Equivalent Grade Sourcing
You already know which commercial grade your formulation is built around. This is how a QK alternative gets qualified without guesswork.
Nothing here promises a drop-in replacement. What the published cross-reference does is tell you which QK grade was designed against which commercial grade, so a trial starts from the right chemistry and the right dosage band instead of a blank sheet. The rest is your own testing, and these are the stages it usually takes.
Equivalent Grade Sourcing In 6 Steps
Identify the incumbent
The formulation names a commercial grade but nobody has the chemistry written down.
Look the grade up in the sixty-nine row cross-reference list. It returns the QK number and the additive function, which is enough to pull the right technical page.
Compare the published data
Two additives with the same function can differ in active content, carrier and pH, which changes the dosage arithmetic.
Every QK page publishes active content, density, solvent or carrier, pH where relevant, storage window and shelf life. Compare those against the incumbent data sheet before any sample moves.
Set the dosage band
A single recommended percentage hides the fact that dosage depends on pigment class.
Dosage is published as a ladder: inorganic, organic, titanium dioxide and carbon black are quoted separately, and all of them are on pigment weight, not on the batch.
Run the trial
A trial that changes two variables at once tells you nothing.
Hold the grind and let-down constant, run three dosage points across the published band, and measure the property that failed originally: grind fineness, mill base viscosity, jetness, sag resistance or orientation.
Check the handling constraints
Most additive trials fail on handling, not on chemistry.
Addition point, shear level and pH adjustment are published for every grade. QK8521 needs system pH at 9-9.5 first. QK3770 and QK3755 need a resin-free grind. QK3320 needs resin and solvent premixed before the additive goes in.
Confirm stability before scale-up
A mill base that looks right on day one can flocculate in the warehouse.
Store samples at both ends of the published storage window, re-measure viscosity and run a rub-out on mixed shades before committing a production batch.
The Grades Referenced Above
QK3770 Wetting and Dispersing Agent
VOC-free block copolymer dispersant for waterborne wood and industrial coatings and resin-free concentrates.
View technical data
QK4200 Liquid Rheological Agent
Liquid polyurea rheology additive for waterborne and water/glycol-ether systems, dosed for anti-settling or anti-sag.
View technical data
QK702 Fluoro-Modified Acrylate Levelling Agent
Polyacrylate levelling agent for waterborne, solventborne and UV systems that lifts gloss without hurting recoatability.
View technical data
QK3340 Solventborne Dispersant
High molecular weight solventborne dispersant for carbon black jetness in coil, anti-corrosive and marine coatings.
View technical data
Anti-Sagging Resin 908R
Hydroxy-functional SCA paste for two-component polyurethane automotive and industrial topcoats.
View technical dataEquivalent Grade Sourcing Questions
Is a QK grade a drop-in replacement?
What information helps you recommend a grade?
How long does a sample take?
Start On Equivalent Grade Sourcing
Send the formulation details and the constraint you are working against. A recommended starting point with the matching data sheets comes back by email.