Solvent-based alkyd resin varnishes continue to be popular, and are therefore in wide market use. However, they are harmful to the environment and human health due to the volatile organic compounds (VOC), heavy-metal drying catalysts, and antioxidants which they contain. In a current project, the paint manufacturer J. W. Ostendorf GmbH & Co. KG, of Coesfeld, has developed for this product category a water-dilutable alternative which is now available. It combines the positive qualities of solvent-based alkyd resin varnishes, such as their outstanding processability on large surfaces, with the scratch resistance, non-yellowing nature and environmental compatibility of water-based varnishes.
“Open Innovation” for new binding agent
In order to attain the desired characteristics profile, a new binding agent was developed in cooperation with raw materials suppliers in an “open innovation” process. The result is a new type of hybrid technology, which unites all known advantages of binding agents. The development- and testing laboratory Holztechnologie GmbH (EPH), of Dresden, tested the final formula in comparison with established solvent-based market products. The tests showed: in the product characteristics color stability, gradient, and open time, results which were at least equal, and in some cases better than those produced by the solvent-based products, were achieved.
The new coating system has been on the market since the fall of 2013 under the brand name “Ultra-Color” and received the highest rating from the expert juries of two do-it-yourself magazines. In an independent end-consumer product test, 96 % of the participants graded the Ultra-Color coating from “good” to “very good”.
