Benjamin Moore has a new line of waterborne exterior stains, named Arborcoat, based on the same technology used in Aura and Natura, the company’s low- and zero-VOC interior paints.
Arborcoat is available in five versions. The transparent and semi-transparent finishes combine water-dispersible alkyds and acrylic resins. The alkyds help the stain penetrate deeply into wood while the acrylic component is designed to add durability. Benjamin Moore recommends Arborcoat Protective Clear Coat be applied as a final deck finish for added protection against foot traffic and weather.
The other two versions of Arborcoat are more opaque: a semi-solid and a solid finish. Both are acrylic formulations. Semi-solid Arborcoat is available in 75 colors; solid stain can be mixed in any color.
The finishes are water and mildew resistant and help minimize UV damage. Tinted versions use the company’s proprietary Gennex waterborne colorants, which add no additional volatile organic compounds.
The stains can be applied by roller or spray equipment. Cleanup is with soap and water. The Protective Clear Coat is $41 per gallon; the stains cost $43 per gallon.
Benjamin Moore, 800/672-4686, benjaminmoore.com.
