Overview
BYK-354 is a polyacrylate-based surface additive for solvent-borne and solvent-free coatings, UV-curing printing inks and overprint varnishes, and ambient curing plastic systems. It is a standard leveling additive with a deaerating effect. As one of the recommended international brand products in our auxiliary agent range, this additive is supplied with supply chain resource support for formulators sourcing a leveling and anti-cratering additive for coatings and printing inks.
Key Features and Benefits of BYK-354
- Anti-cratering and leveling additive
- Increases gloss
- Deaerating effect from its high molecular weight and non-polar structure
- Only slightly reduces surface tension
- Thermally stable
Applications
This additive is used in coatings and printing inks, including solvent-borne and solvent-free coatings, UV-curing printing inks and overprint varnishes, and ambient curing plastic systems.
Why Deaeration Without Excessive Surface Tension Reduction Matters
Anti-cratering and leveling additives are added to help a coating or ink flow out into a smooth, defect-free film, but many leveling additives achieve this by reducing surface tension significantly, which can create other application issues such as foam stabilization or recoating problems.
BYK-354 is positioned differently: its deaerating effect comes from its high molecular weight and non-polar structure rather than a strong reduction in surface tension, and it only reduces surface tension slightly. This combination is useful for formulators who want improved gloss and leveling along with deaeration, without introducing the surface tension side effects that can come with more aggressive leveling additives.
Because it is thermally stable, it is also suited to coating and ink systems that go through elevated-temperature curing or drying steps. Formulators should always confirm current dosage recommendations and compatibility against the latest technical data sheet for their specific formulation.
Where to Source This Product
Thousands Chemicals connects formulators with BYK-354 and related auxiliary agent products through our digital B2B marketplace. Surface tension and leveling performance for coatings are commonly evaluated using test methods published by organizations such as ASTM International. Our team can help confirm packaging, lead times, and technical documentation for your target application and order volume.
When to Choose BYK-354 for a Formulation
Formulators typically reach for BYK-354 when a coating, printing ink, or overprint varnish needs better leveling and reduced cratering without a large change in surface tension. This makes it a practical option when a system is already close to its target flow and gloss but needs a final refinement, rather than a case where a strong surface tension reduction is required to solve a more significant wetting problem.
Because the additive is compatible with solvent-borne, solvent-free, UV-curing, and ambient curing systems, it can often be evaluated across more than one formulation platform without switching to a different leveling additive for each system. As with any additive, formulators should run their own compatibility and dosage trials before scaling up to full production batches.
FAQ
What is BYK-354 used for?
It is used as a leveling and anti-cratering additive in solvent-borne and solvent-free coatings, UV-curing printing inks and overprint varnishes, and ambient curing plastic systems.
Does this additive affect surface tension significantly?
No, it only reduces surface tension slightly. Its deaerating effect comes from its high molecular weight and non-polar structure rather than a strong reduction in surface tension.
Is this additive thermally stable?
Yes, it is thermally stable, making it suited to coating and ink systems that go through elevated-temperature curing or drying steps.
Can you provide technical documentation and bulk pricing?
Yes, technical data sheets and SDS documentation are available on request, and our team can provide bulk pricing and lead times based on your target volume and delivery location.
Get a Quote for BYK-354
Contact our team for a quote, technical data sheet, or SDS for this additive. We support bulk supply and global shipping for formulators sourcing leveling and anti-cratering additives.
