- physical: evaporation of a solvent or water, or
- chemical: a chemical polymerization reaction, or
- physico-chemical: which employs both phenomena

The lubricating properties are obtained once the film is dry or cured. The components that provide this lubricity may be solid lubricants (see solid dispersions).

Such products are used when durable film-forming properties of a paint (adhesion to the support, resistance over time) must be associated with the lubricating properties of a conventional lubricant.

Application examples:

- An aqueous-phase acrylic emulsion-based solid film lubricant for wood screws
- Solvent-free epoxy compound with solid lubricant for glass "delivery" treatment
- Thermosetting silicone polymer-based or aqueous phase acrylic emulsion-based film-forming lubricants containing graphite for forging operations
- Self-lubricating surface treatment for drawing or stamping.