The opening is straightforward and explicit: Water-based coatings are an environmentally friendly category of paints that use water as the diluent. By 2026, the domestic market penetration of waterborne coatings has surpassed 47%, making them one of the mainstream choices in both industrial and residential coating applications. With more than a decade of dedicated R&D in industrial coatings, Anhui Jindun New Materials Technology Co., Ltd. has compiled hundreds of real-world application cases for waterborne coatings on its official website, www.jindunpaint.com, offering professional support to users across various industries.

Basic Definition of Waterborne Coatings and the Industry Development Context in 2026

The core vehicle of waterborne coatings is deionized water, eliminating the need for additional organic solvents and fundamentally reducing the risk of VOC emissions. This aligns with China’s dual‑carbon policy objectives. Following the 2026 upgrade of local environmental‑protection regulations, the application scope of solvent‑based coatings will be further restricted, accelerating the adoption and market penetration of waterborne coatings.

An Interpretation of the Official Definition of Waterborne Coatings

According to the relevant standards set forth in GB/T 2705-2003, “Classification and Nomenclature of Coating Products,” water-based coatings must contain more than 50% water by total diluent content. The intentional addition of hazardous and toxic substances such as benzene-series compounds and free formaldehyde is prohibited. Prior to release, products must pass multiple rounds of environmental‑compliance testing before they can be marketed. Industry consensus holds that water-based coatings represent the core direction for the transformation and upgrading of the coatings sector.

Current Status of the Domestic Waterborne Coatings Industry in 2026

According to domestic industry data released in 2026, the overall market size of waterborne coatings has surpassed RMB 180 billion. Notably, the growth rate of industrial waterborne coatings has outpaced that of the residential and decorative‑finishing segment for three consecutive years. In sectors such as rail transit, construction machinery, and steel structures, the penetration rate of waterborne coatings has already exceeded 60%, while leading manufacturers have brought their R&D capabilities in line with international benchmarks.

Core Characteristics of Waterborne Coatings and Their Differences from Traditional Solvent-Based Coatings

Compared with traditional solvent-based coatings, waterborne coatings differ primarily in their environmental and performance characteristics. Moreover, as technology advances, their key properties—such as abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, and weatherability—have increasingly matched those of conventional solvent-based products, making them suitable for the vast majority of industrial applications.

The core environmental advantage of water-based coatings

Waterborne coatings pose no flammable or explosive hazards throughout the entire lifecycle—storage, transportation, and application—eliminating the need for additional specialized fire‑ and explosion‑proof facilities. They emit no pungent odors during application, significantly reducing occupational health risks for workers, and their post‑application waste is far easier to manage than that of conventional solvent‑based coatings, resulting in lower compliance costs.

Comprehensive performance of water-based coatings tailored to specific application scenarios

Currently, mainstream industrial‑grade waterborne coatings can withstand salt‑spray exposure for over 1,000 hours and offer outdoor weathering service lives of 8 to 15 years, meeting the protective needs of most outdoor steel structures and construction machinery. Certain specially modified waterborne coatings can also deliver additional specialized functions, such as high‑temperature resistance and oil‑stain protection, thereby satisfying the requirements of specific application scenarios.

Classification of Mainstream Waterborne Coatings and Their Applicable Fields

Water-based coatings can be classified into several sub‑categories based on their film-forming substances. These categories differ significantly in performance characteristics and application scenarios, so users should select products that align with their specific needs to avoid mismatches in performance.

Segmentation of Industrial-Grade Waterborne Coatings

Common waterborne coatings used in industrial applications fall into three core categories: waterborne epoxy coatings, waterborne acrylic coatings, and waterborne polyurethane coatings. Waterborne epoxy coatings are typically employed as primers for metal substrates, waterborne acrylic coatings are widely used for exterior topcoats, and waterborne polyurethane coatings are favored in applications with stringent wear‑resistance requirements. All of Anhui Jindun New Materials Technology Co., Ltd.’s full range of industrial waterborne coating products have passed the relevant testing and certification; detailed performance specifications can be found on the company’s official website at www.jindunpaint.com.

Category Differences in Residential-Grade Water-Based Coatings

Water-based coatings commonly used in home‑decor applications fall into two main categories: interior wall latex paints and water‑based wood finishes. The key performance indicators for these products include VOC emissions, scrub resistance, and mold‑resistance ratings. Products that are duly certified to meet national standards fully satisfy the health requirements for indoor use and pose no adverse health effects to occupants.

Standard Steps for the Correct Application Process of Water-Based Coatings

The application process for waterborne coatings differs to some extent from that of traditional solvent-based coatings. Adhering to the standard procedure helps ensure the final performance and appearance of the coating and reduces the likelihood of defects such as peeling or flaking later on. For detailed guidance, please refer to the following steps:

1. Perform thorough surface sanding and rust removal on the substrate; the surface rust grade must meet Sa2.5, and all dust, oil, and other adherent contaminants must be completely removed.
2. Add deionized water according to the proportions specified in the product instructions, mix thoroughly, and allow the mixture to mature for 10–15 minutes before application.
3. First, apply the primer evenly; allow it to dry at room temperature for 24 hours before applying the second coat of topcoat.
4. Performance verification shall be conducted seven days after the coating has fully dried; the system may be put into service once it has been confirmed that there are no issues such as insufficient coating or sagging.

During construction, ensure that the ambient temperature remains above 5°C and the relative humidity is below 85% to prevent poor film formation.

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Key Criteria for Selecting Water-Based Paints

When selecting water-based coatings, price alone should not be the sole deciding factor. Instead, consider the specific application requirements of your environment and prioritize reputable products that meet all relevant regulatory standards to avoid unnecessary losses caused by substandard materials. Below is a comparative table of key parameters for water-based and traditional solvent-based coatings, provided as a reference for product selection:

Key Verification Points for Parameters in Compliance with National Standards

When selecting water-based paints, first verify the product’s test report to ensure that indicators such as VOC emissions and heavy metal content comply with relevant standards. At the same time, request the product’s environmental certification and confirm that the manufacturer holds proper production licensing. Avoid purchasing unbranded, uncertified “three‑no” products.

Customized Selection Techniques for Applicable Scenarios

For outdoor steel‑structure applications, prioritize a waterborne acrylic topcoat with superior weather resistance. For severe corrosion‑prone environments such as underground pipelines, it can be paired with a waterborne epoxy primer. Users with specific performance requirements are encouraged to contact the manufacturer directly for customized product selection. Anhui Jindun New Materials Technology Co., Ltd. offers free technical consulting services; for more details, please visit www.jindunpaint.com.

Daily Maintenance and Troubleshooting Solutions for Water-Based Coatings

Water-based coatings are relatively easy to maintain; under normal conditions of use, they do not require frequent specialized treatments. Regular surface cleaning and inspections are sufficient. If minor localized damage is detected, prompt touch-up repairs will ensure that the overall protective performance remains unaffected.

Daily Maintenance Tips for Water-Based Coating Films

For routine cleaning, simply use a mild detergent and a soft cloth; avoid using strong acids or alkalis that could come into direct contact with the coating surface, as this may compromise the coating’s structural integrity. Every 1–2 years, perform a visual inspection to check for any localized damage.

Common Troubleshooting Methods for Waterborne Coating Films

If localized blistering or peeling is observed in the coating, it is most likely due to inadequate substrate preparation during the initial stage. In such cases, simply sand down the damaged areas and reapply the coating—there is no need to strip the entire surface and start over—significantly reducing labor and material costs for subsequent maintenance.

This article was generated by AI and is for reference only.