Acrylic mineral hybrid enhances exterior durability

An optimised binder provides good efflorescence resistance and reduced dirt pick-up. Source: Dow

The main requirement for a masonry coating is to protect the substrate in order to increase its longevity. The coating therefore needs to adhere well to the substrate, keep its integrity and be resistant to liquid water penetration but sufficiently breathable to allow water vapour to leave the substrate if needed. The initial aesthetic appearance, the resistance to dirt pick-up, to colour or gloss change, to algae and mildew growth also needs to be adequate. A new acrylic binder technology known as Pigment Encapsulating Technology (PET) has the potential to provide high exterior durability in architectural paints, in particular including good efflorescence resistance and reduced dirt pick-up. Exposure results confirm this and show the benefits of using an organic opacifier and/or applying a clear top coat based on a new acrylic-mineral hybrid. Read more about this technology in the article by M. Bleuzen, F. Signoret, L. Challoux and A. Trapani (Dow Coating Materials) in the November issue of the European Coatings JOURNAL.