The process of dispersing pigment particles in a vehicle involves a combination of three distinct phenomena called wetting, grinding and dispersion.
The pigment used in the coating is supplied in the form of agglomerates (Section 3.2.2.3). The process of wetting involves displacement of air and moisture from the surface of the pigment by the vehicle, followed by penetration of the vehicle in the spaces between the
pigment particles. Wetting additives are surface-active agents that enhance the process of wetting by reducing the interfacial tension between pigment particle and resin solution.