Want Textured Paint with Superior Viscosity? Learn About Hydroxyethyl Cellulose!

About LANDU Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)

Can Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Enhance the Texture of Your Paint?

Absolutely! Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose. Think of it as the “secret sauce” that gives textured paint its desired thickness and stability. Chemically, HEC is created by reacting ethylene oxide with alkali-cellulose. This process introduces hydroxyethyl groups onto the cellulose backbone, making the polymer water-soluble and capable of forming viscous solutions. As LANDU, we’ve seen firsthand how impactful this seemingly simple ingredient can be.

How Does It Work Its Magic?

Imagine a bowl of uncooked oatmeal – thin and runny. Now, add water and cook it. The oatmeal thickens, creating a desirable texture. HEC works similarly in textured paint.

Dispersion

HEC is easily dispersed in water-based paint formulations.

Hydration

Once dispersed, HEC hydrates, meaning it absorbs water molecules and swells.

Entanglement

As the HEC polymer chains hydrate, they become entangled with each other and with other components in the paint, like pigments and aggregates.

Viscosity Build-up

This entanglement creates a three-dimensional network that significantly increases the viscosity of the paint.

Stabilization

The increased viscosity prevents pigments and aggregates from settling, ensuring a uniform and stable texture.

Film Formation

During drying, HEC helps to form a cohesive and durable paint film, reducing cracking and improving overall performance.

HEC: A Versatile Additive for Various Textured Paint Grades

HEC’s benefits are applicable across diverse textured paint applications. At LANDERCOLL, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all, so let’s explore the various grades:
Mom and girl painting orange walls
LANDU-Hydroxyethyl-Cellulose-HEC-free-sample

01.

Economy Grade

In cost-sensitive formulations, LANDU economy-grade HEC provides essential thickening and stabilization, preventing pigment settling and ensuring adequate application properties.

02.

Standard Grade

For most general-purpose textured paints, LANDU standard-grade HEC offers a balanced combination of viscosity control, water retention, and workability.

03.

Premium Grade

In high-end textured paints, LANDU premium-grade HEC contributes to exceptional crack resistance, enhanced durability, and superior aesthetic appeal. These paints often contain higher concentrations of HEC or our modified HEC grades.

Unlocking the Power of HEC: Key Advantages for Textured Paint

HEC is not just a thickener; it’s a multi-functional additive that elevates the performance of textured paint. Here’s a closer look at its key advantages:

Painting in oil colours - brush and colors

Better Retention

HEC forms a protective film that slows down water evaporation, prolonging the paint’s open time.

  • Reduced Cracking: Minimizes surface cracking due to premature drying.
  • Improved Adhesion: Enhances adhesion to substrates by ensuring proper hydration.
  • Consistent Finish: Provides a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing finish.
painted wooden texture

Extended Working Time

HEC prevents the paint from drying out too quickly, giving painters more time to achieve the desired texture.

  • Easier Application: Facilitates easier application, especially in hot or windy conditions.
  • Reduced Lap Marks: Minimizes lap marks and ensures a seamless appearance.
  • Greater Design Flexibility: Allows for more intricate and creative texturing techniques.
Oil paint texture with paint brush

Enhanced Suspension

HEC keeps pigments and aggregates evenly dispersed throughout the paint, preventing settling and ensuring consistent color and texture.

  • Uniform Color: Guarantees uniform color distribution and prevents color streaking.
  • Consistent Texture: Maintains a consistent texture throughout the application process.
  • Reduced Waste: Minimizes waste by preventing the formation of hard pigment sediments.
Girl painting walls

Improved Workability

HEC enhances the paint’s flow and leveling properties, making it easier to apply and create desired textures.

  • Smooth Application: Promotes smooth and even application, reducing brush marks and roller stipple.
  • Controlled Sag Resistance: Prevents sagging on vertical surfaces, ensuring a clean and professional finish.
  • Excellent Texture Definition: Allows for sharper and more defined texture patterns.

LANDU: Your Partner for High-Performance Textured Paint Additives

At LANDU, we specialize in providing high-quality cellulose ethers for a wide range of applications, including textured paints. Our LANDERCOLL line of HEC products is engineered to deliver exceptional performance and consistency.

All LANDERCOLL products are available with global shipping and custom formulation support. Contact us for a free sample!

Product Name Viscosity (2% Solution, 25°C, mPa.s) Key Features Recommended Use Level
LANDERCOLL HE30 1500-2500 Excellent water retention, good thickening efficiency, suitable for general-purpose textured paints. 0.3-0.7%
LANDERCOLL HE100 3500-5000 High viscosity, superior suspension, ideal for heavily textured paints and trowel-applied finishes. 0.2-0.5%
LANDERCOLL MEB7000 6000-8000 Ultra-high viscosity, exceptional sag resistance, recommended for demanding applications and vertical surfaces. 0.1-0.4%

Benefits of Choosing LANDU LANDERCOLL HEC

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Consistent Quality

Strict quality control standards to ensure batch-to-batch consistency.

landercoll-innovative-spirit

Custom Formulations

Customized HEC grades to meet your specific performance requirements.

Technical Support

Technical support to help you optimize your paint formulations.

Global Availability

We have a global distribution network to ensure timely delivery of our products.

Selecting the Right HEC Grade for Your Textured Paint

Choosing the right HEC grade is crucial for achieving optimal performance. Consider the following factors:
Textured painted graywall. Abstract textured background.

Desired Texture

Finer textures require lower viscosity HEC grades, while coarser textures benefit from higher viscosity grades.
A Stain Is Applied To The Burnt Wooden Base With A Brush

Application Method

Trowel-applied textures often require higher viscosity HEC to prevent sagging.

Woman paints walls while making repairment of a new house

Climate Conditions

In hot and dry climates, higher concentrations of HEC may be needed to improve water retention.

Worker painting wall with paint roller.

Substrate Properties

Porous substrates may require higher viscosity HEC to prevent excessive water absorption.
Here’s a simple guide to help you select the appropriate LANDERCOLL HEC grade
Textured Paint Type Application Method Climate Recommended LANDERCOLL Grade
Fine Texture Spray Moderate HE30M
Medium Texture Roller Moderate HE100M
Coarse Texture Trowel Moderate MEB6000
Heavy Texture Trowel Hot MEB7000
Fine Texture Spray Hot MHE2000

Troubleshooting Common Textured Paint Problems with HEC

Here are some common problems and how LANDERCOLL HEC can provide solutions:
LANDU-Hydroxyethyl-Cellulose-solution
Problem Solution
Paint is too thin and runny. Increase the concentration of HEC or switch to a higher viscosity grade (e.g., from LANDERCOLL HE30M to HE60M).
Paint cracks after drying. Increase the concentration of HEC to improve water retention and reduce premature drying.
Pigments settle out of the paint. Use a higher viscosity grade of HEC to enhance suspension properties and prevent pigment settling.

How to Use HEC Effectively in Textured Paint

For best results, follow these guidelines:

Success Tip

Use deionized water for preparing the HEC solution to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure consistent performance.

1. Pre-Dispersion

Add HEC to water while stirring vigorously to prevent lumping.

2. Hydrate

Allow the HEC solution to hydrate for at least 20-30 minutes before adding it to the paint formulation.

3. Adjust pH

Ensure the pH of the paint formulation is within the recommended range (typically 7-9) for optimal HEC performance.

About LANDU Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)

Ordering Information & Sample Policy

Item Details
Packaging 25 kg multi-layer paper bags with polyethylene liner
MOQ 500 kg
Lead Time 7-14 days, depending on order volume and location
Payment Terms T/T, L/C, OA, and more
Shipping Options Sea Freight by CIF, FOB, CFR, and more
Sample Policy Free samples available upon request (customer pays for shipping)
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LANDU-Cellulose-ether-production-factories

LANDU: Quality and Innovation You Can Trust

Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are equipped with advanced process control systems to ensure consistent product quality. We adhere to strict ISO 9001 standards.

Our R&D team is continuously working on developing innovative cellulose ether products to meet the evolving needs of the coatings industry. We invest heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of cellulose ether technology. 

Ready to Transform Your Textured Paint?

Contact LANDU today to request a free sample of our LANDERCOLL HEC products and discover how we can help you create high-quality, visually stunning textured paints that stand the test of time. Improve your textured paint performance – start with a free sample!