How Anti-Fog Coatings Work: Surface Tension

February 27, 2026

At ACC Coatings, we know that in the world of food packaging, clarity equals freshness. If a consumer can’t see the product inside, they won’t buy it.

So, What is “Fog”

Fog is simply condensation:
water which collects as droplets on a cold surface when humid air is in contact with it.

On an untreated plastic surface, water molecules are controlled by high surface tension. The molecules would rather stick together than to the plastic substrate, creating millions of beads of water. These beads act like miniature lenses, causing light to refract and scatter in every direction. This scattering of light is what causes the white, opaque “fog” on the surface, eliminating the ability to see through the clear plastic.

The Science Behind Anti-Fog Coatings

Our topical anti-fog coatings are designed to change what we know about fog production. General internal or masterbatch additives attempt to bring the surface energy of the plastic substrate closer to that of the water. ACC Clear anti-fog coatings create a hydrophilic (water-loving) layer to the substrate altering the water droplet themselves.

When a microscopic droplet of water hits a treated surface, the coating immediately breaks down the water’s surface tension. Instead of staying in a bead, the water is forced to wet out. The water will be collapsed from its bead into a flat, uniform later. This is what we refer to as “sheeting” because the water is now one uniform sheet. Because of this thin film of water, it no longer will scatter the light. The water essentially will be invisible, allowing for a clear visible picture through the plastic.

Optical Clarity: Topical anti-fogs are transparent and do not impact the clarity of the substrate

Durability: Our coatings are designed with long-lasting performance in mind

Why It Matters

Food packaging: Customers want to see what they are buying and ensure it is a fresh product

Safety: a fogged lense is a safety hazard for glasses or face shields. Ensuring a crystal-clear picture of the task at hand is paramount

Greenhouses: Fogging of greenhouse walls doesn’t just look messy, it blocks sunlight and impacts the crop yield. It is important to have the maximum amount of light transmission

The ACC Advantage

Whether you are manufacturing food packaging, safety equipment, or agricultural equipment, clarity is non-negotiable. By utilizing topical coating to alter the surface tension, ACC ensure a crystal-clear picture.

 

Contact us for more information!