FLATTENING ADDITIVE

What is ALEXSEAL FLATTENING ADDITIVE and why choose it?

ALEXSEAL A5023 Flattening Additive is a professional matting paste designed for use with ALEXSEAL Topcoats, including polyurethane systems. Added directly into the topcoat base, it allows you to precisely reduce gloss level (matte, eggshell or semi-gloss) without compromising the mechanical properties of the coating. It is ideal wherever a lower-gloss finish is required to minimize glare and visually mask surface defects.

This additive is formulated for spray application and is suitable for industrial serial painting processes where reproducible, uniform flat finishes are essential.

Main features

• Adjustable gloss control: Enables matte, eggshell or semi-gloss finishes depending on the mixing ratio with the selected ALEXSEAL Topcoat.
• Maintains mechanical properties: Reduces gloss without reducing the mechanical performance of the topcoat film.
• Compatible with ALEXSEAL systems: Can be added to any ALEXSEAL Topcoat color base, including Premium Topcoat 501, Acrylic Topcoat X and, with prior testing, ALEXSEAL Topcoat Clear.
• Off-white, tintable paste: Off-white paste that turns to the color of the chosen topcoat after mixing.
• Designed for spray application: Formulated for spray use to achieve a uniform flat or semi-gloss appearance; brush application may lead to uneven gloss.
• Professional-use product: Intended only for professional applicators, with application protocols that should be documented.

Technical specifications

• Trade name: ALEXSEAL Flattening Additive A5023
• Type: Matting paste / paint auxiliary agent in a mixture of organic solvents
• Appearance (unmixed): Off-white paste
• Color after mixing: Adopts the color of the selected ALEXSEAL Topcoat base
• Physical state: Liquid (20–25 °C, 1,013 hPa)
• Density: 1.156 g/cm³ (20 °C)
• Boiling range: Approximately 120 °C
• Flash point: 25 °C (ISO 13736)
• Auto-ignition temperature: > 400 °C
• Explosion limits: 1–10 % (V)
• Viscosity (kinematic): > 21 mm²/s
• Water solubility: Insoluble; immiscible with water
• VOC content: 59.83 %, 692 g/l
• Packaging: 1 quart and 1 gallon containers
• Intended use: Industrial serial painting; professional use only

Mixing ratios

Before full application, a trial application on a small area is recommended to verify the desired gloss level. Always mix thoroughly at every step and strain the mixture before spraying (50–100 microns / 3–5 mils / 170–325 mesh).

With ALEXSEAL Premium Topcoat 501

• Matte finish (mix by volume):
  • Base: 1
  • Flattening Additive: 1
  • Converter: 1
  • Reducer: 0.5
• Eggshell finish (mix by volume):
  • Base: 1
  • Flattening Additive: 0.75
  • Converter: 1
  • Reducer: 0.5
• Semi-gloss finish (mix by volume):
  • Base: 1
  • Flattening Additive: 0.5
  • Converter: 1
  • Reducer: 0.5

With ALEXSEAL Acrylic Topcoat X

• Matte finish (mix by volume):
  • Base: 2
  • Flattening Additive: 2
  • Converter: 1
  • Reducer: 1
• Eggshell finish (mix by volume):
  • Base: 2
  • Flattening Additive: 1.25
  • Converter: 1
  • Reducer: 1
• Semi-gloss finish (mix by volume):
  • Base: 2
  • Flattening Additive: 0.85
  • Converter: 1
  • Reducer: 1

Mixing and application notes

• Thoroughly mix ALEXSEAL Topcoat base with ALEXSEAL Flattening Additive until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
• Add the appropriate quantity of ALEXSEAL Topcoat Converter and mix thoroughly.
• Add the appropriate ALEXSEAL Topcoat Reducer while mixing and mix thoroughly.
• Strain the mixed material through multiple paint strainers (50–100 microns / 3–5 mils / 170–325 mesh) before application.
• If using Non-Skid additive, add it after straining.
• When using with ALEXSEAL Topcoat Clear, clouding may occur in some applications; trial tests are recommended to confirm suitability.
• When A5023 is used, a cross-hatch or cross-spray pattern is recommended for each coat, or the spray direction should be varied between coats/passes to obtain a uniform film.
• Mixed material must always be filtered before application.
• Application and mixture parameters (reduction, acceleration, film thickness, technique and environmental conditions) can influence the final gloss level. For multi-stage projects, keep the process as consistent as possible.
• Matte finishes may be more difficult to clean than glossy surfaces.

Applications and use cases

• Industrial serial painting: Designed for professional, repetitive coating operations where controlled gloss levels are required on production lines.
• Yacht and marine topcoats: Intended to be used with ALEXSEAL Premium Topcoat 501 and Acrylic Topcoat X to achieve low-glare finishes on marine vessels and components.
• Glare reduction: Ideal where reduced reflection is needed, for example on decks, superstructures or equipment where high gloss may cause visual discomfort.
• Surface defect masking: Lower gloss helps visually hide minor surface imperfections compared to high-gloss finishes.

FAQ

1. Can ALEXSEAL Flattening Additive be used with any ALEXSEAL Topcoat color?

   Yes. It can be added to any ALEXSEAL Topcoat color base. The off-white paste will take on the color of the selected base once mixed.

2. Is it suitable for brush application?

   The product is designed for spray application. Brush application may result in an uneven flat or semi-gloss finish with non-uniform gloss areas.

3. How do I achieve a specific gloss level?

   Use the mixing ratios provided for Premium Topcoat 501 or Acrylic Topcoat X (matte, eggshell or semi-gloss). A small trial application is recommended to confirm that the gloss matches your expectations.

4. Can I use this additive in clear coats?

   It may be used in ALEXSEAL Topcoat Clear, but clouding can occur in some applications. Always perform test panels to check the visual result.

5. When should Non-Skid additive be added if both are used?

   Add the Non-Skid component after the mixture with Flattening Additive has been strained through the recommended paint strainers.

6. Does using the additive affect the durability of the coating?

   The additive is designed to vary the gloss level without reducing the mechanical properties of the topcoat.

7. What accelerator can be used with this system?

   A5035 ALEXSEAL TC 501/X Accelerator (ALEXSEAL Topcoat Accelerator) can be used to reduce the drying time of ALEXSEAL Topcoat systems incorporating A5023.

8. What is the coverage rate when using A5023?

   The coverage is the same as that of the corresponding ALEXSEAL Topcoat. Consultar ficha técnica del fabricante.

Section 14 – Transport information

• UN number / ID number:
  • ADR: UN 1263
  • IMDG: UN 1263
  • IATA: UN 1263
• UN proper shipping name:
  • ADR: Paint related material
  • IMDG: Paint related material
  • IATA: Paint related material
• Transport hazard class: Class 3 (flammable liquid)
• Packing group: III
• ADR details:
  • Classification code: F1
  • Hazard identification number: 30
  • Labels: 3
  • Tunnel restriction code: (D/E)
  • Receptacles with less than 450 litres capacity are not subject to ADR 4.1, 5.2 and 6.1 (ADR 2.2.3.1.5).
• IMDG details:
  • Packing group: III
  • Labels: 3
  • EmS code: F-E, S-E
  • Receptacles with less than 450 litres capacity are not subject to IMDG chapters 4.1, 5.2 and 6.1 (IMDG 2.3.2.5).
• IATA details:
  • Cargo aircraft packing instruction: 366 (Packing group III, flammable liquids label)
  • Passenger aircraft packing instruction: 355 (Packing group III, flammable liquids label)
  • Limited quantities (LQ) passenger: Y344
• Environmental hazards:
  • ADR: Not classified as environmentally hazardous.
  • IMDG: Not a marine pollutant.
• Special precautions for user:
  • Within the user’s premises, always transport in closed, upright and secure containers.
  • Ensure that personnel handling containers are familiar with emergency procedures in case of incident or spillage.
• Bulk transport: Maritime transport in bulk according to IMO instruments is not applicable to the product as supplied.

Section 8 – Personal protective measures

When handling ALEXSEAL A5023 Flattening Additive, appropriate engineering controls and individual protective equipment must be used, as specified in the Safety Data Sheet.

Engineering controls

• Provide adequate general and local exhaust ventilation to keep aerosol and solvent vapour concentrations below occupational exposure limits.
• If ventilation is insufficient, suitable respiratory protection must be worn.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Eye and face protection:
  • Wear safety goggles to protect against solvent splashes.
• Hand protection:
  • Use chemical-resistant protective gloves tested in accordance with EN 374.
  • Recommended glove materials for short-term contact (splash protection): nitrile rubber or neoprene.
  • Minimum material thickness: > 0.4 mm.
  • Recommended breakthrough time: > 480 minutes.
  • Always check the glove’s suitability for the specific workplace (mechanical resistance, product compatibility, antistatic properties).
  • Replace gloves immediately if damaged or worn.
  • Use preventive skin protection cream and wash contaminated skin promptly.
• Skin and body protection:
  • Wear suitable protective clothing adapted to the probability of explosive atmospheres in the workplace.
  • Use antistatic footwear and clothing when transferring material to avoid electrostatic discharge.
• Respiratory protection:
  • If solvent concentrations exceed air limit values, use a suitable breathing apparatus (for example, a half mask with appropriate cartridge or an air-fed system).
  • Dry sanding, torch cutting or welding of coated surfaces may generate hazardous dusts and vapours; use wet processes where possible and install exhaust hoods, otherwise wear appropriate respiratory protection.
  • When operators must work inside spray booths during application, they should wear a compressed air-fed respirator until particulate and vapour levels fall below exposure limits.

General protective and hygiene measures

• Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling the product.
• Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
• Avoid inhaling sanding dust, particulates or spray mists generated from this preparation.