LOW-VOC WATERBORNE COATINGS FOR WOOD BASED ON NITROCELLULOSE-ACRYLIC LATEX

Increasing concern over solvent emissions has prompted renewed interest in low-VOC lacquers for wood. Waterborne lacquers based on a solvent-free nitrocellulose-acrylic (NC-A) latex have been formulated at VOC contents of 2.3 lb/gal and less. These coatings have the appearance, polishing, stripping, and repair qualities normally associated with conventional solution lacquers. Formulation guidelines for clear furniture coatings based on NC-A latex have been established through evaluations of plasticizers, coalescing solvents, and additives. Plasticizer solvency, coalescent evaporation rate, and microfoam retention can all affect the clarity and gloss of NC-A latex films. Specific recommendations are presented for clear sealer and topcoat formulations, including the use of flatting agents, sanding aids, and rheology modifiers. Performance properties of coatings based on NC-A latex are compared to those of coatings based on commercial acrylic latexes.