Water-based glass coatings offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solvent-based options. They provide excellent protection for glass surfaces while minimizing environmental impact. These coatings enhance durability and scratch resistance by using water as a diluent, significantly lowering volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. This makes them safer and more sustainable for manufacturers and end-users alike. While traditional solvent-based coatings can contain high levels of VOCs, water-based options have minimal emissions, making them attractive for companies adhering to stricter environmental regulations. However, they may face adhesion challenges on certain glass types and can be sensitive to temperature fluctuations, affecting their performance in extreme conditions.
As industries prioritize sustainability, the demand for water-based coatings is expected to grow. Continuous technological advancements improve their performance, allowing them to compete with traditional options. With tightening environmental regulations and a shift toward eco-conscious consumer choices, water-based glass coatings stand poised for significant growth and innovation.
A few types of water-based resins for glass coatings or paint are particularly effective due to their adhesion, durability, and clarity. Here are some of the best water-based resins suitable for glass applications:
- Acrylic Emulsions
Acrylic emulsions are widely used for glass coatings due to their excellent clarity, UV resistance, and durability. When dried, they create a flexible, hard film, which makes them highly resistant to cracking and peeling. Additionally, they offer good adhesion to glass surfaces. Acrylic-based coatings are often used in architectural glass, glass facades, and decorative glass applications where durability and weather resistance are essential. - Polyurethane Dispersions (PUDs)
Polyurethane dispersions are known for their high abrasion resistance, making them suitable for durable and scratch-resistant surfaces. PUDs are versatile, offering a balance of flexibility and hardness, making them ideal for glass coatings that withstand wear and tear. PUD-based coatings are commonly used in automotive and industrial glass applications. They’re also suitable for consumer electronics (e.g., touchscreen devices) and other glass products that require a protective, long-lasting finish. - Epoxy Water-Based Resins
Epoxy water-based resins provide strong adhesion and chemical resistance, making them an excellent choice for protective coatings. Although traditional epoxies can be rigid, water-based formulations are often modified for flexibility. They are usually used in combination with other resins for optimal glass performance. Epoxy-based coatings benefit glass surfaces exposed to chemicals or need additional corrosion protection, such as lab glassware or glass used in industrial settings. - Silane-Modified Acrylics
These are specialized acrylic emulsions modified with silane compounds, which enhance adhesion to glass. Silane-modified acrylics are especially effective in creating a hydrophobic (water-repellent) surface, which helps keep glass surfaces clear and free from mineral deposits. Commonly used for glass coatings that require both durability and hydrophobic properties, silane-modified acrylics are ideal for exterior glass (e.g., windows, facades) and automotive applications. - Hybrid Resins
Hybrid water-based resins combine the advantages of both components, such as acrylics and polyurethanes, offering strong adhesion, flexibility, and excellent scratch resistance. They are known for balancing durability with a smooth finish, making them suitable for high-performance glass applications. Hybrid resins are commonly used for glass coatings in the automotive and architectural sectors and provide long-lasting clarity with minimal maintenance. Acrylic and amino resins generally exhibit good UV resistance, primarily due to the inherent stability of the acrylic component. Acrylic resins are well-known for their UV stability, which makes them ideal for outdoor applications where UV exposure is a concern. The amino resin in the hybrid, typically a melamine-formaldehyde or urea-formaldehyde resin, is mainly added to enhance cross-linking, thereby improving hardness, durability, and chemical resistance.
Choosing the Right Resin for Your Needs
Durability and Scratch Resistance: Polyurethane dispersions or hybrids are ideal for high-contact surfaces like smartphones or car windows.
UV and Weather Resistance: Acrylics and silane-modified acrylics excel in outdoor applications where UV protection and water repellency are necessary.
Chemical Resistance: Epoxy resins are best for environments where the glass will be exposed to harsh chemicals or need extra corrosion resistance.
Each resin type offers unique benefits, so selecting the appropriate one will depend on factors like the environment in which the glass will be used the desired longevity, and additional functionalities such as hydrophobic or anti-fingerprint properties.
GEN RA 3928 for Baking Glass and Porcelain Paint
GEN RA 3928 is a waterborne acrylic resin. When combined with amino resins, it improves hardness and chemical resistance. The cross-linking between acrylic and amino resins enhances the durability and lifespan of the coating, which indirectly supports its resistance to environmental factors, including UV. The resin can be diluted with water after neutralization. GEN RA 3928 is generally compatible with various polyacrylates and polyester resins; however, the combinations should constantly be tested for their compatibility.
Properties
| Solid content, % | 63 – 67 |
| Viscosity at 23-25 (o)C, mPa.s | 8000 – 10000 |
| Acid value, mg KOH/ g | 8.0 – 10.0 |
Features
- Excellent water resistance
- High hardness
- Good gloss
- High fullness
Applications substrate
- Glass,
- Ceramic
Important Considerations for Using Acrylic-Amino Hybrids on Glass
Adhesion Promoters
Glass surfaces are naturally nonporous and smooth, so an adhesion promoter like silane is often used to improve bonding. This is especially important for applications where the coating may be exposed to moisture or varying temperatures.
Curing Process
Acrylic-amino hybrids typically require curing to achieve optimal hardness and adhesion. This curing can be done at ambient temperatures, but a low-temperature bake (80–120°C), even a full bake up to ~180(o)C, can significantly enhance the coating's durability and cross-linking.
Coating Thickness and Uniformity
Maintaining a thin, even coating for glass applications is essential to avoid optical distortions. Proper application methods, such as spray or dip coating, can help achieve a uniform layer.
Hydrophobic and Anti-Fingerprint Properties
The formulation can include additional additives if hydrophobicity or anti-fingerprint features are desired. These properties are useful for touchscreens, automotive glass, and windows.
Formulation Example: for a glass homeware coating
| No. | Ingredient | Ratio |
| 1 | GEN RA 3928 | 50.0 |
| 2 | Neutralizer | 4.0 |
| 3 | Ethylene glycol butyl ether | 14.0 |
| 4 | Amino Resin | 14.0 |
| 5 | Wetting Agent | 0.3 |
| 6 | Pure Water | 17.7 |
| Total | 100.0 |
Application Instructions
Before spraying, add 3% (by weight) silane coupling agent to Homeware Glass Coating and stir evenly; then spray the mixed coating on the glass, pre-bake at 80(o)C for 10 minutes, and bake at 160(o)C for 30 minutes. If needed, use pure water as a thinner. Recommended dry film thickness: 5-10 microns.
Conclusion
Waterborne glass coatings offer a sustainable and effective alternative to traditional solvent-based options. As an acrylic-amino hybrid resin, GEN RA 3928 combines environmental safety with robust performance, delivering exceptional water resistance, hardness, and gloss. This resin meets the stringent demands of glass and porcelain applications, providing strong adhesion, UV stability, and enhanced chemical resistance when cured. By choosing GEN RA 3928, manufacturers can produce high-quality, durable coatings that align with evolving environmental standards and the increasing demand for eco-friendly products
Maha Asia is an official distributor of GEN RA 3928 that can elevate your glass and porcelain coating formulations. Contact us for more information.
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