Wetting and dispersing agents are generally a class of anionic or non-ionic surfactants with functional modifications. They attach to the surface of the solid particles, preventing particle-particle attraction which is usually responsible for aggregation. These additives have an anchoring group, which connects to the solid particle and tail which interacts with the resin to stabilize the pigments and extenders.

Amongst different available solutions, it becomes essential to select a suitable product depending on factors such as particle size and distribution of powders, particle geometry, surface area, density, binder compatibility, and more. This stabilization mechanism is usually electrostatic repulsion for aqueous systems in which secondary interactions such as hydrogen bonding work to disperse them, and the mechanism for non-aqueous systems is steric repulsion.  Not only do they prevent aggregation or settling, but these chemicals also prevent the drying of paints during storage which improves the shelf-life of paints and coatings.