1. Water-based wood coatings primarily composed of acrylics are characterized by good adhesion and the fact that they do not darken the wood's natural color. However, they suffer from poor abrasion and chemical resistance, have a relatively soft film (testing at HB on the pencil hardness scale), and lack fullness; their overall performance is mediocre, and application defects are common. Due to low production costs and simple technology, these are the primary products marketed by most water-based paint companies. This is also the reason why many people perceive water-based paints negatively. Their main advantage is low price.
2. Water-based wood coatings primarily composed of an acrylic-polyurethane blend retain the characteristics of acrylic paints while adding superior abrasion and chemical resistance; some companies label these as "water-based polyester paints." They offer good film hardness (testing at 1H) and fullness, with overall performance approaching that of solvent-based (oil-based) paints. As of 2018, only a few domestic companies were capable of producing them.
3. Water-based polyurethane paints offer superior overall performance and high fullness. The film hardness can reach 1.5H–2H, and abrasion resistance even surpasses that of solvent-based paints. They offer distinct advantages in terms of durability and color matching, representing a premium class of water-based paints.
4. "Pseudo" water-based paints require the addition of curing agents or other chemicals during use-such as "hardeners," "film enhancers," or "special thinners." While some can be diluted with water, they contain high levels of solvents and pose greater health risks; some are even more toxic than solvent-based paints. Certain companies label these as "water-based polyester paints." Consumers can easily distinguish them from genuine products.
