Dow Corning has launched Dow Corning 87 and 88 silicone-based additives to help improve water resistance in decorative coatings. Dow Corning 87 additive is a silicone resin emulsion designed for use in acrylic emulsion paint. Dow Corning 88 additive is a silane/siloxane blend that is effective at improving water resistance both in acrylic emulsion paint containing polar solvents and in solvent-based systems. Both products improve water resistance by creating a hydrophobic silicone network in the paint that repels water but is permeable to water vapor coming from the substrate. As a result, water penetration is reduced while cracking and blistering are minimized.