Industrial Paint & Coatings 101: What are Acrylic Resins?

Acrylic resins are synthetic polymers widely used in industrial coatings due to their versatility and desirable properties. These resins are formed from the polymerization of acrylic monomers; they come in various formulations, each tailored for specific applications.

Acrylics can be water-based or solvent-based. Water-based acrylics are environmentally friendly, with lower VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions. The type of water-based acrylic resin used in the formulation process will determine whether the finished product will be used for architectural or industrial applications. Solvent-based acrylics provide excellent durability and are often used in harsh environments.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Durability: Acrylic coatings – particularly solvent-based acrylics – are known for their resistance to weathering, UV light, and chemicals. This makes them ideal for outdoor applications.

Adhesion: Acrylics provide good adhesion to various substrates, including metals, plastics, and wood.

Flexibility: Acrylic resins offer flexibility, which helps prevent cracking and peeling, especially in environments with temperature fluctuations.

Color Retention: These coatings resist fading and maintain color and gloss over time, making them ideal for situations where color stability and aesthetic appeal are crucial.

Clarity: Many acrylic resins are highly transparent and can be formulated for vibrant colors. This makes them ideal for applications where appearance is important, such as in signage, displays, and decorative coatings.

Ease of Application: Acrylic coatings can be applied using various methods – including spraying, brushing, and rolling – and they often have good flow properties.

Cost-Effectiveness: While some high-performance acrylic formulations may be more expensive initially, their durability and longevity often result in lower overall costs in the long run due to reduced maintenance and replacement needs.

APPLICATIONS
Industrial/Structural Coatings: Acrylics are often used for industrial equipment, machinery, and structures to protect against corrosion and wear.

Architectural Coatings: They are commonly used in building finishes due to their aesthetic appeal and protective qualities.

Truck/Trailer Coatings: Acrylics are utilized in vehicle finishes for their durability and appearance.

Floor Coatings: They are commonly applied in industrial and commercial settings for their toughness and ease of maintenance.

CLASSIFICATIONS
Acrylic Emulsion: These resins are made using chemical emulsifiers to create a stable mixture of water and an acrylic polymer that would typically not mix well together. Acrylic emulsion resins can be formulated to provide coatings with very soft and elastic properties, or coatings that are very hard and offer good scratch resistance. With good UV-light stability and availability with near-zero VOCs, they are widely used in decorative coatings and sealants. Acrylic emulsions are used in many different industries.

Acrylic Polyol: Acrylic polyols are made through the copolymerization of various acrylic monomers. They can be crosslinked with isocyanate resin to enhance hardness and chemical resistance. Acrylic polyols are used in high-performance coatings, including two-component systems for industrial and automotive finishes. They provide excellent exterior weathering and durability as a topcoat.

Thermoset Acrylic: Thermoset acrylics are designed with functional monomers to react either with themselves, or with a cross-linker to form a cross-linked film. (Thermoset Acrylics designed to react with a cross-linker are acrylic polyols.) Thermoset resins remain solid once cured and cannot be remelted back into a liquid. They are commonly used in coatings that require high durability and resistance to chemicals and abrasion.

Thermoplastic Acrylic: Thermoplastic acrylics are hard when dried; however, when heat is applied, they become malleable and modellable until cooled. This property differentiates thermoplastic acrylics from thermoset acrylics, which harden irreversibly after curing. These acrylics are commonly used in protective and decorative coatings, especially where flexibility and durability are required. Additionally, thermoplastic acrylic resins can often be reprocessed, making them a more sustainable choice.

Acrylic resins balance performance, aesthetics, and environmental considerations, making them effective for a wide range of industrial coating needs. At Sheboygan Paint Company, our formulators bring their in-depth experience and knowledge to each customer, working diligently to create coatings that meet their precise needs. We look forward to the opportunity to learn more about your paint line challenges and how we might help you solve them. Call us today at 800.773.7801.