Paints and coatings:
LEAD OCTOATE IS A THROUGH DRIER & IS ALWAYS USED AS ACTIVE OR TOP DRIER. IT is effective polymerization drier, causing the film to dry in its entire thickness. LEAD ALSO IMPROVES FLEXIBILITY, TOUGHNESS, DURABILITY AND WATER RESISTANCE OF THE FILM. Lead drier is seldom used alone but is used in combination with an active drier to decrease the total drying time. LEAD IN COMBINATION WITH COBALT & CALCIUM ARE SUGGESTED, PARTICULARLY FOR LONG OIL ALKYDS. WHEN LEAD IS USED WITH COBALT OR CALCIUM OCTOATE IT IS ADVISABLE TO ADD CALCIUM OCTOATE FIRST TO ELIMINATE POSSIBILITY OF LEAD OCTOATE TO REACT WITH UNREACTED PTHALIC ANHYDRIDE OF ALKYD RESIN, WHICH COULD FORM LEAD PTHALATE. IN EXTERIOR PAINTS & FLOOR FINISHES LEAD IS USED ALONG WITH MANGANESE TO PRODUCE TOUGH & HARD FILM. IT IS ALSO USED IN POLYURETHANE FINISHES AS AUXILIARY DRIER. LEAD DRIER IMPROVES THE DRYING TIME OF DOUBLE BOILED LINSEED OIL. AS LEAD IS TOXIC IN NATURE ITS USAGE IN TOYS & EDIBLE FILM PACKAGING IS TO BE AVOIDED.