Early Rain Resistance and Surfactant Leaching Resistant Binder

By R. Matranga, B. Doran, A. Fream, C. Baude, E. Bousseau, M. Secher

The main feature that makes water-based coatings in general, and exterior paints in particular, attractive from an environmental and safety point of view, is that they release water rather than organic compounds when drying. This desirable constituent, however, is also the main cause of most of the problems that customers of paint companies, whether do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) or professional painters, face in terms of exterior paint application in all regions.

Solvent-based coatings continue to be used for their superior performance, mainly for professional use, where tolerance to marginally prepared surfaces or low temperature during application is required. Their use is still permitted despite VOC regulations and the like, because no acceptable alternative presently exists for “all weather” exterior coatings.

However, there is a demand in the market for water-based coatings that close the gap in performance between the current water-based products and solvent-based coatings.