Paints and coating systems come in different types and are used for numerous commercial and industrial applications. They are also commonly associated with architectural welded wire mesh purposes. There are two major types of coating systems: one-component or two-component systems. The first type is consisting of thermoplastic acrylics, elastomeric acrylics and self-crosslinking thermoplastic acrylics. The second one is composed of acrylic or epoxy and acrylic polyurethane. Of all these coatings, acrylic latex or acrylic emulsion is commonly used.
They are applicable for all three coating categories namely, product finishes for OEM, architectural welded wire mesh coatings, and specialty coatings. In addition to paints, protective coatings can also be based on acrylic emulsion such as the paper coatings, fabric and leather finishes, and floor polishes. They can also be used in different coating formulations, including waterborne, solvent-based, radiation-curable and powder coats. After surpassing the alkyd finishes in the last years, acrylic surface coatings become the leading finish used in the welded wire mesh industry.
In the last seven years, consumption of architectural wire coatings rose globally. Now, they account for around 25% of the entire coating industry. Due to environmental concerns, there has been a growing trend of switching towards the use of waterborne acrylics in automotive and welded wire mesh coatings. Meanwhile, acrylic latex coatings enjoyed a good share in the Western European and North American market as an effective replacement for solvent-based coat formulation for architectural wire applications. The demand for these coatings is expected to grow as a great alternative for low-durability and low-quality budget coating.
These results did not happen for no reason. Coatings based on acrylic polymers offer excellent resistance to UV light, making them durable for exterior use. They also have great colour and gloss retention ability, can maintain clarity, keep their flexibility and resistance to chalking or grain cracking over wood substrate. Add to that their hydrolytic stability and wide range of compositions that can be customised for various welded wire mesh applications.