Exterior Waterborne Stains
Benjamin Moore & Co. (Montvale, NJ) introduced ARBORCOAT stains described as super-premium waterborne products that incorporate the company’s Gennex waterborne colorant technology.
The colorant system, developed over the past 10 years, is a key component in the company’s low- and zero-VOC Aura and Natura interior coatings. The system helps deliver low odor/low-VOC stain products that are within the limits of VOC regulations while providing superior performance in conventional stains, the company says.
Five products comprise the new waterborne exterior stain line. The Transparent, Semi Transparent, and Protective Clear Coat products are reported to offer a high degree of protection while allowing the natural color and texture of the wood to show. The transparent and semi-transparent products are composed of water-dispersible alkyds and acrylic resins. The alkyd content facilitates penetration of wood, while the acrylic-resin content contributes to long-term durability, the company says.
The acrylic Protective Clear Coat is recommended as a final deck finish over the transparent and semitransparent stains, offering protection against foot traffic and the effects of weathering. Annual application of the clear coat is suggested.
The product line’s Semi Solid or Solid finishes completely mask the wood grain but retain textural qualities, the company says. The acrylic formulations are reported to provide superior protection and are available in 75 colors.
All the products provide resistance to UV radiation, water, mildew, and abrasion caused by foot traffic, the company says. The waterborne colorants contribute no VOCs to the formulations, which are below 100 grams per liter in VOC.