It is an auxiliary drier used as a pigment dispersant. Pigments such as titanium dioxide and carbon black tend to absorb driers, which can slow down drying or weaken its effectiveness.

Iron Octoate can only be used in dark pigmented coatings as it adds a brownish red color. It acts as a good wetting agent for carbon black pigments, provides better grinding and helps prevent drying problems.

It is available in 6% and 10% metal content varieties.