#functionalfillers

How to Select the Right Filler for Paint Manufacturing

Choosing the right filler is a key step in paint formulation, influencing everything from opacity to durability. At 20 Microns, our engineered mineral fillers are designed to meet the performance expectations of modern decorative, industrial, and high-performance coatings. Selecting the ideal filler depends on understanding the application and technical requirements of the paint.

Why Fillers Matter in Paints

Fillers do much more than reduce formulation costs—they enhance critical properties such as whiteness, coverage, rheology, scrub resistance, and film strength. 20 Microns offers a diverse portfolio, including Calcium Carbonate, Talc, Kaolin, Silica, Barytes, Mica, and Wollastonite, each engineered for specific performance benefits.

1. Determine the Paint Type

The first step is identifying the paint category:

• Decorative & Architectural Paints

These paints require brightness, smoothness, and high opacity. 20 Microns’ Calcium Carbonate, Talc, and Kaolin grades help improve coverage, surface finish, and whiteness while enhancing overall consistency.

• Industrial & Protective Coatings

These coatings demand mechanical strength and chemical resistance. Our Barytes, Micronized Silica, and Wollastonite grades offer reinforcement, abrasion resistance, and long-term durability.

• Automotive & OEM Coatings

High gloss and controlled viscosity are essential. Our specialized Kaolin and PCC grades support smooth film formation and improved rheological balance.

2. Particle Size & Brightness

Particle size directly affects paint texture and hiding power. 20 Microns provides fillers with controlled particle size distribution to ensure consistency. For lighter shades, high-brightness minerals such as fine calcium carbonate and kaolin help reduce TiO₂ usage while improving opacity.

3. Oil Absorption & Viscosity Control

Low oil absorption fillers maintain stable viscosity and reduce binder demand. 20 Microns’ Talc and GCC grades are ideal for enhancing flow, stability, and ease of application.

4. Mechanical & Chemical Performance

Coatings exposed to harsh conditions require fillers with reinforcement capability.

Silica enhances hardness

Wollastonite improves strength

Mica provides crack resistance

Barytes boosts chemical stability

Conclusion

The Role of Silica in High-Performance Plastics and Paints

Introduction

Silica is one of the most versatile and widely used functional fillers across industries. Whether in advanced paint formulations or high-performance plastics, silica enhances product strength, efficiency, and durability. Its unique physical and chemical properties make it indispensable in creating materials that perform better under demanding conditions.

Why Silica is Essential

The addition of silica brings multiple benefits that go beyond standard filler performance. Some of the key advantages include:

Improved Abrasion Resistance – Provides toughness and reduces surface wear.

Thixotropic Effect – Acts as a rheology modifier to improve viscosity and flow.

UV and Weather Resistance – Protects coatings and polymers from environmental degradation.

Gloss Control – Reduces gloss to achieve smooth matte finishes in paints and coatings.

Applications of Silica in Paints

In modern paint and coating systems, silica plays a critical role in performance and finish quality. Key benefits include:

Flow Control & Anti-Settling: Maintains pigment suspension and prevents hard settling during storage.

Scrub & Stain Resistance: Increases paint durability against repeated cleaning.

Coating Uniformity: Improves leveling and ensures a consistent surface finish.

Applications of Silica in Plastics

In plastics and polymer systems, silica contributes to both processing and end-use properties:

Enhanced Hardness and Strength: Reinforces polymer structure for long-lasting durability.

Better Processing Flow: Improves extrusion and injection moulding efficiency.

Thermal Resistance: Boosts stability under heat, making plastics suitable for demanding applications.

20 Microns Silica Grades

At 20 Microns, we specialize in engineered silica tailored for paints, coatings, and plastics. Our micron and submicron silica grades are designed with customized surface properties to ensure compatibility with a wide range of polymer and resin systems. Whether you need silica for architectural coatings, industrial paints, or performance plastics, our solutions deliver consistent quality and functionality.

Conclusion

Silica is more than just a filler—it’s a performance enhancer. From strengthening plastics to improving paint durability, silica ensures products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. For industries aiming to elevate their formulations, 20 Microns’ silica solutions offer the perfect balance of innovation and performance.