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Paint Formulation

PAINT FORMULATION

Formulation Basics

Paint consists of four basic components:

Resin
Pigment
Solvent
Additives

The performance of a coating is influenced by the selection of these components and the relationship between them. Several rations play an important function in the overall performance of a coating.

Formulating Ratios

Pigment/Binder Ratio

P/B = Mp/Mb

where:

P/B – Pigment/Binder Ratio
Mp – Mass of pigment
Mb – Mass of Binder

PVC (Pigment Volume Concentration)

The ratio of the volume of pigment to the volume of total nonvolatile material present in a coating. The figure is usually expressed as a percentage.

The non-volatile material, the material in the dried film, is represented by pigment and binder. Solvents and other materials not present in the dried film must not be included in the denominator.

Coatings are usually composed of a mixture of multiple pigments and binders. In this case, contributions of individual components must be considered. When multiple components are considered, ideal mixing is assumed (i.e. volumes are additive).

PVC = volume of pigment / volume total solids = Vp / (Vp + Vb)

where:

PVC – Pigment Volume Concentration
Vp – volume of pigment
Vb – volume of binder

CPVC (Critical Pigment Volume Concentration)

The point where there is just sufficient binder present within a paint to cover each extender particle with a thin layer and fill all voids between particles. CPVC can be calculated from oil absorption (OA) as follows:

CPVC = 1/(1+ OA ρ/K)

where:

CPVC – Critical Pigment Volume Concentration
OA – Oil Absorption
ρ – specific gravity of the pigment
K – 100 x specific gravity of binder

Reduced PVC

Reduced PVC is the ratio comparing Pigment Volume Concentration (PVC) to Critical Pigment Volume Concentration (CPVC). It is useful in comparing one paint formulation to another.

λ = PVC/CPVC

where:

λ – Pigment/Binder Ratio (lambda)
PVC – Pigment Volume Concentration
CPVC – Critical Pigment Volume Concentration

Extenders Substitution at Constant Gloss

Past a certain level, as PVC increases gloss decreases. As extenders serve the dual function to impart specific properties to the coating AND reduce the overall cost. By substituting an extender with a lower oil absorption (vehicle demand) it is possible to increase the PVC while not adversely affecting gloss.

E= A1 * D2 / A2 * D1

where:

E – Extender Substitution Factor
A1 – Oil absorption of substituted extender (%)
A2 – Oil absorption of substituting extender (%)
D1 – Density of substituted extender
D2 – Density of substituting extender

Multiply E (Extender Substitution Factor) * weight of extender to be replaced to obtain the weight of substituting extender.

M2 = E * M1

where:

E – Extender Substitution Factor
M1 – Mass of substituted extender
M2 – Mass of substituting extender

Paint Formula Calculator

Calculator demonstrates the affect of different quantities and types of material on various coatings properties.

Formulation Calculator

Posted in: Paint and Coatings

Comments

Blade to mix sand into paint
By: Tim Franklin On 12/14/2025
Rating:
★★★★★ (5.0)

Used to have a Teflon on plastic blade need one for my 20-30 hp Myers made in st Pete Florida 1995 or so still works great . Need a seal for masking leaking fluid and another blade
cpvc and paint mix formula
By: PRASANTA DATTA On 09/22/2025
Rating:
★★★★★ (5.0)

very good excellent OK
Paint Formulation for my startup
By: STEVE HARRISON On 02/26/2024
Rating:
★★★★★ (5.0)

I would like you to share with me paint formula with ingredients and pricelist and recommended suppliers considering I am in Kenya. I will appreciate the help

Replied by: Presta Admin On 02/28/2024 Sorry, we are equipment supplier not raw material suppliers.
Formula application
By: Francis On 02/20/2024
Rating:
★★★★★ (5.0)

Thanks so much for formulation offered but I wish it be much simplified if possible.

Regards.
Francis.
Formulation
By: Mushahid Hussain On 01/25/2024
Rating:
★★★★★ (5.0)

Need all types of paint formulations
Pl.share waterbrone Acrylic paint formulation
By: Dnyandeo On 02/13/2022
Rating:
★★★★★ (5.0)

Very useful information, can you please share

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The ratio of the volume of pigment to the volume of total nonvolatile material present in a coating. The figure is...

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One of the earliest forms of comparison. The pigment/binder ratio is the weight ratio of the sum of the pigments...

Paint Formulation

Formulation Basics

Formulating Ratios

Pigment/Binder Ratio

PVC (Pigment Volume Concentration)

CPVC (Critical Pigment Volume Concentration)

Reduced PVC

Extenders Substitution at Constant Gloss

Paint Formula Calculator

Comments

Blade to mix sand into paint

cpvc and paint mix formula

Paint Formulation for my startup

Formula application

Formulation

Pl.share waterbrone Acrylic paint formulation

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