Calcium Carbonate uses in the Paint manufacturing process
Calcium carbonate, also known as chalk or limestone, can be used as a filler and extender in paint manufacturing. It can be added to paint in the form of a fine powder, called precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) or ground calcium carbonate (GCC). PCC is made by reacting calcium source with carbon dioxide and GCC is made by grinding natural limestone. When added to paint, Calcium Carbonate increases the paint’s volume and therefore reduces its overall cost. It acts as a filler when added to paint, which means that it increases the volume of the paint without significantly changing any of its properties. It also increases the paint’s viscosity and density, making it thicker and heavier and this is because calcium carbonate is a much heavier mineral compared to other pigments, which are commonly used.
The increased volume of the paint means that more paint is required to cover a given area, which in turn can reduce the cost of the paint. It also means that the paint will last you longer, as less paint is being applied per square meter.
Calcium Carbonate has a high level of whiteness and brightness, which also aids in improving the paints hiding power or its ability to conceal the surface that is being painted. It achieves this by scattering reflected light in all directions, making the paint appear brighter & more opaque.
It should be added to the paint in small quantities and with proper mixing. It may also need to be treated with stearic acid to improve its dispersibility in paint. It’s important to note that the amount of calcium carbonate added to paint should be limited to a small percentage, usually smaller than 50% of the total paint volume. Particles should be properly treated & dispersed by thorough mixing to ensure optimal results.
Paint should have a sufficient longevity to it and by using calcium carbonate in paints, the durability & scrub resistance is increased, making these paints a popular choice for use in high-traffic areas and on surfaces that need to be cleaned frequently.
Omega Fine Products sources its Calcium Carbonate from specific regions that produce a calcium carbonate product which has a higher levels of whiteness than many other regions.
The Basic recipe for an acrylic paint includes the following ingredients
- Pigment – this substance gives paint its colour, pigments can be made from natural materials or synthetic substances.
- Binder – this is a substance that holds pigment particles together and adheres the paint to the surface. Acrylic paint typically uses an acrylic polymer as a binder.
- Solvent – this is a liquid that is used to thin the paint an make it application easier. Water is often used a solvent for acrylic paint.
For acrylic paint, mix the desired blend of pigment, binder and solvents together. Ensure the ratio of each ingredient is correct in order to get your desired consistency and paint opacity.
