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APPLICATION GUIDE

Matting Agent for Architectural Coatings

Flat, matte, and eggshell finishes for interior wall paints and exterior facade systems — with controlled whiteness impact, excellent anti-settling, and outdoor durability.

Matte Walls: The Largest Coatings Market

Architectural coatings — interior emulsions, exterior facade paints, and decorative finishes — represent the world’s largest single application for matting agents by volume. The matte and flat finish segment alone accounts for the majority of residential and commercial repaint activity globally. As design trends continue to favor low-gloss aesthetics, demand for effective, cost-efficient matting in waterborne architectural systems is growing.

GMATT WB Series is designed specifically for aqueous architectural systems, delivering consistent flatting efficiency with minimal impact on whiteness, hiding power, and scrub resistance.

Key Performance Requirements

  • Low Whiteness ImpactArchitectural paints are highly whiteness-sensitive. GMATT 100 WB uses low-oil-absorption silica that minimizes TiO2 demand increase, keeping ΔWI below 2 units at standard dosage.
  • Anti-SedimentationInterior paints often sit in warehouse or retail for months. GMATT 200 Series incorporates wax surface treatment that prevents hard settling and enables easy re-dispersion after storage.
  • Scrub ResistanceFlat paints are traditionally weak in scrub resistance. GMATT silica provides film reinforcement that improves scrub cycle performance, helping formulators reach Class 1 scrub ratings in matte systems.
  • Outdoor Durability for FacadesExterior facade paints face UV, rain, and freeze-thaw cycling. GMATT 100 Series with hydrophobic surface treatment resists moisture-induced gloss change and chalking in aggressive outdoor environments.
  • Cost Efficiency at High LoadingArchitectural matting agents are used at high addition rates (3–8%). GMATT’s high oil absorption efficiency means lower dosages achieve the same flatting effect versus commodity silica, reducing formulation cost.

Product Selection Guide

ApplicationRecommended GradeTypical DosageKey Benefit
Interior flat / matte emulsionGMATT WB Series3.0–6.0%Low whiteness impact, anti-settling
Eggshell / satin interiorGMATT 100 Series1.5–3.0%Precise gloss control at 60°
Exterior facade paintGMATT 100 (hydrophobic)2.0–4.0%Weatherability, anti-chalking
High-scrub matte paintGMATT 200 Series3.0–5.0%Film reinforcement, scrub resistance
FORMULATOR TIP

In waterborne architectural systems, add GMATT WB under moderate agitation (500–800 rpm) during the let-down stage — not during the grinding stage. High-shear grinding can fracture silica particles, reducing matting efficiency and increasing oil absorption demand, which negatively impacts scrub resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does adding a matting agent significantly reduce whiteness in interior wall paints?

GMATT 100 WB Series is formulated with low-oil-absorption silica that minimizes TiO2 demand increase. Whiteness impact (ΔWI) is typically less than 2 units at standard dosage, well within acceptable limits for interior architectural paints.

How do I prevent matting agent sedimentation in low-viscosity wall paints?

GMATT 200 Series incorporates wax surface treatment that creates a network structure in low-shear conditions, preventing hard settling. Use a rheology modifier alongside GMATT for best anti-sedimentation performance in very low-viscosity formulations.

Which GMATT grade is best for exterior facade coatings in high-humidity climates?

GMATT 100 Series with hydrophobic surface treatment is recommended for exterior facades in humid climates. The surface modification reduces water absorption by the silica, preventing premature loss of matting efficiency and chalking in tropical or coastal environments.