Boosting productivity in protective coatings
Find your protective & marine coatings solutions
Direct-to-Metal (DTM): productivity and protection in a single coat
Direct-to-Metal (DTM) coatings enable reliable protection with fewer coats by combining primer and topcoat functionalities into a single layer. This approach reduces application steps, shortens working process hours and lowers drying time, translating directly into material, energy and labor savings for applicators and asset owners. DTM systems provide an attractive balance between adhesion, corrosion resistance, weatherability and durability, making them well suited for industrial and protective applications where efficiency and performance must coexist.
Arkema supports the development of high-performance DTM systems through a broad portfolio of resin and additive technologies spanning 2K acrylic polyols, NISO acrylics, thermoplastic acrylics and waterborne latexes. CRAYVALLAC® rheology modifiers and flow agents further enhance film build, sag resistance and surface quality, enabling smooth application and consistent appearance.
A broad toolkit of resin chemistries
Arkema supports DTM technology through multiple chemistries optimized for performance and application flexibility:
| 2K Acrylic Polyols (PU crosslinkable) | NISO Acrylics (Non-Isocyanate) | Thermoplastic Acrylics (1K) | Waterborne Solutions |
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Additives that enhance DTM performance
DTM efficiency also relies on rheology and surface control. CRAYVALLAC® additives reinforce productivity benefits by enabling high film builds without sagging and improving surface appearance.
- CRAYVALLAC® PA3 X 20 — rheology modifier for sag control in solventborne DTM
- CRAYVALLAC® SUPER — powder polyamide for high-build application
- CRAYVALLAC® FLOW-200 — flow agent for defect elimination & gloss retention
Together, resin and additive technologies create coherent DTM systems that address both formulation and application requirements.
Multipurpose waterborne solutions for protective coatings
Protective coatings applied on construction sites demand maximum flexibility from formulators and applicators. Weather variability, substrate diversity and equipment constraints make ease-of-use and robust performance essential. Multipurpose binders help coatings adapt to these real-world conditions—allowing applicators to work with different tools, under fluctuating temperatures or humidity levels, and on a variety of metal substrates—without compromising durability or aesthetic quality.
Arkema enables this multipurpose approach through next-generation waterborne binder technologies that combine low VOC, chemical resistance, durability and excellent appearance, positioning them as reliable alternatives to solventborne 2K PU systems.
ENCOR® 2171 — Acrylic emulsion (1.3% OH)
- Ultra-low VOC capability (50 g/L)
- Dual-cure self-crosslinking
- Fast drying and good durability
- Balanced performance across substrates
Designed for multipurpose 1K and 2K stoving systems requiring fast productivity and aesthetic quality.
SYNAQUA® 9511 — Acrylic polyol emulsion (3% OH)
- 150 g/L VOC capability
- High gloss & good retention
- High chemical resistance
- Strong UV durability
Ideal for durable waterborne 2K polyurethane finishes in industrial metal applications.
A viable alternative to solventborne PU systems
VOC reduction without performance trade-off has long been a challenge for industrial multipurpose coatings. With Synaqua® and Encor® binders, Arkema bridges this gap—offering gloss, drying speed and durability levels that approach solventborne 2K systems, while dramatically lowering VOCs and improving sustainability credentials.