2026-09-21 Pageview：10
Creating a consistent textured surface is not simply a matter of adding a texture additive to a coating formulation. Particle size, particle-size distribution, curing temperature, film thickness and application method all influence the final appearance.
The TIANSWAX Twax-40 series provides nine particle-size options ranging from 15 μm to 180 μm. These grades allow formulators to produce fine, medium or coarse texture effects for industrial coatings, powder coatings and selected printing ink systems.
This guide explains how textured wax powder works and how to select a suitable particle size according to the desired surface effect and end-use application.
Textured wax powder is a functional coating additive that uses solid particles to create a controlled surface profile.
After the wax particles are dispersed in the formulation, they remain suspended in the wet coating or powder-coating layer. During curing, the resin flows, solvents evaporate or crosslinking takes place. If the wax particles remain sufficiently solid throughout the curing cycle, some particles project from the coating surface.
These exposed particles create microscopic peaks and valleys. Instead of producing strong specular reflection like a smooth surface, the coating diffuses incoming light in different directions. The result is a matte, sand-textured appearance with a noticeable tactile effect.
Compared with chemically induced texture additives, physical wax particles make the texture easier to adjust through particle-size selection.
Particle size is one of the most important parameters when choosing a textured wax additive.
Dv50 refers to the median particle diameter by volume. In practical terms:
Particle-size distribution is equally important. A relatively controlled distribution helps prevent an uneven surface containing both excessively fine and coarse texture points. It also improves consistency between production batches.
The Twax-40 series covers nine Dv50 particle sizes:
| Product Grade | Dv50 Particle Size | Temperature Resistance* | Recommended Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twax-4015 | 15 μm | 160°C | Extra-fine |
| Twax-4025 | 25 μm | 160°C | Fine |
| Twax-4040 | 40 μm | 160°C | Fine |
| Twax-4050 | 50 μm | 160°C | Medium-fine |
| Twax-4060 | 60 μm | 160°C | Medium |
| Twax-4090 | 90 μm | 160°C | Medium-coarse |
| Twax-4120 | 120 μm | 160°C | Coarse |
| Twax-4140 | 140 μm | 160°C | Coarse |
| Twax-4180 | 180 μm | 160°C | Extra-coarse |
*Actual performance depends on the resin system, curing time, film temperature and processing conditions. Laboratory testing is recommended before commercial production.
Fine textured wax powders include Twax-4015, Twax-4025 and Twax-4040.
These grades create small, closely distributed texture points. The finished surface appears refined when viewed at close range and feels smooth rather than abrasive when touched.
Typical applications include:
Fine particle sizes are particularly suitable for products that are frequently viewed or handled at close range. They can create a subtle matte or velvet-like sand texture without making the surface excessively rough.
When these grades are used in printing inks, screen mesh and transfer-system compatibility must be checked. The maximum particle size should be safely below the opening size of the screen, anilox cell, filter and pipeline.
The medium-texture range includes Twax-4050, Twax-4060 and Twax-4090.
These grades provide a more visible texture and stronger tactile feedback while maintaining a balanced industrial appearance. This range is commonly selected when both decorative texture and surface-defect hiding are required.
Typical applications include:
Sheet-metal components may retain minor scratches, grinding marks, welding traces or pretreatment imperfections. A medium sand-textured surface helps reduce their visual impact through diffuse reflection and three-dimensional shadowing.
The textured surface can also improve grip compared with a smooth finish, making this particle-size range suitable for handles, tool housings and frequently touched industrial components.
Coarse grades include Twax-4120, Twax-4140 and Twax-4180.
These products generate large, highly visible texture points and a pronounced surface profile. They are normally used when a strong decorative texture, improved grip or a rugged industrial appearance is required.
Potential applications include:
Coarse textured wax powders generally require sufficient film thickness to anchor the particles properly. A film that is too thin may provide poor particle retention or an inconsistent surface.
In powder-coating production, recovered powder should also be carefully controlled. Screening and recycling may change the concentration or condition of coarse particles, causing the texture of reclaimed material to differ from that of fresh powder. A controlled blending ratio and comparison panels are recommended.
Different additives can produce matte or textured surfaces, but they do not work in the same way.
Chemical texture additives generate patterns by changing surface tension and coating flow during curing. Their final appearance may be sensitive to resin reactivity, film thickness, temperature and application conditions.
Silica-based matting agents create microscopic surface roughness and primarily reduce gloss. Their particles are normally much smaller than those used for a visible sand texture, so they do not usually produce the same three-dimensional texture points.
Fine wax additives can improve slip, scratch resistance and surface feel. However, their particle sizes are generally selected for smoothness rather than a pronounced textured appearance.
Textured wax powders create the surface profile through physical particles. Particle size therefore provides a direct and practical way to control whether the final texture is fine, medium or coarse.
A practical selection process should consider the following factors.
Products viewed at close range generally require a finer and more uniform texture. Large industrial or outdoor components can use a coarser surface without appearing visually inconsistent.
Choose fine particles for a soft, refined touch. Medium particles provide a recognizable but balanced texture, while coarse particles produce a rugged feel and stronger grip.
The coating layer must be thick enough to hold the selected particles. Coarse grades normally require a greater film thickness than fine grades.
Check the openings of screens, filters, spray equipment, pipelines and anilox cells. Large particles may cause blocking if they are incompatible with the application system.
Temperature resistance should be evaluated together with curing time. Exposure at 160°C for an extended period is not equivalent to a brief exposure to a higher temperature. Actual substrate temperature should also be considered instead of relying only on the oven setting.
Consumer electronics and furniture usually favor a refined texture. Cabinets and industrial hardware often use medium textures, while outdoor and heavy-duty components can benefit from coarse textures.
Textured wax powder should not be subjected to unnecessary high-shear grinding. Grinding can break the original particles, reduce Dv50 and change the intended surface effect.
For liquid coating systems, the additive is generally introduced during the let-down or final adjustment stage using controlled, low-speed mixing. The dispersion temperature should remain below the softening range of the particles with a suitable safety margin.
Formulators should also evaluate:
The final addition level must be determined through formulation testing because resin type, solids content, viscosity and application method all affect the result.
For a refined texture on electronics, furniture or indoor panels, begin with 15–40 μm. For cabinets, instruments and hardware, test 50–90 μm. For outdoor parts, heavy equipment or anti-slip surfaces, consider 120–180 μm.
Testing two adjacent grades is often the fastest way to confirm the target texture.
The Twax-40 series is designed for applications within its specified temperature range. However, actual performance depends on peak metal temperature, curing duration and formulation conditions. A temperature-gradient test should be completed when the curing cycle approaches or exceeds the recommended range.
High-shear grinding may break the particles and change their particle-size distribution. Once the particles become smaller, the resulting surface will be finer than the originally selected texture.
The risk increases as particle size increases. Filters, screen mesh, pipelines and transfer equipment must provide sufficient clearance. Liquid systems may also require an appropriate rheology or anti-settling package.
Textured wax powders can be evaluated in powder-coating formulations, provided that the particle size, incorporation method, curing window, film thickness and reclaimed-powder ratio are properly tested. Compatibility should be confirmed with production-scale equipment before volume manufacturing.
The key to selecting a textured wax powder is matching particle size with the required appearance, tactile effect, coating thickness and processing conditions.
As a general guideline:
With nine particle-size options, the TIANSWAX Twax-40 series gives coating and ink formulators a structured way to develop repeatable sand-textured surfaces.
For grade recommendations, provide the resin system, curing temperature and time, target film thickness, application method and preferred texture level. TIANSWAX can then help identify suitable grades for laboratory evaluation.
This article is based on the technical information published on the original Chinese product guide. Product suitability should be verified under actual formulation and production conditions.
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