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Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Aluminium Paste: What’s the Real Difference?

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Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Aluminium Paste: What’s the Real Difference?

The choice between oil-based and water-based aluminium paste plays a critical role in coating performance, durability, and formulation stability. Whether used in automotive paints, industrial coatings, or protective finishes, selecting the right type ensures better metallic effect, corrosion resistance, and long-term stability.
This article provides a clear, expert-level comparison suitable for manufacturers, formulators, and end-users.


Core Explanation — Aluminium Paste for Different Coating Systems
110侧5000平

Aluminium paste is made from metallic aluminum flakes dispersed in a solvent or water medium.
Its behavior, stability, and visual effect differ significantly depending on whether it is formulated for:

  • Oil-based coatings

  • Water-based coatings

Understanding these differences ensures better product design and coating performance.


Aluminium Paste for Oil-Based Coatings

Characteristics

  • Dispersed in mineral oil, solvent, or hydrocarbon carrier

  • Strong metallic gloss and high reflection

  • Good compatibility with solvent-based resins

  • Easier dispersion and formulation

  • Traditionally used in automotive and industrial metallic coatings

Advantages

  • Excellent brightness and mirror effect

  • Stable in solvent environments

  • Wide variety of flake shapes (cornflake, silver-dollar, vacuum-metallic)

  • Cost-effective

Typical Applications

  • Automotive refinish coatings

  • Wheel paints

  • Industrial metallic paints

  • Anti-corrosion coatings

  • Plastic coatings

  • Ink formulations


Aluminium Paste for Water-Based Coatings

Characteristics

Water-based aluminium paste must be specially processed to avoid chemical reactions between raw aluminum and water.

  • Flakes are coated using silica (SiO₂), resin, or special polymer film

  • High resistance to gas generation and corrosion

  • Designed for stability in neutral and alkaline systems

  • More environmentally friendly

Advantages

  • Excellent resistance to water and humidity

  • Low VOC and eco-compliant

  • Suitable for architectural coatings and eco-friendly finishes

  • Stable metallic effect without hydrogen generation

Typical Applications

  • Water-based industrial metallic coatings

  • Exterior architectural coatings

  • Waterborne inks

  • Low-VOC automotive interior paints


Key Technical Differences (Side-by-Side Comparison)

Feature Oil-Based Aluminium Paste Water-Based Aluminium Paste
Carrier Solvent, mineral oil Water system
Stability High in solvent Needs special coating (SiO₂/resin)
Gloss Strong metallic shine Softer metallic effect
Eco Compliance Higher VOC Low VOC / eco-friendly
Chemical Reaction Risk None Possible without special treatment
Best Use Automotive & industry Architectural & eco coatings

Application Insights & Deeper Technical Analysis

Choosing the right aluminium paste depends on system requirements:

1. Environmental Regulations (VOC Limits)

  • Water-based aluminium paste is preferred for low-VOC coatings.

2. Metallic Effect Requirements

  • Oil-based pastes deliver stronger brightness and reflective gloss.

3. Corrosion / Chemical Stability

  • Water-based aluminium paste requires surface treatment:

    • SiO₂ coated aluminium paste

    • Resin coated aluminium paste

4. Cost Considerations

  • Oil-based aluminium pastes are generally more affordable.

  • Water-based treated grades cost more but offer higher stability.


FAQ 

Q1: Can oil-based aluminium paste be used in water-based systems?

No. Untreated aluminum reacts with water and produces hydrogen gas. Only treated water-based aluminium paste can be used.

Q2: Which aluminium paste gives better metallic gloss?

Oil-based aluminium paste typically provides stronger brightness.

Q3: Is water-based aluminium paste safer?

Yes. It has lower VOC, reduced odor, and higher environmental compliance.

Q4: Do water-based aluminium pastes cost more?

Yes, due to additional coating treatments needed for stability.


Selecting the right type of aluminium paste—oil-based or water-based—directly impacts coating performance, environmental compliance, and metallic appearance.

For high-performance aluminium paste solutions, Silver Rocket Metallic Pigment Co., Ltd. offers:

  • Resin-coated, SiO₂-coated, and standard aluminium pastes

  • Custom formulations for oil-based and water-based systems

  • Stable supply chain & competitive wholesale pricing

  • 35+ years of metallic pigment expertise

Email: info@silverocket.com
Website: https://www.silverocket.com/


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