More and more companies have started using water-based floor coatings and paints. Water-based coatings have several advantages, including economic and environmental advantages. Many water-based coatings suppliers tout that their products contain low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

While water-based resins, floor coatings, paints and water reducible resins (also called a water-based resin) do seem to have a smaller environmental footprint than traditional coatings, not all water-based coatings are created equal and some make more of an environmental impact than others. Additionally, many people and businesses use water-based coatings for other benefits. Before you commit your company to using a water-based coating, and definitely before you select water-based coatings for your business, ask (and answer) the following questions.

1. Why do you want to use water-based coatings?

2. How does the application of water-based floor coatings and water-based coatings in general differ from oil-based coatings?

3. Where can you find water-based coatings and application tools for water-based coatings?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand your company's reasoning behind using water-based coatings

If you want to use water-based coatings because they're kinder to the environment, that's great. But many companies use water-based floor coatings, aqua-based resins and other water-based coatings because they have economic advantages as well. If you buy a water-based floor coating that has low VOCs but costs twice as much as one with slightly more VOCs, you may be nullifying the reason for using a water-based coating.

I recommend: The Research Institute of Petroleum Industry lists the differences between types of water-based coatings as well as the advantages. BNET shows you how to calculate the true cost of using water-based coatings.

Use the right brush the right way when applying water-based coatings

Application tools for water-based coatings differ from their oil-based counterparts. Before you start applying any water-based coatings you should be aware of water-based coating issues. The type of water-based coating you use will dictate the application method. For example, you should apply water-based resins differently than water-based polyurethane coatings.

I recommend: This Old House has an excellent series of pictures that shows how to select the right brush and how to use that brush to apply water-based coatings. Painter's Toolbox sells brushes you can use to apply a wide variety of water-based coatings.

Shop for water-based coatings

Whether you decide to buy a water reducible resin, water-based floor coatings or water-based polymer coatings, you must now do two things: select a brand and find a supplier.

I recommend: Check out Super-Krete International for its water-based coatings. All of its products are compliant with FDA, USDA and VOC rules in all states. Next, talk to a sales representative at a company like Coatings & Adhesives Corporation, a company that specializes in water-based coatings.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your company uses a certain oil-based coating that works well, check with the manufacturer to see if it offers a water-based alternative. Many manufacturers now offer water-based coatings as well as oil-based coatings.