used in the fabrication of many consumer and industrial products, from beverage cans to furniture to bridges. It is nearly always coated, firstly out of necessity to prevent the rapid effects of corrosion, but just as importantly to make the product more attractive. Surface modifiers enhance coating performance by a variety of functions, depending on the application. Fixed structures such as bridges and industrial complexes require periodic coating maintenance to protect these valuable assets. Selective use of the appropriate wax surface modifier into the coating formula can provide: Water repellency (supplemental barrier properties), Mar and scratch protection, and Other functions Ink, OPV's & Primers The OPV's are most commonly water-based or UV-curable, with solvent-borne also used. Various types of wax-based slip/rub additives are formulated into all types of OPV. Proper selection of wax surface modifiers also depends on the end use of the printed media. Wax surface modifiers are the essential additive to an ink formulation, providing slip control, rub resistance, and scratch resistance, all critical to maintaining the integrity of a graphic design. Besides inks and OPV's, primers are sometimes used to prepare the media for printing. Primers enhance the ink receptivity of surfaces, improving ink adhesion, rub resistance, and image quality. Architectural Coatings Interior and exterior architectural applications present their own unique coating related problems. In exterior applications, wax emulsions re used to provide early, as well as long-lasting, water resistance While, Interior coatings and sealers must be formulated for cleanability and anti-blocking. Wax emulsions effectively eliminate windows from sticking to trim - a common interior problem Plastic Coatings Plastics are coated for three main reasons: aesthetics touch/feel and wear resistance. Surface modifiers are also used in the recipe for lacquer coatings applied to plastic surfaces that require scratch & mar resistance, and even resistance to common products such as suntan oils, coffee and food stains. Paper, Film & Foil Coatings Flexible film packaging systems - often laminated with foil or paper - are increasingly popular and practical alternatives for packaging food and other goods. In the case of food, surface modifiers can again be incorporated into the film coating formulation to meet strict regulatory approvals for direct food contact. Other special film performance attributes possible with wax surface modifiers include barriers to oxygen, moisture and grease, as well as heat sealability (preferably at low temperatures). Floor Polish Coatings Wax surface modifiers satisfy many of the performance demands of a floor polish. Proper selection and usage will control how the polish responds to buffing; minimize black heel marks; and provide slip control, i.e. the proper coefficient of friction to provide traction for foot traffic in wet or dry conditions. By enhancing mar, scratch, and abrasion resistance, the surface modifier may also extend the durability of the polish, resulting in reduced maintenance demands. Suppliers Brands