Back to the Old Grind

Question:

Sir, I have purchased a granular powder that is a heat resistant additive and has to be added into the paint as 20% addition. However, with cement paint and enamel, it gives a good heat resistance property but does not give a good finish. Can I smash the granules to a finer size to get a good finish? B. B.

Answer:

Yes you can smash (grinding to reduce the particle size) the granules to a finer size, but that will not necessarily guarantee a smoother finish. When we old paint chemists talk about making paint the operative word is grinding. Paint is ground during manufacture using various machines such as ball mills, sand mills, three roll mills, spinning blades and colloid mills using grind stones to grind the pigments (powders) into the vehicles (liquids). The liquid and powder portions are premixed and then ground to a predetermined fineness. Furthermore, the addition of 20% of a powder to an existing paint is substantial and could result in a severe gloss reduction. You may be able to stir in your powdered ingredient after smashing it, but best results will be obtained by grinding it into the paint. If you don’t have the equipment, your must have it done by a paint manufacturer.

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