2. Performance Standards

Performance standards for protective coatings in civil engineering applications eg, EN 1504-2, “Surface protection systems for concrete” do not specify whether the coating should be solvent-based or water-based. They only specify the performance properties which must be met depending on the exposure conditions and the objectives of the asset owner. For example, an anti-carbonation protective coating needs to meet the requirements for resistance to carbon dioxide permeability and ease of water vapour transmission (breathability), both of which are easily achieved by water-based coatings, as are the requirements for durability and physical performance.

Local regulations and standards for building certification increasingly ask for environmentally-safe products eg products with low VOC for coatings. Only water-based coatings are able to meet these requirements.

3. Summary: Advantages of Water-based Coatings

The advantages of using waterborne coatings for both residential and industrial applications are summarised here:

• Lower volatile organic content (VOC), resulting in less impact on the environment.
• Low odour.  A primary advantage when painting interiors or poorly ventilated areas.
• Greater tolerance to residual substrate moisture during application.
• Quick drying times facilitating the application of a second coat.
• Excellent durability.
• Lower or no risk of fire from handling flammable solvents.
• Easy and safer cleanup.
• Less hazardous disposal.