In the early 1990s, China witnessed the rise of new solid wood window designs for buildings. As industries evolved and people's demand for eco-friendly and healthy living environments increased, aluminum-clad wooden windows and traditional solid wood windows gained more popularity among consumers. These products embody the values of "natural, eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and healthy," which have driven their rapid growth in the market.
Beyond offering an aesthetically pleasing appearance, solid wood windows provide a sense of connection to nature and environmental harmony. They also boast excellent physical properties such as good thermal insulation, soundproofing, high strength, and long-term durability. This makes them ideal for modern architecture, where both energy efficiency and visual appeal are essential.
Despite their many benefits, wood doors and windows face several challenges, especially when used in semi-outdoor areas. They are exposed to both indoor and outdoor conditions, including weather resistance, anti-mold, UV protection, and the effects of rain, snow, wind, and temperature fluctuations. These factors can cause wood to crack, warp, or deform due to moisture absorption and release, making it difficult to maintain the product’s appearance and quality over time.
In the early 2000s, water-based wood coatings were introduced into the Chinese market. Unlike traditional oil-based paints, water-based coatings use water as a diluent and do not contain harmful organic solvents or heavy metals like formaldehyde, lead, or chromium. With 70% to 90% of its composition being water, it is safe for both human health and the environment, making it an eco-friendly alternative. These coatings are breathable, waterproof, flexible, and highly durable, offering superior weather resistance that oil-based paints lack. This makes them ideal for protecting wood both indoors and outdoors.
In recent years, with the advancement of water-based wood coating technology in China and the growing demand for solid wood doors and windows, water-based coatings have become increasingly integrated with these products. Water-based door and window coatings now account for 60% of the market share in solid wood and aluminum-clad windows, and this percentage continues to rise rapidly.
Gong Yufei, General Manager of the waterborne paint brand “Berdinck Waterborne Paint,†shared insights on the development of water-based coatings for wooden doors and windows. He explained that Berdinck started applying water-based paints to wooden doors and windows as early as 2006, combining the strengths of both materials. Through practical applications and exchanges with foreign technologies, the company continuously improved its system. In response to different customer needs and construction methods, Berdinck launched specialized water-based coatings for various types of wood and aluminum composite windows in 2012. By incorporating techniques such as dip coating, high-pressure airless spraying, and air spraying, they achieved both fully sealed and natural open-coating effects, satisfying diverse aesthetic preferences.
In 2013, Berdinck made a significant technical breakthrough, overcoming previous limitations of water-based coatings. Not only did they match the performance of oil-based paints, but they also maintained superior weather resistance and color retention. This innovation has proven that water-based coatings are a viable and sustainable choice for the industry, promoting mutual growth between the wood and coating sectors.
It is clear that the adoption of water-based coatings for aluminum-wood and solid wood windows is becoming a major trend, driven by product features, technological advancements, market demand, and social development. Both industries are experiencing rapid and sustained growth.
Ningbo FLK Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.flk-global.com