Paint and coatings formulations combine a solvent/carrier system, pigments and extenders, and a range of functional additives — each drawn from a different part of the chemical supply chain.
Solvents
Solvent-based paints and coatings use a range of organic solvents depending on the resin system and drying-speed requirements — toluene, xylene, MIBK, butyl acetate and MTO (mineral turpentine oil) are all common in different coating formulations, chosen for their evaporation rate and solvency for the specific resin used.
See Toluene, Xylene (Mixed Isomers) and MTO (Mineral Turpentine Oil).
Extenders and Fillers
Calcium carbonate, barium sulphate (barytes) and dolomite powder are widely used extenders in paint formulations — they reduce cost and adjust properties like opacity, texture and durability without functioning as the primary pigment.
See Calcium Carbonate (Precipitated / Ground) and Barium Sulphate (Barytes Powder).
Pigments and Functional Additives
Titanium dioxide is the standard white pigment across most paint and coatings systems, prized for its opacity and brightness. Red oxide (iron oxide red) is a common inorganic red/brown pigment, widely used in primers and protective coatings. Silicon defoamers control foam generated during manufacturing and application, which otherwise shows up as surface defects in the finished coating.