Evonik’s TEGOVAPRO technology has been designed to deliver what was once impossible: glossy exterior coatings that are water repellent from the outside but permeable to water vapor from the inside. This Evonik innovation simply replaces one part of the primary binder, giving the formulation a new property at little additional effort or expense. The new product allows Evonik to help its customers formulate high-quality exterior coatings ranging from semi-matte to high-gloss.

Builders have traditionally resisted using glossy paints for exteriors. While these coatings keep water out, they are not breathable. When water vapor presses against the coating from the inside, it often produces cracks or bubbles. The problem is more than simply aesthetic – it can also damage the exterior over the long term. The glossier the coating, the more likely it is to form cracks and bubbles. TEGOVAPRO prevents these defects with no negative impact on other formulation properties. The weather resistance of the coating remains unaffected as well. This means that, thanks to TEGOVAPRO, manufacturers can formulate glossy exterior paints that are as breathable as matte paints.

TEGOVAPRO is based on a multilayered acrylate dispersion. “Our customers are very keen to avoid having to develop a new formulation,” explains Daniel Brünink, director of global marketing for decorative coatings. “That’s why we made a point of making TEGOVAPRO as simple to use as possible. Replacing just 20% of the primary binder is enough to produce a significant effect.”