Section 8

Water Borne Coatings

8 Water Borne Coatings
Compliant is a term often used nowadays and refers to a material, which
complies with COSHH Regulations and EPA requirements. Progressively, year by
year, stricter regulations are brought into force regarding solvent emissions into
the atmosphere. For example a 60%VS (volume solids) paint using a
hydrocarbon solvent will release 400cc of solvent into the atmosphere for every
one litre of paint applied irrespective of thinners added and cleaning solvents
used. Hydrocarbon compounds are known to be harmful to the environment,
the ozone layer and human life. Paint manufacturers have therefore taken steps
to comply with these requirements by using alternatives, in the form of solvent
free, high volume solids and water borne.

Many binder types can now be modified to use water among them being.

a Alkyds.
b Epoxies.
c Polyesters.
d Polyurethane.
e Vinyls.
f Acrylics.
g Silicones.

Every material has advantages and disadvantages. Water as a solvent, poses

no problems with compatibility over any other material but may prove
problematic for adhesion. Abrasion will almost certainly be required, but
generally the following will appertain.

Advantages
Water is of a suitably low viscosity
for any application method, brush,
roller or spray
Water is recyclable cheap, abundant,
non-toxic and non-flammable
Water is not harmful to environment,
the ozone layer or to mankind
Water can be applied over any
existing binder type with impunity
In good conditions several coats can
be applied in one working day
Disadvantages
Water usually needs a small amount
of a co-solvent for modification
In periods of high humidity drying will
be retarded
Needs controlled storage conditions,
in low temperatures certain
components may come out of solution
Not as versatile as HCs for application
windows

ATC88-40915
Water Borne Coatings 8-1 Copyright © TWI Ltd