Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-03-17 Origin: Site
With the rapid growth of environmentally friendly coatings, water-based aluminium paste has become an important metallic pigment in modern coating systems. However, one persistent challenge continues to affect manufacturers and users alike — bubble formation during production and application.
This issue not only impacts coating appearance but can also reduce efficiency and product quality. So, what causes bubbles in water-based aluminium paste, and how can they be effectively controlled?
Bubble formation in water-based aluminium pigments is mainly related to their unique physical and chemical properties.
One of the primary causes is the reaction between aluminium flakes and water. If the surface of aluminium flakes is not properly treated, it may react with water and release hydrogen gas, leading to bubble formation.
Additional contributing factors include:
The use of surfactants
Mechanical agitation during production
Improper mixing or application during coating processes
Industry observations show that bubble-related issues are common in water-based coating systems and can significantly affect coating performance.
To address this challenge, manufacturers have developed a series of practical and technical solutions covering raw materials, production processes, and application methods.
Controlling the quality of raw materials is critical. Modern surface coating technologies can form a dense protective layer on aluminium flakes, preventing direct contact with water.
For example, multi-layer coating systems significantly improve water resistance and reduce the risk of hydrogen generation, helping minimize bubble formation at the source.
Production conditions play an important role in controlling bubbles.
Effective methods include:
Combining physical and chemical defoaming techniques
Using suitable defoamers such as mineral oil-based and polyether-based agents
Applying controlled mixing processes, such as gradual temperature increase during stirring
These measures can significantly reduce the amount of air introduced into the system and improve overall stability.
In many cases, bubbles are caused by improper handling during coating application.
Recommended practices include:
Controlling mixing speed (typically moderate speed to avoid air entrainment)
Avoiding excessive agitation
Allowing coatings to rest before application to release trapped air
Proper application techniques can greatly improve the final coating appearance.
Recent innovations in water-based aluminium paste technology have introduced new solutions to the bubbling problem.
One promising development is microencapsulation technology, where a nano-scale polymer layer is formed around aluminium flakes. This protective layer completely isolates aluminium from water, preventing chemical reactions that generate gas.
Key benefits of this technology include:
Significant reduction in bubble formation
Improved storage stability
Enhanced metallic effect and gloss
Better orientation of aluminium flakes in the coating film
Products using this technology have shown excellent performance, with longer shelf life and minimal bubbling during use.
For companies facing bubbling issues in water-based coatings, the following steps are recommended:
Choose high-quality water-based aluminium paste from reliable suppliers
Establish standardized production processes with controlled temperature and mixing conditions
Train operators to follow correct application procedures, including dilution ratios and spraying parameters
A systematic approach—from raw materials to final application—is essential for achieving stable performance.
As environmental regulations continue to tighten, the demand for water-based metallic pigments will keep growing. Solving technical challenges such as bubble formation is key to improving product quality and expanding application possibilities.
With ongoing advancements in surface treatment and encapsulation technologies, water-based aluminium paste is expected to become more stable, efficient, and widely used in eco-friendly coating systems worldwide.
For manufacturers aiming to improve both sustainability and coating performance, addressing the bubbling issue is an important step toward long-term success.