HK1125668A

HK1125668A - Decorative effect coating compositions and methods of making and applying same

Info

Publication number: HK1125668A
Application number: HK09104002.9A
Authority: HK
Inventors: 罗伯特．H．内格里; 拉斐尔．伯里
Original assignee: 美国石膏公司
Priority date: 2005-11-22
Filing date: 2006-10-14
Publication date: 2009-08-14

Description

Coating composition with decorative effect and preparation method and application thereof

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to coating compositions, and more particularly to decorative effect coating compositions capable of producing multi-colored and/or multi-shaded appearances in a single application.

Background

Most prior art coating compositions produce coatings having a solid or solid-colored (solid-colored) appearance after application to a surface. Thus, when a consumer desires to produce a coating having a multi-colored appearance, multiple applications of different coating compositions are often required. Alternatively, consumers may utilize known multicolor coating compositions to provide a desired multicolor decorative effect in a single application.

U.S. patent No.3,058,931 discloses multicolor coating compositions that produce a coating with a mottled appearance in one application. The coating comprises a "water-based" containing a protective colloid, one or more pigments necessary for hiding quality and for controlling the gloss level of the product, and an emulsion polymer. Pigment varnish vehicle (pigment varnish vehicle) is prepared by grinding colour pigments into a resin varnish vehicle (resin varnish vehicle). The contrast of the large macroscopic pigmented varnish particles and the colorless water-based of the resultant composition provides a coating having a mottled appearance after one application. In order to prevent degradation of the lipophilic macroscopic varnish particles (and therefore the mottled appearance of the applied coating), the patent emphasizes that it is necessary to use a pigment varnish vehicle having at least one hydrophilic value of less than 60 (or a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance ("HLB") value of less than 12). In addition, because the coating composition can only provide a mottled appearance, it does not provide the consumer with the ability to create customized decorative graphics.

U.S. Pat. No.3,811,904 discloses another multicolor coating composition that produces a coating with a mottled appearance in a single application. The coating compositions contain solvated polymer "beads" (which are colored by the addition of pigments prior to crosslinking of the polymer. In a stable dispersant, the crosslinked polymer beads are dispersed in a liquid in which they are relatively insoluble and do not agglomerate with each other. Thus, the stabilized globules provide a mottled appearance to the applied coating. In a labile dispersant, the coating composition contains a solution of two incompatible polymers (or a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase), which are typically colored by the addition of a pigment prior to crosslinking. The polymer globules of the dispersed phase coalesce with each other to form larger particles and provide a coating with a mottled appearance. In addition, applying shear to the applied coating while the coating is still wet can form a striated pattern because the dispersed and continuous phases (i.e., the two polymer solutions) flow without mixing. However, the nature of the globules causes the appearance of the coating produced at the applied shear to include discontinuous color streaks or cracks (streams or bursts).

U.S. patent No.3,600,346 discloses additional multicolor coating compositions that produce a coating (or "finish") having a grainy or antique (anti) appearance in one application. The coating composition contains a primary pigment dispersed in an oil-modified alkyd resin vehicle. The coating composition further comprises a secondary pigment encapsulated by a resin that is insoluble in the oil-modified alkyd resin vehicle. Application of shear to the applied wet coating causes the secondary pigment to be released from its resin capsules (or "shells") to provide a grainy or antique appearance to the finish. Similar to the pellets of U.S. Pat. No.3,811,904, the nature of the encapsulated secondary pigment causes the appearance of the resulting coating at the point of applied shear to include discontinuous color streaks or cracks.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides initially solid-colored coating compositions or coatings containing at least one colorant and methods for making the same. The initially solid-colored coating composition is formulated such that, while the coating composition is still in a "liquid and/or quasi-liquid state" (i.e., before the coating composition is thoroughly dried and forms a "coating"), a portion of the tinting colorant is incompatible with the remaining coating composition components and is thus separated, concentrated, flocculated and/or floated from the applied coating composition to the exterior surface of the still-to-be-formed (still-forming) coating, thereby producing a final (or formed) coating having a multi-colored and/or multi-shaded appearance in one application. Thus, the initially solid-colored coating compositions of the present invention eliminate the need for multiple application steps and/or the use of multiple products (e.g., multiple solid-colored coating compositions) in order to produce a final coating exhibiting the desired decorative effect (including, but not limited to, multi-color and/or multi-color shades). Beneficially, the initially solid-colored coating composition may be applied by any conventional coating application method, including but not limited to brushing, rolling, and spraying.

In one embodiment, the initially solid-colored coating composition utilizes its response to applied shear force to form a coating having a multi-colored and/or multi-shaded appearance in a single application while the coating composition is still in a liquid and/or quasi-liquid state. According to this embodiment, the application of shear generally increases the instability or incompatibility of the colorant with the other components of the applied coating composition. And may thus be selectively applied to create a color difference (or pattern) at a particular location of the final shaped coating. More specifically, while the coating composition is still in a "liquid and/or quasi-liquid" state, the application of shear to the still-forming coating surface beneficially increases the amount of colorant and/or causes the colorant to separate, concentrate, flocculate and/or float from the applied coating composition to the still-forming coating outer surface, and can thus be selectively applied to specific areas or regions of the still-forming coating to form a pattern in the final coating and/or to produce a desired decorative effect at specific locations of the final coating. The shear force may be applied in any manner, including but not limited to hand tools such as metal scrapers, putty knives, and brushes, other tools such as sponges and cloths, and/or even a human hand (or finger).

Generally, the terms "liquid," "pseudo-liquid," and "liquid and/or pseudo-liquid" are used herein to indicate that the coating composition has not yet formed a final coating. During drying, the coating usually changes from a liquid state to a solid state due to solvent evaporation and/or due to physical and/or chemical reactions of the binder medium (s.lesota, ed., Federation of soc. for coatings technology, Blue Bell, p.a., 1995).

In one embodiment, the terms "liquid," pseudoliquid, "and" liquid and/or pseudoliquid "refer to a coating composition that has not yet been completely dried or" dried out. As generally defined in the Coatings industry, when any indicia produced by applying maximum downward pressure to a coating (or film) can be completely removed by wiping with a soft cloth (polish), the coating composition "dries out" (and forms a final coating) (Coatings Encyclopedic, supra).

In another embodiment, the terms "liquid," "pseudo-liquid," and "liquid and/or pseudo-liquid" refer to any period of time before the coating composition is "set-to-touch" or "dry-to-touch" time. As generally defined in the coatings industry, dry-to-press time is the time (for a substrate surface) at which the cohesive force (adhesive force) of the coating composition exceeds the adhesive force (adhesive force) of the coating composition. A simple touch test can be used to determine if the coating is dry to the touch: when the coating is dry to the touch, the coating is not "tacky" or sticky to the touch (Coatings Encyclopedic Dictionary, supra).

In view of the above discussion, shear is typically applied after the coating composition is applied to a surface and before the coating composition is thoroughly dried. More typically, the shear force is applied for about 30 seconds, about 45 seconds, about 60 seconds, and/or about 90 seconds after the coating composition is applied and before the coating composition is finger-pressed to dry (i.e., the coating is still tacky or sticky to the touch). The time required for the coating to dry thoroughly and/or dry by finger pressure will, of course, vary depending on the thickness of the coating applied and the nature and porosity of the particular substrate, but can be readily determined as described above.

Typically, the applied coating having a wet film thickness of about 1 mil to about 10 mils provides a final coating having a dry film thickness of about 0.5 mils to about 5 mils. The applied coating is typically dried through in about 30min to about 60min under normal drying conditions (77 ° f and relative humidity 50%) and finger-pressure dried in about 1min to about 10min (and more typically, in about 1min to about 5min) under normal drying conditions (77 ° f and relative humidity 50%).

In another embodiment, no shear force is applied while the coating composition is still in a liquid and/or quasi-liquid state. In this embodiment, the initially solid-colored coating composition dries to form a final coating having a mottled, or clustered (clustered) appearance. In another embodiment (application of shear force), the decorative effect observed is generally caused by incompatibility between the colorant and other components of the applied coating composition. However, in the coating composition according to the present embodiment, the colourant is initially miscible with the other components of the coating composition, but becomes incompatible (with the other coating composition components) as the coating composition begins to dry (i.e. as the solvent dries and/or the binder medium reacts).

Thus, in the coating compositions according to the present invention, the instability or incompatibility of the tinting colorant(s) with the other components of the applied coating composition is exploited to produce the desired multi-colored and/or multi-phasic decorative effect while the coating composition is still in a liquid and/or quasi-liquid state. As explained above, in some embodiments, instability or incompatibility of the tinting colorant with other components of the applied coating composition while the coating composition is still in a liquid and/or quasi-liquid state can be facilitated and/or accentuated by applying shear (e.g., by hand tools) to the applied coating composition. Instability or incompatibility of the tinting colorant with other components of the applied coating composition can be achieved in coating compositions containing a single tinting colorant, but visual effects are more readily exhibited when the coating composition contains a combination of (at least) first and second tinting colorants (which are insoluble in each other). Colorant instability or incompatibility can also be achieved by reducing (starve) or minimizing the amount of surfactants, dispersants and/or wetting agents in the coating composition, as these components generally promote colorant compatibility between water-based and oil-based components and/or systems.

The decorative effect of the coating composition, although usually visible and perceptible to the ordinary consumer, can also be demonstrated (or measured) by using a conventional spectrophotometer. The spectrophotometer can "measure" the color and provide the results in a format known as CIE LAB. Three parameters L^*a^*b^*A three-dimensional "color space" is defined. L is^*Is the lightness or black-white component of the sample, and a^*And b^*Is the color component of the sample. The color difference or Δ E between two different colors (e.g., two different colored regions of a multi-colored decorative coating according to the present invention) varies from 340 to 0 (no color difference) and can be determined by measuring the color and calculating the color difference as follows:

equation 1: Δ E ═ [ (L1-L2)²+(a1-a2)²+(b1-b2)²]^1/2

Consumers can detect Δ E values as low as about 0.25 and thus demonstrate that the decorative effect of multicolor coatings (or portions thereof) exhibiting Δ E values greater than about 0.25 are consistent with the present disclosure. However, higher Δ E values are generally more desirable because they are generally more perceptible to the average consumer (relative to the detection threshold) and therefore provide a noticeable decorative effect consistent with the present disclosure. Thus, in various embodiments, the delta E value of the coating is greater than about 1, greater than about 2, greater than about 4, and/or greater than about 5. In addition, too high a Δ Ε value may not always be desirable because its color contrast may be too strong for a particular consumer or desired decorative effect (e.g., a more subtle color change or multi-hue coating may be desired). Thus, in further embodiments, the delta E value of the coating is less than about 200, less than about 100, less than about 75, and/or less than about 50. Additionally, in other embodiments, the coating exhibits a Δ E value of about 1.0 to about 200, about 2 to 100, about 4 to about 75, and/or about 5 to about 50.

The coating composition typically includes at least a first colorant, a thickener, a surfactant, and a binder (binder), which are typically dispersed (or dissolved) in one or more conventional organic solvents and/or aqueous solutions. At least one non-tinting filler/base pigment is also typically included in the coating composition. In addition, the coating compositions often include an anti-foaming agent and/or a wetting agent, and may also include other additional optional components.

As explained previously, the visual effect is more readily exhibited when the coating composition contains a combination of (at least) first and second colorants that are insoluble in each other. Thus, the coating composition may further include a second tinting colorant having different physical properties relative to the first tinting colorant such that the first and second tinting colorants are insoluble in one another. For example, the first colorant can be an aqueous colorant and the second colorant can be a non-aqueous colorant. Similarly, the first colorant can be a hydrophilic colorant and the second colorant can be a hydrophobic colorant. In an alternative embodiment, one of the colorants may be a universal colorant capable of being solvated and/or uniformly dispersed in both aqueous and non-aqueous coating compositions. When one tinting colorant is a universal tinting colorant, it is generally preferred that the second tinting colorant is generally incompatible (or insoluble) with the vehicle (i.e., the mixture containing the other components of the coating composition).

The coating composition pigment volume concentration ("PVC") is the ratio of pigment volume to the volume of total non-volatile materials (e.g., pigment plus binder) and is typically in the range of about 5% to about 95%, about 10% to about 80%, and/or about 15% to about 65%. The coating composition pigment/binder ratio of total pigment to binder solids is generally in the range of from about 25 to about 1, from about 20 to about 2, and/or from about 15 to about 5. Higher values are generally more preferred for PVC and pigment/binder ratios because higher pigment content in the coating composition provides an additional source of friction that can be utilized in situ to help produce the desired decorative effect. Additionally higher values may be beneficial to provide hiding of the formed coating and/or to improve the permeability of the coating to the substrate.

Coloring agent

The coating composition includes at least one colorant, but more preferably includes two colorants. The coating composition may also contain three or more colorants. The colorant may be an aqueous colorant, a non-aqueous colorant, a hydrophobic colorant, a hydrophilic colorant, or a universal colorant. In some cases, a particular colorant can be classified into two or more of the foregoing categories. For example, the colorant may be an aqueous colorant and a universal colorant. Similarly, the colorant may be a non-aqueous colorant and a hydrophobic colorant, or an aqueous colorant and a hydrophilic colorant. The degree of color difference and the color itself can be beneficially controlled by the choice and concentration of the colorant.

The colorant can generally be any colorant, including but not limited to pigments and dyes, so long as at least one colorant (or portion thereof) is capable of separating, concentrating, flocculating and/or floating from the still-wet, applied coating composition to the still-formed coating surface so as to provide a final or formed coating having a multi-colored and/or multi-phasic decorative effect in a single application. More typically, the colorant comprises a pigment dispersant. As used herein, the term "colorant" does not include white, opacifying pigments such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (instead, it is defined herein as a "non-tinting filler/base pigment"). However, the colorants according to the invention may be dispersants for white, opacifying pigments (e.g., titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) which, due to incompatibility with other coating composition components (as previously described), are capable of separating, concentrating, flocculating and/or floating to the still-to-be-formed coating surface from the still-wet, applied coating composition.

If only one colorant is included, the colorant may be an aqueous colorant, a non-aqueous colorant, a hydrophobic colorant, a hydrophilic colorant, or a universal colorant, but it is generally preferred that the colorant be somewhat incompatible with and/or unstable in the still-to-be-formed coating so that the colorant can separate, concentrate, flocculate and/or float to the still-to-be-formed coating exterior surface from the applied (still-wet) coating composition. Thus, it is generally preferred to use aqueous colorants and/or hydrophilic colorants (which may or may not also be classified as universal colorants) in solvent-or oil-based coating compositions. Similarly, non-aqueous colorants and/or hydrophobic colorants (which may or may not also be classified as universal colorants) are generally preferred in water-based latex-containing coating compositions.

As previously mentioned, the coating composition may further comprise a second tinting colorant, a third tinting colorant, or even more tinting colorants. In all of these cases, the second (or third) colorant typically preferably has different physical properties relative to the first colorant such that at least two colorants are substantially insoluble in each other (i.e., less than 10 wt.%, less than 5 wt.%, and/or less than 2 wt.% of the combination is soluble). For example, the first colorant can be an aqueous colorant and the second colorant can be a hydrophilic colorant. Additionally, the first colorant can be a hydrophilic colorant and the second colorant can be a hydrophobic colorant. Or one colorant may be a universal colorant capable of being solvated and/or uniformly dispersed in both aqueous and non-aqueous coating compositions, while another colorant may be selected to be an aqueous or non-aqueous system.

When one of the tinting colorants is a universal tinting colorant, it is preferred that the second tinting colorant be relatively incompatible with the other components of the coating composition so that the second tinting colorant can separate, concentrate, flocculate and/or float from the applied (still wet) coating composition to the surface of the still-forming coating. Therefore, in oil-based coating compositions including a universal colorant, it is generally preferred to use an aqueous colorant or a hydrophilic colorant as the second colorant. Similarly, in latex-based coating compositions that include a universal colorant, it is generally preferred to use a non-aqueous colorant or a hydrophobic colorant as the second colorant.

Useful colorants are available from a number of commercial sources, including, but not limited to, degussa corporation, New Jersey; heucotech ltd., Pennsylvania; noveon inc. performance Coatings, Ohio; pflaumer Brothers, inc., New Jersey; reitech corporation, Pennsylvania; CPS Color Equipment, inc., North Carolina; eagles metals co., Missouri; engelhard corp., New Jersey; lanxess (former Bayer Chemicals), Pennsylvania; nanostructured & Amorphous Materials, Inc., NewMexico; pan Technology, inc., New Jersey; plasticolors inc, Ohio; raffi and swanson inc, Massachusetts; ralston Colour Systems b.v., Netherlands; wolstenholme International, inc. In various embodiments, the initially solid-colored coating composition includes from about 1 wt.% to about 40 wt.%, from about 2.5 wt.% to about 30 wt.%, and/or from about 5 wt.% to about 20 wt.% colorant.

Suitable hydrophobic colorants generally contain at least one pigment dispersed in a hydrophobic resin vehicle. Both organic and inorganic pigments can be effectively dispersed in the hydrophobic resin vehicle. In one aspect, the hydrophobic colorant has a solids content of about 100 wt.%. In yet another aspect, the resin is a hydroxyl-functionalized unsaturated polyester that is beneficially compatible with conventional polyester resins as well as conventional vinyl ester resins. However, the chemical composition of suitable hydrophobic colorants is not particularly critical, so long as they are generally insoluble in aqueous solutions (or systems). Similarly, the composition of the hydrophobic resin vehicle is not particularly important as long as it is hydrophobic. An example of a hydrophobic colorant is under the tradename POLYTREND(Degussa Corporation, New Jersey).

Suitable non-aqueous colorants typically contain at least one pigment dispersed in an organic solvent/resin combination. Both organic and inorganic pigments can be effectively dispersed in the solvent/resin combination. In one aspect, the solvent is a combination of propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate and naphthol alcohols (napthol spirits). In yet another aspect, the resin is a thermoplastic resin, such as a thermoplastic acrylic resin. Suitable non-aqueous colorants may also contain one or more surfactants. Suitable non-aqueous tinting colorants are generally combined with a number of non-aqueous coating systems including alkyd resins (alkyds), epoxy resins(epoxies), (lacquer) lacques, polyesters and polyurethanes). The chemical composition of suitable non-aqueous colorants is not particularly critical, so long as they are generally insoluble in aqueous solutions (or systems). An example of a non-aqueous colorant is the CHROMA-CHEM(Degussa Corporation, New Jersey).

Suitable universal colorants are generally compatible (or soluble) with aqueous and non-aqueous solutions (or systems). The colorant typically includes at least one pigment dispersed in an aqueous or non-aqueous solution, and typically does not contain any resin. Organic and/or inorganic pigments may be included. The role/nature of a particular colorant in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions, rather than its chemical composition, determines whether it can be classified as a universal colorant. An example of a universal colorant is under the trade name colortree(Degussa corporation, New Jersey).

Suitable hydrophilic colorants generally contain at least one pigment dispersed in a hydrophilic resin vehicle. Both organic and inorganic pigments can be effectively dispersed in suitable hydrophilic resin vehicles. In one aspect, the hydrophilic colorant has a solids content of about 100 wt.%. In yet another aspect, the resin is a polyamine or a polyurethane. The chemical composition of suitable hydrophilic colorants is not particularly critical, however, so long as they are generally insoluble in the non-aqueous solution (or system). Similarly, the composition of the hydrophilic resin vehicle is not particularly important as long as it is hydrophilic.

Suitable aqueous colorants typically contain at least one pigment dispersed in an aqueous solution/resin combination. Organic and inorganic pigments may be used. In one aspect, the resin is acrylic. However, the chemical composition of suitable hydrophilic colorants is not particularly critical, so long as they are generally insoluble in the non-aqueous solution (or system). Examples of aqueous colorantsIs available under the trade name AQUA-CHEM(Degussa corporation, New Jersey).

Thickening agent

One or more thickeners are typically included in the coating composition to provide certain desired rheological characteristics. For example, thickeners are often added to provide coating compositions with viscosity values of about 50 Krebs Units (KU) to about 140KU, about 70KU to about 120KU, and/or about 80KU to about 110 KU. A Stormer (Stormer) type viscometer can be used to measure the viscosity of the coating composition. Suitable thickeners for use in initially solid-colored coating compositions include, but are not limited to, cellulosic thickeners, gelling clays, associative thickeners, and combinations thereof.

Exemplary cellulosic thickeners include, but are not limited to, cellulose ethers having a molecular weight of about 1000 daltons to 500,000 daltons, such as alkyl hydroxypropyl cellulose ethers, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium alginate and other salts of alginic acid, carrageenan, gum arabic (mixed salts of arabic), karaya gum (acetylated polysaccharide), tragacanth gum (a complex mixture of acidic polysaccharides), tamarind gum (gum ghatti, calcium and magnesium salts of complex polysaccharides), guar gum (linear galactomannan) and derivatives thereof, locust bean gum (branched galactomannan), tamarind gum, psyllium seed gum, quince seed (quince seed) gum, larch gum, pectin and derivatives thereof, dextran and hydroxypropyl cellulose. The initially solid-colored coating composition typically includes from about 0.01 wt.% to about 5 wt.%, from about 0.05 wt.% to about 2.0 wt.%, and/or from about 0.10 wt.% to about 1.0 wt.% of a cellulosic thickener.

Useful alkyl hydroxypropyl celluloses can have up to 9 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, but typically the alkyl group contains 1 to 3 atoms. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose having an average of about 2 hydroxypropyl and/or methoxypropyl groups per anhydroglucose unit is often used. Bonding through Ubbelohde capillaryViscosity of an aqueous solution containing about 2 wt.% of a suitable alkyl hydroxypropyl cellulose ether is about 60,000 centipoise (cps) to about 90,000cps at 20 ℃. Alternatively, similar measurements can be made with a Brookfield rotational viscometer at speeds between about 2.5rpm and 5 rpm. In another refinement, the initially solid-colored coating composition contains about 0.25 wt.% of the alkyl hydroxypropyl cellulose ether. Of course, other types of cellulosic thickeners may be used, and larger amounts may be required if a lower viscosity thickener is used (or vice versa). An exemplary alkyl hydroxypropyl cellulose ether is METHOCEL(The Dow Chemical Company, Michigan).

Suitable gelling clays for use in the coating composition are hormite clays comprising natural and/or synthetic spatially-layered layer structures of tetrahedrally coordinated silicon linked to parallel layers of octahedrally coordinated aluminum, magnesium oxide, silicates and/or phyllosilicates. The gelling clays include, but are not limited to, palygorskite (attapulgite), sepiolite (sepiolite), bentonite (bentonite), laponite (laponite), smectite (nonatonite), bentonite (beidellite), laponite (laponite), smectite (yakhonovite), amesite (zinsitite), chromsonite (volkonskoite), lithium magnesium silicate (hectorite), saponite (saponite), ferrisaponite (ferrosaponate), sauconite (sauconite), hectorite (swinefordite), lipterate (pimelite), sobockite, stevensite (stevensite), svinfordite, vermiculite (Veronicites), water swellable synthetic clays, bentonite (smithcite), such as montmorillonite (montmorillonite), especially sodium, magnesium and calcium montmorillonite, illite (illite), mixed layered illite/bentonite minerals, such as a blend of rectorite (rectorite), tarosovites and illites (ledikite), magnesium aluminum silicate and the clays noted above. Palygorskite clays (Palygorskite attapulgite clays) are generally preferred. The initially solid-colored coating composition typically includes from about 0.01 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.05 wt.% to about 5.0 wt.%.%, and/or about 0.10 wt.% to about 2.0 wt.% of a gelling clay. Useful gelling clays include MIN-U-GEL(Floridin Company, FL) and sold under the trade name AITAGEL(Engelhard Corporation, NJ). The clay can be obtained in different particle sizes.

Suitable associative thickeners for use in the coating composition include hydrophobically-associative-modified ethylene oxide polyurethanes (HEURs), hydrophobically-modified alkali-swellable emulsions (HASE), and styrene-maleic anhydride terpolymers (SMAT). HEUR thickeners (also known as polyurethane or PUR associative thickeners) are generally preferred in aqueous, dairy-based coating compositions. Acidic acrylic copolymers of ethyl acrylate and methacrylic acid (crosslinked) and acrylic terpolymers of ethyl acrylate, methacrylic acid and nonionic urethane surfactant monomers (crosslinked) may also be used as associative thickeners. When one or more suitable associative thickeners are used, the thickening reaction is caused in part by the associative thickener and at least one other particle (e.g., pigment particle or resin particle) of the coating composition or another associative thickener intermolecular association. In various embodiments, the initially solid-colored coating composition typically includes from about 0.01 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.05 wt.% to about 5.0 wt.%, and/or from about 0.50 wt.% to about 3.5 wt.% of the associative thickener. Useful associative thickeners include ALCOGUM, trade name(Aico chemical company, TN) under the trade name VISCALEX(Ciba Specialty Chemicals, NY), and the trade name ACRYSOL(Rohm &Haas, PA).

In one embodiment, the thickening agent comprises HEUR and a cellulose ether, such as an alkyl hydroxypropyl cellulose ether. Without intending to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the combination of the associative thickener and the cellulose ether provides an improvement in the application and storage characteristics of the coating composition. For example, the lubricity and leveling (leveling) of the coating composition (when applied to a substrate) can be improved by using the combination of the associative thickener and the cellulose ether. In addition, the composition can help prevent pigment blocking (settleout) of various coating compositions (when the coating compositions are stored in large quantities). The coating composition thickener may further comprise a gelling clay.

Thickener systems generally perform best under alkaline conditions. Accordingly, it is generally recommended to include a basic material in the coating composition in order to impart a pH of at least about 8.0 to the final coating composition. Various basic materials may be used to increase the pH, including but not limited to ammonium, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), Triethylamine (TEA), and 2-ammonia-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP). In various embodiments, the initially solid-colored coating composition includes from about 0.001 wt.% to about 5 wt.%, from about 0.01 wt.% to about 0.5 wt.%, and/or from about 0.025 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.% of the basic material.

Surface active agent

Surfactants having a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) value below 9 are generally considered lipophilic, those having values between 11 and 20 are considered hydrophilic, and those having values between 9 and 11 are considered intermediate. The coating compositions of the present invention sometimes suggest the inclusion of two or more nonionic surfactant blends (blends) (rather than one surfactant molecule). The HLB values of the surfactants are additive, and thus the HLB value of the surfactant formulation can be readily determined. For example, a formulation comprising 40 wt.% of a first surfactant portion (having an HLB value of about 15) and 60 wt.% of a second surfactant portion (having an HLB value of about 4.3) has an HLB value equal to [15.0X0.4] + [4.3X0.6] or 8.8.

When the coating composition is a water-based, latex-containing composition, it typically includes a surfactant (or surfactant formulation) having an HLB value of less than about 9. Typically, the surfactant is substantially non-ionic in nature, e.g., greater than 60 wt.%, greater than 70 wt.%, greater than 80 wt.%, and/or greater than 90 wt.% of the surfactant portion is non-ionic. Water-based, latex-containing coating compositions generally preferably have surfactants (or surfactant formulations) with HLB values less than about 9, less than about 7, and/or less than about 5, because they form smaller micelles in solution and thus more readily disrupt the "solubilizing" and/or "emulsifying" interactions between the micelles and the colorants of the coating composition. Breaking the micelles releases the previously dissolved colourant from the coating composition as such, so that the colourant can separate, concentrate, flocculate and/or float from the applied (still wet) coating composition to the outer surface of the coating still to be shaped and thus contribute to the colour difference in the final coating.

Conversely, when the coating composition is an oil-based composition, the coating composition typically includes a surfactant having an HLB value greater than about 11. Surfactants (or surfactant formulations) having HLB values greater than about 11, greater than about 13, and/or greater than about 15 are generally preferred for oil-based coating compositions because they are typically used in oil-based coating compositions to form smaller micelles in non-polar solutions and thus more readily disrupt the solubilizing or emulsifying interaction between them and the tinting colorants of the coating composition.

In both emulsion-based and oil-based coating compositions, the upper limit of the surfactant used in the coating composition is minimized to provide the desired visual effect, as will be discussed in more detail below. Generally, the coating composition should include at least sufficient surfactant to allow micelle formation (in the liquid form of the coating composition) and to render the base coating composition stable (i.e., to keep the colorants and/or non-tinting fillers/base pigments of the coating composition substantially dispersed and/or dissolved in the liquid coating composition). However, the coating composition should not include an amount of surfactant sufficient to provide full color development, i.e., the coating composition should not include an amount sufficient to allow the added colorant to achieve full tinting potential. The disclosed coating compositions may thus refer to "surfactant deficient" relative to conventional coating compositions. Typically, the surfactant is present in an amount of about 0.01 wt.% to about 5 wt.%, about 0.01 wt.% to about 3.0 wt.%, and/or about 0.1 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, based on the weight of the coating composition in liquid form.

When the coating composition includes an amount of surfactant sufficient to allow the added tinting colorant to achieve full tinting potential (i.e., excess surfactant), additional mixing or shear forces (after a conventional amount of mixing has been performed) will not change the color of the liquid coating composition. Similarly, a particular coating composition has an excess of surfactant when no appreciable color difference (relative to an area without rubbing) is produced by a simple rub test (i.e., applying the still-wet, applied coating composition to a paper substrate and rubbing for about 5 seconds, about 10 seconds, 20 seconds, and/or 30 seconds after application). In addition, high resolution ultrasonic spectroscopic analysis (HR-US) can be used to determine the concentration of critical surfactant (or surfactant formulation) required for micelle formation in a particular coating composition (which is greater than or equal to the maximum upper limit of surfactant).

Suitable nonionic surfactants having HLB values below about 9 include, but are not limited to, octyl ethoxyphenolates (octylphenolates) and nonyl ethoxyphenolates (nonylphenylethoxylates). Useful suitable nonionic surfactants having an HLB value of less than about 9 are those available under the trade name TRITON^TMAnd TERGITOL^TM(The Dow Chemical Company, Michigan). Suitable nonionic surfactants having an HLB value above about 11 include octyl and nonyl ethoxyphenolates having more ethylene oxide units than nonionic surfactants having an HLB value below about 9. Useful nonionic surfactants having an HLB value above about 11 are known under the trade name TRITON^TM(The Dow Chemical Company, Michigan). Other surfactants may also be used, provided that the HLB value of the surfactant (formulation) is as described above for the emulsion-or oil-based coating composition.

Base material

The coating composition generally includes a binder. The binder can be any suitable film forming resin capable of forming a solid film and binding the pigment to the surface to which the coating composition is applied. Suitable binders include, but are not limited to, latex media and oil-based media. Suitable latex emulsion media for use in the coating composition according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, vinyl acetate (e.g., ethylene vinyl acetate) and acrylic resins (e.g., vinyl acrylic resins and styrenated acrylic resins). Suitable oil-based media include carboxyl-and hydroxyl-functionalized acrylics, alkyds, polyurethanes, polyesters, and epoxies. The initially solid-colored coating composition typically comprises from about 1 wt.% to about 40 wt.%, from about 5 wt.% to about 0 wt.%, or from about 10 wt.% to about 20 wt.% binder (the wt.% of the binder comprising only solids).

Useful latex emulsion media include acrylic polymers, vinyl acrylic polymers, such as vinyl acetate-butyl acrylate copolymer, styrene acrylic polymers, and the UCAR^TMAnd NEOCAR^TM(The Dow Chemical Company, Michigan) sold vinyl acetate polymers, e.g., UCAR^TM367; under the trade name VINREZEmulsion polymer products sold by (Halltech, inc., Ontario); under the trade name PLIOWAYVinyl acrylic polymers sold by (Eliokem, Ohio); under the tradename AQUAMAC^TMAcrylic, vinyl acrylic and styrene acrylic latex polymers sold by Resolution Specialty Materials, LLC, Illinois. An exemplary vinyl acrylic resin is VINREZ663VIS, having a glass transition temperature of about 18 deg.CAnd an average particle size of about 0.35 microns. Another exemplary vinyl acrylic copolymer vehicle is sold under product number No. hp-31-496(Halltech, inc., Ontario) and has a glass transition temperature of about 0 ℃.

Suitable functionalized acrylic, alkyd, polyurethane, polyester and epoxy resins are available from a number of commercial sources. Useful acrylic resins are available under the trade name ACRYLOID^TM(Rohm &Haas, co., Pennsylvania); useful epoxy resins are under the trade name EPON^TM(Resolution Specialty Materials, LLC, Illinois); useful polyester resins are available under the tradename CYPLEX(Cytec Industries, New Jersey); and useful vinyl resins are available under the trade name UCAR^TM(The Dow Chemical Company, Michigan).

Non-tinting filler/base pigments

Non-tinting filler/base pigments typically do not appreciably tint initially solid-colored coating compositions, but generally provide a background color to the composition and thus can be used to minimize colorant cost and/or modify or enhance certain characteristics of the coating composition (e.g., hiding, abrasion resistance, washfastness, scrub resistance, absorption (or penetration into the substrate), and drying time). The non-pigmented filler/base pigment need not necessarily produce the multi-colored decorative effect coating of the present invention. In general, any solid, inert mineral or mineral-based filler/pigment material can be added, provided that its particle size is large enough to have no adverse effect on the flow characteristics of the coating composition. However, the particle size is usually limited in order to avoid problems when spraying. Exemplary non-tinting filler/base pigments suitable for use in the initially solid-colored coating composition include, but are not limited to, talc, gypsum (i.e., hydrated calcium sulfate), calcium carbonate, nepheline syenite (nepheline syenites), mica, calcined kaolin, delaminated kaolin, titanium dioxide, lithopone, wollastonite (wallastonite), and bismuth oxychloride. Other non-tinting filler/base pigments suitable for use in the initially solid-colored coating compositions include opacifying pigments such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

In various refinements, the average particle size of the non-tinting filler/base pigment is from about 0.1 microns to about 150 microns, from about 0.5 microns to about 60 microns, and/or from about 0.6 microns to about 25 microns. In various embodiments, the initially solid-colored coating composition typically includes from about 1 weight percent ("wt.%") to about 45 wt.%, from about 15 wt.% to about 40 wt.%, and/or from about 20 wt.% to about 35 wt.% of non-tinting filler/base pigment (total). However, coating compositions that are initially solid-colored may typically contain from about 1 weight percent ("wt.%") to about 30 wt.%, from about 2 wt.% to about 20 wt.%, and/or from about 3 wt.% to about 10 wt.% of any particular non-tinting filler/base pigment.

Useful mica should have an average particle size (or equivalent spherical diameter) of between 10 microns and 150 microns and generally have a flat plate shape. Suitable micas are available under the trade name P-80F (United StatesGypsum Company, Illinois). The average particle size of the mica is typically about 50 microns. Additionally, about 97.5 wt.% of the particles in the mica have a particle size of less than about 150 microns. The particle size can be determined by sedimentation analysis, for example using SEDIGRAPH^TMParticle size analysis (Micromeritics Instrument Corporation, GA) or by laser diffraction analysis, for example using SYMP ATEC^TMParticle size analyzer (Sympatec inc., NJ).

Useful nepheline syenite is often a typical nodular grain. Suitable nepheline syenite is sold under the trade name MINEX(e.g., MINEX)7) (Unimin Corporation, Connecticut). Other suitable non-pigmented fillers/pigments include, but are not limited to, those under the trade name MISTRON(including MISTRON)ZSC) (talc sold by Luzenac North America, Colorado); under the trade name OMYACARB(including OMYACARB)6PT and OMYACARBUF) (ground calcium carbonate sold by Omya Inc, Vermont); under the trade name HUBER(including HUBER)70-C) (calcined kaolin sold by Huber Engineered Materials, Georgia); under the trade name ASP(including ASP400) (hydrated aluminium silicate sold by Engelhard Corporation, New Jersey); precipitated calcium carbonate sold under the trade name M-60(Mississippi Lime Company, Illinois); and DURAMITE (R) under the trade name DURAMITEGround calcium carbonate sold by (lmerys, Georgia).

Titanium dioxide is a good light reflector and provides improved hiding of the coating composition. By means of e.g. titanium dioxideAlso allows the contractor to adjust the color of the coating composition at the job site to match the desired color of the final decorative coating. Rutile titanium dioxide is generally preferred for use as the opacifying pigment, but anatase titanium dioxide and other opacifying pigments may also be used. Useful titanium dioxide is available under the trade name TIPURE(DuPont Company，Wilmington，DE)，TIONA(millennium Chemicals, Maryland) and TRONOX(Tronox Incorporated, Oklahoma). Suitable titanium dioxide include TIONATR-90 and TRONOX821. When present, the initially solid-colored coating composition typically includes from about 0 wt.% to about 20 wt.%, from about 3 wt.% to about 16 wt.%, or from about 5 wt.% to about 12 wt.% opacifying pigment. The coating composition may further contain other non-tinting filler/base pigments, such that the total amount of non-tinting filler/base pigment is as provided above.

Other Components and additives

It is sometimes useful for the coating composition to include a dispersant to adequately disperse the colorant and/or non-tinting filler/base pigment. The dispersant typically comprises a salt of a hydrophilic copolymer, a salt of a hydrophobic copolymer, and/or a salt of a polyacid. Useful dispersants are those sold under the tradename TAMOL(Rohm and Haas Company, Pennsylvania). Hydrophilic is generally preferred for milk-based compositionsSalts of copolymers, e.g. TAMOL1124. Similarly, salts of hydrophobic copolymers are generally preferred in oil-based compositions.

Tripolyphosphates and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate can also be used in coating compositions to disperse colorants and/or non-tinting filler/base pigments. A suitable tripolyphosphate is potassium tripolyphosphate (Innophos, NJ).

The coating composition may optionally contain other additives including, but not limited to, biocides, fungicides, humectants, and other suitable additives, as long as the added components do not adversely affect the instability of the colorant. In other words, when these additives are included, multi-color decorative effects should be discernable in the final coating composition.

It is often desirable to use bactericides and/or fungicides in coating compositions. Useful fungicides are under the trade name FUNGITROL(International Specialty Products, New Jersey). Humectants including polyhydric alcohols (including, but not limited to, dihydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol (DEG), triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and polyethylene glycols) are preferably used in coating compositions in order to slow the drying of the coating composition and provide a more consistent topcoat. The dihydric alcohols also provide freeze thaw stability to the composition.

In various embodiments, the coating composition may contain from about 15 wt.% to about 55 wt.%, from about 20 wt.% to about 45 wt.%, or from about 25 wt.% to about 35 wt.% water. However it is generally preferred to keep the solids level as high as possible.

Substrate and method of application

The initially solid-colored coating may be beneficially applied by any conventional coating application method, including but not limited to brushing, rolling, and sprayingThe composition is applied on the surface of a substrate. Substrates suitable for application include, but are not limited to, new and existing (previously erected) inorganic wallboard, such as gypsum board formulated for interior, exterior and wet use, paper faced gypsum board, cement board and ceiling tile. Suitable wall panels are available under the trade name FIBEROCKAnd SHEETROCK(United States Gypsum Company, Illinois). Of course other substrate surfaces can also be decorated with the coating composition of the present invention.

As previously mentioned, conventional coating application methods such as brushing, rolling and spraying can be used to apply the coating composition of the present invention to the substrate surface. Spraying is generally preferred because it allows a uniform coating to be applied relatively quickly. Typically, the wet thickness of the applied sprayed coating is at least about 3 to about 6 mils wet film thickness ("WFT"). However, applied coatings having a wet thickness of up to about 60 mils can be deposited onto the substrate surface without running or sagging (in the applied coating composition) prior to forming the final coating.

The coating composition can be applied to a substrate using an airless spray gun having a spray tip. The apparatus allows a consumer to apply a full coverage (coverage) coating having a minimum Wet Film Thickness (WFT) of about 1 mil to about 10 mils, which results in a formed coating having a Dry Film Thickness (DFT) of about 0.5 mils to about 5 mils. The applied coating dried under normal drying conditions (77 ° f and 50% relative humidity) with finger pressure for about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes. Higher humidity and/or colder temperatures may require longer drying times. The coating area is about 200 to 400 square feet per gallon when the coating composition is applied at a WFT of about 1 mil to about 10 mils (DFT of about 0.5 mil to about 5 mils). Actual coverage may vary depending on factors such as substrate surface conditions, spray coating techniques and processes, and coating uniformity and thickness.

The initially solid-colored coating compositions according to the invention can be better understood from the following examples. However, the foregoing description and the following examples are illustrative only, and are therefore not to be construed as necessarily limiting thereof, since numerous modifications and changes will be expected to occur to those skilled in the art.

Example 1

Table 1 provides a coating composition comprising four tinting colorants, one of which is generally insoluble in the other three. In the coating compositions shown in Table 1, one colorant is a non-aqueous colorant and the other three colorants are general-purpose aqueous colorants. The non-aqueous colorant includes at least one pigment dispersed in a carrier including a thermoplastic acrylic resin and an organic solvent. The three aqueous colorants are miscible. Aqueous colorants comprise at least one pigment dispersed in an aqueous solution comprising a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., ethylene glycol) and are generally hydrophilic.

The amounts of raw materials shown in table 1 were mixed in the order shown to produce a decorative effect coating composition that was initially a solid color. The liquid coating composition had a light brown appearance and was ready for use immediately after mixing. The coating composition weighs about 12.1 to about 12.2 pounds per gallon and contains about 50 wt.% to about 55 wt.% solids. The coating composition has a viscosity of about 110 to 120 Krebs units.

TABLE 1

Example 2

Table 2 provides coating compositions comprising five tinting colorants, two of which are miscible, but generally insoluble with the other three. In the coating compositions shown in table 2, the two tinting colorants are generally hydrophobic, non-aqueous tinting colorants that are mutually soluble. The hydrophobic colorant comprises a pigment dispersed in a hydroxyl-functionalized unsaturated polyester resin carrier, which can be advantageously formulated as 100 wt.% solids.

The other three colorants are universal aqueous colorants that are miscible and/or partially miscible (but not miscible with the other two colorants). The aqueous colorant comprises at least one pigment dispersed in an aqueous solution comprising a polyhydric alcohol and is generally hydrophilic.

The amounts of raw materials shown in table 2 were mixed in the order shown to produce an initially solid-colored decorative effect coating composition. The liquid coating composition had a reddish-brown appearance and was ready for use immediately after mixing. The coating composition weighs about 12.1 to about 12.2 pounds per gallon and contains about 50 wt.% to about 55 wt.% solids. The coating composition has a viscosity of about 110 to 120 Krebs units.

A coating having a Wet Film Thickness (WFT) of about 3 mils was applied to a pre-bond treated (joint treated) gypsum board substrate using an airless spray gun having a spray tip. Within about 1 minute to about 5 minutes after application, shear (with a putty knife) is applied to a portion of the coating that is still to be shaped so that the second portion does not experience any shear. Using ColorQuest45/0LAV Spectrophotometer (HunterLab, Virginia) determined that the total color difference (. DELTA.E) between the first and second portions was about 7.7.

TABLE 2

Example 3

Table 3 provides coating compositions comprising five tinting colorants, two of which are miscible, but generally immiscible with the other three. In the coating compositions shown in table 3, the two tinting colorants are generally hydrophobic, non-aqueous tinting colorants that are mutually soluble. The hydrophobic colorant comprises a pigment dispersed in a hydroxyl-functionalized unsaturated polyester resin carrier, which can be advantageously formulated as 100 wt.% solids.

The amounts of raw materials shown in table 3 were mixed in the order shown to produce an initially solid-colored decorative effect coating composition. The liquid coating composition had a reddish-brown appearance and was ready for use immediately after mixing. The coating composition weighs about 12.1 to about 12.2 pounds per gallon and contains about 50 wt.% to about 55 wt.% solids. The coating composition has a viscosity of about 110 to 120 Krebs units. In the coating compositions shown in table 3, the two tinting colorants are generally hydrophobic, non-aqueous tinting colorants that are mutually soluble. The hydrophobic colorant comprises a pigment dispersed in a hydroxyl-functionalized unsaturated polyester resin carrier, which can be advantageously formulated as 100 wt.% solids.

Using an airless spray gun with a spray tip, about 3 dense Wet Film Thickness (WFT) was appliedEar coatings are applied to a previously bonded treated gypsum board substrate. Within about 1 minute to about 5 minutes after application, shear (with a putty knife) is applied to a portion of the coating that is still to be shaped so that the second portion does not experience any shear. Using ColorQuestThe 45/0LAV spectrophotometer determined the total color difference (Δ Ε) between the first and second portions to be about 2.8.

TABLE 3

Example 4

Table 4 provides coating compositions comprising a single colorant. In the coating compositions shown in table 4, the colorant is a hydrophobic colorant comprising a pigment dispersed in a hydroxyl-functionalized unsaturated polyester resin carrier, the hydrophobic colorant being 100 wt.% solids.

The amounts of raw materials shown in table 4 were mixed in the order shown to produce an initially solid-colored decorative effect coating composition. The liquid coating composition had a blue appearance and was ready for use immediately after mixing. The coating composition weighs about 12.1 to about 12.2 pounds per gallon and contains about 50 wt.% to about 55 wt.% solids. The coating composition has a viscosity of about 110 to 120 Krebs units.

A coating having a Wet Film Thickness (WFT) of about 3 mils was applied to the prebond treated gypsum board substrate using an airless spray gun with a spray tip. Applying shear (with putty knife) to the still-to-be-molded article within about 1 minute to about 5 minutes after applicationSo that the second portion is not subjected to any shearing. Using ColorQuestThe 45/0LAV spectrophotometer determined the total color difference (Δ Ε) between the first and second fractions to be about 11.2.

TABLE 4

Raw material	Chemical function	Weight (pounds)	Percent by weight
Raw material	Chemical function	Weight (pounds)	Percent by weight	Water (W)	Solvent(s)	369.34	30.07％
Dipropylene glycol	Co-solvent	33.41	2.72％	Water (W)	Solvent(s)	369.34	30.07％
Dipropylene glycol	Co-solvent	33.41	2.72％	Potassium tripolyphosphate	Dispersing agent	0.46	0.04％
Caustic soda	pH regulator	0.46	0.04％	Potassium tripolyphosphate	Dispersing agent	0.46	0.04％

Example 5

Table 5 provides coating compositions comprising two tinting colorants, which are generally insoluble in each other. In the coating compositions shown in Table 5, one colorant is typically a hydrophobic, non-aqueous colorant. The hydrophobic colorant comprises a pigment dispersed in a hydroxyl-functionalized unsaturated polyester resin carrier, which can be advantageously formulated as 100 wt.% solids.

Another colorant is a general purpose aqueous colorant. The aqueous colorant comprises at least one pigment dispersed in an aqueous solution comprising a polyhydric alcohol and is generally hydrophilic.

The amounts of raw materials shown in table 5 were mixed in the order shown to produce an initially solid-colored decorative effect coating composition. The liquid coating composition had a bluish appearance and was ready for use immediately after mixing. The coating composition weighs about 12.1 to about 12.2 pounds per gallon and contains about 50 wt.% to about 55 wt.% solids. The coating composition has a viscosity of about 110 to 120 Krebs units.

A coating having a Wet Film Thickness (WFT) of about 3 mils was applied to the prebond treated gypsum board substrate using an airless spray gun with a spray tip. Within about 1 minute to about 5 minutes after application, shear (with a putty knife) is applied to a portion of the coating that is still to be shaped so that the second portion does not experience any shear. Using ColorQuestThe 45/0LAV spectrophotometer determined the total color difference (Δ Ε) between the first and second portions to be about 9.3.

TABLE 5

The foregoing description is given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications within the scope of the invention may be contemplated by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An initially solid-colored coating composition comprising:

a first colorant;

a thickener;

a surfactant or surfactant blend having a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of less than about 9 or greater than about 11; and

a base, each of which is dispersed or dissolved in a liquid,

wherein upon application of the coating composition film to a substrate surface, the first tinting colorant becomes incompatible with the coating composition such that while the coating composition is still in a liquid state, a portion of the first tinting colorant migrates to the outer surface of the film to provide a final coating having two differently tinted regions exhibiting a difference in mutual hue (Δ Ε) of greater than about 0.25.

2. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the first tinting colorant is an aqueous tinting colorant and the liquid comprises at least one organic solvent.

3. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the first colorant is a hydrophilic colorant and the liquid comprises at least one organic solvent.

4. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the first tinting colorant is a non-aqueous tinting colorant and the liquid comprises an aqueous solution.

5. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the first colorant is a hydrophobic colorant and the liquid comprises an aqueous solution

6. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 1, further comprising a second colorant.

7. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 6, wherein the second tinting colorant has different physical properties than the first tinting colorant such that the first and second tinting colorants are substantially insoluble in each other.

8. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the thickener comprises a cellulosic thickener and an associative thickener.

9. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 8, wherein the cellulosic thickener is present in an amount of about 0.01 wt.% to about 5 wt.% and the associative thickener is present in an amount of about 0.01 wt.% to about 10 wt.%.

10. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 9, further comprising an alkaline material in an amount of about 0.001 wt.% to about 5 wt.%.

11. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant or surfactant blend comprises a portion characterized as being substantially non-ionic.

12. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 11, wherein the surfactant or surfactant blend comprises a surfactant selected from the group consisting of octyl ethoxyphenolate, nonyl ethoxyphenolate, and mixtures thereof.

13. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 1, further comprising a dispersant having an HLB value, and the surfactant or surfactant blend in combination with the dispersant has an HLB value of less than about 9.

14. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant is present in an amount of about 0.01 wt.% to about 5 wt.%.

15. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the binder is selected from the group consisting of a latex medium and an oil medium.

16. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the binder is present in an amount of about 1 wt.% to about 40 wt.%.

17. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is an aqueous solution and the surfactant or surfactant blend has a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of less than about 9.

18. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 1, further comprising at least one non-tinting filler/base pigment.

19. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 18, wherein the non-tinting filler/base pigment is present in an amount of about 1 wt.% to about 45 wt.%.

20. The initially solid-colored coating composition according to claim 19, wherein the non-tinting filler/base pigment comprises an opacifying pigment.

21. An initially solid-colored coating composition comprising:

a thickener;

a surfactant or surfactant blend having a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of less than about 9 or greater than about 11;

a first colorant; and

a second colorant, each dispersed or dissolved in the liquid,

wherein the first and second colorants are substantially insoluble in each other.

22. An initially solid-colored coating composition comprising:

a first colorant;

a thickener;

a surfactant or surfactant blend having a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of less than about 9 or greater than about 11 in an amount sufficient to allow micelle formation in the coating composition in liquid form, but insufficient to provide full color development to the coating composition; and

a binder, each of which is dispersed or dissolved in a liquid.

23. A paint container comprising:

an initially solid-colored coating composition comprising a first colorant, a thickener, a surfactant or surfactant blend having a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of less than about 9 or greater than about 11, and a binder, each of which is dispersed or dissolved in a liquid; and

indicia indicating that shear should be applied to the portion of the applied coating composition film while the coating composition is still in a liquid state so as to provide a final coating having two differently colored regions exhibiting a mutual color difference value (Δ Ε) of greater than about 0.25.

24. A method of decorating a substrate surface comprising:

filling a coating device with an initially solid-colored coating composition comprising a first colorant, a thickener, a surfactant or surfactant blend having a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of less than about 9 or greater than about 11, and a binder, each dispersed or dissolved in a liquid; and

applying a coating film to a substrate surface, wherein after application of the film, the first tinting colorant becomes incompatible with the coating composition such that while the coating composition is still in a liquid state, the first tinting colorant migrates to the outer surface of the film to provide a final coating having two differently tinted regions exhibiting a difference in mutual hue (Δ Ε) of greater than about 0.25.

25. The method of decorating a substrate surface of claim 24 further comprising applying shear to the film before the coating composition is thoroughly dried.