By lowering the surface tension, coatings can wet substrates more evenly, improving both appearance and performance. Silicone-based additives are a promising option, offering similar benefits to fluorosurfactants, particularly in reducing surface tension and improving surface energy. A comparison of available fluorinated additives shows varying degrees of surface tension reduction, which is also true for fluorine-free options. Flow performance without fluorosurfactantsEven with good wetting, flow and appearance must be optimised for a smooth finish. For optimal flow, surface tension should approach that of the substrate, and polar/dispersive fractions must align.