Architectural coatings represent the largest segment of the paint industry. In 2015, consumer bought more than $11.2 billion of architectural coatings1.
Architectural, building, and construction coatings - such as those for interior design, building exteriors, factory floors, and mortar modification - need to be formulated to address a variety of surfaces and applications. Often these formulations require special considerations to achieve desired results.
Common architectural surfaces:
- interior walls & ceilings, including wood, plaster, masonry, and drywall
- trim & crown molding
- exterior facades and trims
- deck/woodcare
- floor finishes
- roofs
- doors
- fences
- masonry
A specific type of interior architectural coating is called "high performance architectural coating" (HIPAC). This highly durable coating cures to a hard, tough finish that resists abrasion, staining, chemicals, detergents, and mildew growth. Gloss levels can vary from very high to satin.2
Common building and construction surfaces:
- aluminum/chrome/metal
- plastic
- concrete
- masonry
- mortar
- stucco
- siding
- architectural foam/exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS)
Surface considerations
The type of substrate helps determine the coating property requirements. Some points to consider:
- Is the substrate porous, such as unpainted drywall, new wood, or masonry?
- Will the substrate be exposed to environmental, or other abrasive conditions?
- How many coats will the surface require?
- Does the surface require uniform hiding coverage?
- Does the project require a waterborne formulation?
- What are the rheological requirements?
- How will the coating be applied (e.g. brush, roller, spray, etc.)?
Architectural/Construction Coatings Materials Database
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| Featured Formulations |
| Starting Point Elastomeric Roof Coating Formulation Based on Rhoplex EC-2540 Polymer by Dow Construction Chemicals - Formulation APC-40-1 imparts traditional adhesion to most roofing substrates, except for foam, using Rhoplex EC-2540. |
| EPS 2799 Gloss Ultra-Deep Base Low VOC, Interior/Exterior by EPS Materials - This formulation produces a glossy, ultra-deep base for interior/exterior applications. It has low VOC. |
| Interior Flat Paint Formula with 2% Titanium Dioxide Pigment by Ashland - PVC 85% - Acronal* S790 Styrene Acrylic Interior Flat White Paint with 2% pigment. |
| Fire Resistant Coating by Buckman Laboratories, Inc. - This formula for fire resistant coating utilizes the product Bulab® Flamebloc. |
| Water-borne Alkyd Emulsion Red Iron Oxide Primer by Vanderbilt Minerals, LLC - This formulation utilizes VAN GEL® SX, DARVAN® CN, VANSIL® W-30, and ACTIV-8®. |
| View All Architectural/Construction Formulations |
References:
- Paint.org: Types of Coatings
- Harry E. Ashton. "Architectural Coatings". Chapter 59 of Paint and Coating Testing Manual: 14th Edition of the Gardner–Sward Handbook. Joseph V. Koleske, ed. ASTM International, 1995. p. 696. Retrieved 22 March 2017. ISBN 0803120605
Further Reading:
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That’s cool that you can get coatings that will resist things like abrasion. I could see how that would be a good way to keep out water as well, which would hopefully prevent rust. I should look into some architectural coatings that I could use if I decide to invest in a building so I could hopefully keep it in good condition.
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