Advanced Water-Based Direct-to-Metal (DTM) Coatings

Enabling sustainable performance with innovative water-based formulations.

Description of Desired Solution

Next-generation water-based direct-to-metal (DTM) coatings deliver superior corrosion protection, durability, and adhesion on steel, aluminum, and other substrates. Built on acrylic, acrylic-PU, or hybrid polymer systems, these low-VOC, eco-friendly formulations match the performance of traditional solvent-based coatings while providing long-term gloss, hardness, and resistance under harsh environmental conditions—ideal for innovators seeking sustainable, high-performance metal protection solutions.

Who can benefit

Metal protection innovators transitioning to eco-friendly, high-performance coatings.

Detailed Solution Description

Description:
Imagine next-generation water-based direct-to-metal (DTM) coatings built on acrylic, acrylic-PU, or hybrid polymer systems. These coatings deliver superior corrosion protection, durability, and metal adhesion while replacing solvent-based systems, lowering VOCs, and/or integrating biobased polymers for environmentally responsible performance.

Strategic Technical Advantages:

  • Corrosion resistance under harsh environmental and weathering conditions

  • Strong adhesion (dry and wet) to steel, aluminum, and other unprimed substrates

  • Long-term aesthetics with high gloss retention

  • Durability & hardness to maintain film integrity under temperature and humidity stress

  • Sustainability with low-VOC, water-based formulations supporting eco-friendly strategies

Applied Case Example:

  • Styrene-acrylic dispersions designed for corrosion durability demonstrate strong corrosion protection in salt spray tests.

  • High gloss formulation on smooth steel panels (~160 µm dry film) achieved 240 h corrosion resistance in ISO 12944-6 C4 (low) salt spray tests.

  • Excellent dry and wet adhesion to steel and aluminum, durable humidity resistance, high hardness, and gloss retention after accelerated weathering.

Interested in this concept?

Respond by: Feb 28, 2026
Get in Touch

Contact our R&D team to collaborate or request samples.

Innovation Highlights

1. Replaces solvent-based systems
2. Lower VOC content
3. Integrates biobased polymers for sustainability