Silicone Resins as Waterproof Additives for Exterior Paints

To differentiate functional coatings from ordinary coatings, modifications to the base molecule or the addition of performance-enhancing additives are necessary. Silicone resins can be effectively utilized as binders or additives in acrylics, acrylics/styrene and polyurethane coatings to improve weather resistance.

Silicone resin emulsions (Additive) seamlessly integrate with waterborne acrylic paint systems to enhance hydrophobicity and durability.

Silicone resin compounds (Binder/Blend) used as binders or cold blend with acrylics initially stage before the emulsification, improving their overall resistance properties like stain, water, UV, solvent and heat.

Silicone materials have long been utilized in coatings to enhance both surface aesthetics and performance. Their unique properties contribute to multiple benefits: they improve substrate wetting for better adhesion, provide effective defoaming to eliminate surface defects, and offer superior hydrophobicity. This water-repellent nature significantly enhances resistance to moisture, stains, and dirt accumulation. Additionally, silicone additives improve scratch and mar resistance, ensuring long-lasting durability and protection in demanding environments.

Enhanced Weather Resistance with LK-AQUA EM 292C in Exterior Paints

Silicone additives play a crucial role in improving the durability and performance of exterior coatings. Recent weatherometer test results demonstrate that LK-AQUA EM 292C significantly enhances the hydrophobicity and long-term stability of acrylic-based paints, making it a competitive solution for waterproof coatings.

Key Findings from the Weatherometer Test:

Superior Water Repellency

100% Acrylic Paint: Contact angle increased from 82° (no additive) to 107° with LK-Aqua EM 292C(5%), maintaining stability over 60 days.
Styrene-Acrylic Copolymer Paint: Improved from 108° to 126°, ensuring long-lasting water resistance.
Vinyl-Acrylic & Styrene-Acrylic Copolymer Paint: Enhanced from 116° to 130°, offering superior hydrophobicity.

Improved Aesthetic Stability

Paints without additives showed slight change in shade over time.
LK-AQUA EM 292C (5%) effectively prevented color changes, maintaining a fresh appearance.

Sr. No.	Paint Type	Additive	Weatherometer Test Contact Angle (°C)			Appearance
Sr. No.	Paint Type	Additive	1st Day	30 Day	60 Day	Appearance
1	100% Acrylic Paint	No additive	82	80	78	Colour shade change slightly
		LK-AQUA EM 292C (5%)	107	107	106	No change in colour
2	Styrene-Acrylic Copolymer base paint	No additive	108	106	105	Colour shade change slightly
		LK-AQUA EM 292C (5%)	126	125	125	No change in colour
3	Vinyl-Acrylic & Styrene-Acrylic Copolymer base paint	No additive	116	115	113	Colour shade change slightly
		LK-AQUA EM 292C (5%)	130	130	129	No change in colour

Incorporating LK-AQUA EM 292C into exterior paint formulations not only enhances performance but also contributes to sustainable construction practices. By improving water repellency, UV resistance, and long-term durability, this additive extends the lifespan of exterior coatings, reducing the frequency of repainting and maintenance cycles.

This extended durability translates into:

Reduced paint consumption – minimizing raw material usage.
Lower maintenance costs – decreasing the need for frequent touch-ups.
Enhanced surface protection – reducing environmental impact by protecting building materials from water damage and degradation.

By ensuring superior hydrophobicity, aesthetic stability, and long-term performance, LK-AQUA EM 292C supports eco-friendly building practices while delivering high-performance waterproof coatings.