Surface-active substance used to facilitate the suspension of solid compounding materials in a liquid medium and to stabilize the dispersion thereby produced. An efficient dispersing agent can perform pigment wetting, dispersing, and stabilizing. Dispersing agents are different depending on the nature of the paint. Polyphosphates, styrene-maleinates and polyacrylates are used in water-based paints whereas lecytine, fatty acid derivatives and low molecular weight modified alkyd and polyester resins are used in solvent-based and solvent-free paints. (more about dispersion mechanism) Syn. Dispersant