Ammonia Vs NaOH

[gluedudeguru]

I am messing my latex paint formulation.

I know that some paints have ammonia in them to adjust the pH for a few reason, the only one that i have heard is to give the pigmented color depth.

Is basifying (good word) the latex paint helpful (I am currently at pH 5.5, i am aiming for pH of 9) and would a different base be acceptable in the proper conc. perhaps 50% NaOH? In otherwords, is pH just the reason for ammonia or is there something else?

 

[Compositepro]

The main reason that pH is important for latex is its effect on the emulsifier or surfactant which is what keeps the particles in the water from coagulating. Ammonia will evaporate with the water during drying. NaOH will leave a caustic residue which can create a number of problems, including corrosion.

 

[gluedudeguru]

Yes, that makes quite a bit of sense, thank you very much, ammonia it is