Paint Additive UAE & KSA Stock COA + SDS Supplied CIF / FOB Available Dubai & Riyadh

pH Controllers & Neutralising Agents for Paint — UAE & Saudi Arabia

pH controllers (neutralising agents) are essential additives in water-based paint and coating formulations — they raise and stabilise the pH of the aqueous phase to the optimal range (8.0–9.5) required for proper thickener activation, biocide efficacy, emulsion stability, and film formation. AMP-95 (2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol), triethylamine (TEA), DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol), and ammonia solution are the standard neutralising agents used by UAE and Saudi Arabia water-based paint manufacturers.

Quick Specifications

HS Code2922.19
AMP-95 (2-Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol)CAS 124-68-5 — 95% active — low odour, preferred
AMP-95 AppearanceClear colourless liquid
AMP-95 pH (10% solution)11.0 – 11.5
AMP-95 Typical Addition0.1 – 0.5% on total paint weight

Dubai HQ: P.O. Box 29096, UAE
Riyadh: 2804 Nesaab Street, KSA

Technical Specifications

PARAMETER SPECIFICATION TEST METHOD
AMP-95 (2-Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol)CAS 124-68-5 — 95% active — low odour, preferred
AMP-95 AppearanceClear colourless liquidVisual
AMP-95 pH (10% solution)11.0 – 11.5
AMP-95 Typical Addition0.1 – 0.5% on total paint weight
Triethylamine (TEA)CAS 121-44-8 — 99% active — fast-acting
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)CAS 108-01-0 — 99% active — moderate odour
Ammonia Solution (25%)CAS 1336-21-6 — 25% NH₃ in water — lowest cost
Target Paint pH8.0 – 9.5 (water-based architectural coatings)
Target pH (biocide compatibility)≤ 9.5 (isothiazolinone biocides)
Packing25 Kgs / 200 Kgs drums (product dependent)

Applications — UAE, Saudi Arabia & GCC

Thickener Activation in Acrylic Emulsion Paints

HASE and alkali-swellable thickeners require a pH above 8.0 to activate and build viscosity in water-based paints. AMP-95 or ammonia is added to raise pH from the acidic emulsion base (pH ~5–7) to the target 8.5–9.5 range, triggering thickener swelling and the required application viscosity for UAE and Saudi Arabia architectural paints.

pH Stabilisation Over Shelf Life

Water-based paints can drop in pH during storage due to microbial activity, CO₂ absorption, or binder acid group ionisation changes. Correct initial pH (8.0–9.5) combined with in-can preservative maintains stable viscosity and performance throughout the 12–24 month shelf life required by UAE and Saudi Arabia paint standards.

Biocide Effectiveness Window

Isothiazolinone-based biocides (MIT, BIT) are most effective between pH 4–9.5. Paints with pH > 9.5 (from excess neutraliser) rapidly degrade these biocides — reducing preservation. Precise pH control at 8.5–9.0 optimises both biocide activity and thickener performance simultaneously.

Pigment Dispersion Stability

Correct pH stabilises the charge on TiO2 and inorganic pigment surfaces (which are pH-sensitive) — contributing to long-term dispersion stability and preventing flocculation of the pigment system during paint storage in hot GCC conditions.

Waterborne Epoxy & Polyurethane Systems

DMAE and TEA are used in waterborne epoxy and polyurethane dispersion systems to neutralise acid groups and achieve water-dispersibility — critical in the formulation of low-VOC industrial coatings for UAE and Saudi Arabia facilities.

Usage & Recommendations

AMP-95 is the preferred neutraliser for most UAE and Saudi Arabia water-based architectural paint formulations — it is non-volatile (pH stable after application), low odour, and effective. Ammonia is lowest cost but pH drops after paint dries, which can affect adhesion to carbonate substrates. Add neutraliser slowly with gentle mixing, measuring pH after each addition — typically target 8.5–9.0. In GCC summer production (high ambient temperature), pH adjustments may need to be made to the cooled batch to avoid false readings. Contact Raykem for pH controller recommendations matched to your specific binder and thickener combination.

Packaging Available

25 Kgs PE Jerry Cans
200 Kgs Drums
Custom packaging on request

Storage & Shelf Life

AMP-95 and DMAE: store in sealed containers at 5–35°C. TEA and ammonia: store at 5–25°C in ventilated areas — both are volatile and have strong odour. Shelf life: 24 months. Keep sealed when not in use.

Need TDS or SDS Documentation?

Full Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) supplied with every shipment from Dubai or Riyadh.

Email for Documents WhatsApp Request

Frequently Asked Questions

Several mechanisms cause pH drop in stored water-based paints: (1) Microbial activity — bacteria produce organic acids that lower pH, consume the neutraliser, and degrade biocides — ensure adequate biocide (MIT/BIT) at 0.10–0.15% active. (2) CO₂ absorption from air during filling and handling — seal cans fully. (3) Ammonia volatilisation if ammonia was used as the sole neutraliser — switching to AMP-95 eliminates this mechanism. (4) Binder acid group changes over time. Solution: use AMP-95 as the primary neutraliser at correct level, ensure adequate biocide loading, fill cans completely to minimise headspace, and seal promptly. Contact Raykem for a complete preservation and pH stability package for GCC conditions.