Production of Water-based Paints ~ Archie Paint

The water-based paints manufacturing steps are similar to those of the solvent-based paints production, except that the raw materials are added to the mixture in different order, and water is used instead of solvent as thinner.

Mixing and thinning/ dilution	Mixing in water-based occurs in two steps. In the first step (very high speed mixing) all inorganic materials dispersing agents, and wetting agents are mixed thoroughly. In the second one, polymer, glycol, freeze thaw agent, etc… are added and mixed at low speed. The pigments, acrylic resins, and extenders most used are water-dispersible grades of titanium dioxide, zinc sulfide, lithophone, and regular grades of barium sulfate, mica, diatomaceous silica, clay, and magnesium silicate.
Grinding	After mixing, the batch is transferred to the mills for further mixing, grinding, and homogenizing. The type of used mill is related to the type of pigments, vehicles, and fillers.
Mixing of additives	The batch is then transferred to a mixer, where ammonia and dispersants are added to water, followed by pigments (premixed and ground in a mill). plastisizers, anti-foaming agents, preservative solution (usually chlorinated phenols) and polyvinyl acetate to give the required characteristics. Other additives are needed for specific purposes.
Intermediate storage	In some plants, after that, the batch is transferred to an intermediate storage tank, because the batch may need further grinding to obtain the required degree of homogeneity.
Filtration and finishing	The batch is then filtered in a filter to remove nondispersed pigments and any entrained solids.
Packaging and storage	The paint is poured into cans or drums, labeled, packed, and moved to storage, each step being completely automatic.