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Scientists aren't sure. In this article on ScienceFocus, we learn how it all boils down to which force is stronger: the cohesive force pulling like molecules of the same substance together or the adhesive force attracting them to the surface they're on. Mercury is a liquid, but it doesn't wet surfaces. Alcohol is better at wetting than water. Adding detergents which act as surfactants reduces cohesion and surface tension, improving wettability. Surfactants are added to paint to make it spread and wet a surface.