Mattenbildner

Mattenbildner (German: "mat maker") is a class of additives used to reduce gloss and produce matte or low-sheen surfaces in coatings, paints, varnishes, plastics and some personal-care products. These agents alter the way light is reflected from a surface by introducing micro-roughness, light-scattering particles or surface-active components that disrupt specular reflection.

Mechanisms and types

Common matting mechanisms include incorporation of inert fillers (e.g., silica, talc), dispersed polymeric particles or hollow spheres, and waxes or silicones that bloom to the surface. Solid particles create micro-texture that scatters incident light, while surface-active or film-forming matting agents can act chemically to decrease refractive-index contrast or alter surface morphology. Choice of type depends on desired appearance, durability and compatibility with the formulation.

Applications

Mattenbildner are used across industries where controlled gloss is required: architectural and automotive coatings, furniture and flooring finishes, printing inks, plastic parts and matte cosmetics (e.g., powders and foundations). They are selected to balance aesthetic effect with performance characteristics such as abrasion resistance, opacity, flow and drying behavior.

Performance considerations

Adding matting agents often affects mechanical and optical properties; high loading can reduce hardness, alter color or increase haze. Formulators must consider particle size, concentration and dispersion to achieve consistent results. Environmental and health aspects relate primarily to inhalation of fine particulates during handling and to the overall VOC and regulatory profile of the coating system.