Acrylic-based coatings are liquid-applied, water-based waterproofing membranes that cure into a flexible, seamless, elastomeric film. They are the most popular choice for exposed terrace and roof waterproofing in India because they are easy to apply (brush / roller / spray), UV-resistant, available in reflective white (cool roof), and economical. The acrylic polymer gives excellent crack-bridging elasticity that flexes with thermal movement without cracking.
Indian acrylic coatings broadly follow ASTM D6083 (Liquid-Applied Acrylic Coating) & IS 3067. Major brands: Dr. Fixit (Pidilite), Asian Paints SmartCare, Berger, Fosroc, Sika, Nerolac, MYK, JK, STP.
Acrylic coatings are based on acrylic polymer emulsion — water-based, single or two-component, applied as a liquid that dries to form a continuous elastic membrane. Key features:
| Type | Description | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Single Component Acrylic | Ready-to-use liquid | Terraces, exposed roofs |
| 2-Component (Acrylic + Cement) | Polymer liquid + cement powder | High crack-bridging, wet areas |
| Elastomeric Acrylic | High elongation (200–400%) | Crack-prone roofs |
| Pure Acrylic | 100% acrylic, durable | Premium exposed roofs |
| Acrylic + Fibre | Fibre-reinforced | High durability |
| Reflective / Cool Roof Acrylic | White, high SRI | Heat reduction + waterproofing |
| Acrylic Crack Filler | Paste for cracks | Crack repair before coating |
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Base | Acrylic polymer emulsion (water-based) |
| Elongation | 150–400% |
| Crack Bridging | up to 2 mm |
| Solar Reflectance (white) | 0.80–0.88 (SRI 100+) |
| Tensile Strength | 1–3 MPa |
| Coverage | 1–1.5 kg/sqm (2 coats + DFT 1–1.5 mm) |
| Coats | 2–3 (with reinforcement) |
| Drying (touch) | 1–2 hr |
| Recoat Time | 4–6 hr |
| UV Resistance | Excellent |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years (recoatable) |
White / light reflective acrylic coatings serve dual purpose — waterproofing + heat reflection. They reflect 80–88% of solar radiation, reducing roof surface temperature by 10–20 °C and indoor temperature by 3–5 °C — lowering AC load. Important for ECBC / GRIHA / cool-roof compliance.
| Brand | Products |
|---|---|
| Dr. Fixit (Pidilite) | Newcoat, Newcoat Cool, Roofseal, Raincoat |
| Asian Paints SmartCare | Roofcool, Damp Proof, Hydroloc |
| Berger | Roof Cool, Home Shield |
| Fosroc | Brushbond Acrylic, Dekguard |
| Sika | SikaCoat, Sikalastic |
| Nerolac | Excel Waterproofing |
| MYK / JK | Acrylic coatings |
| STP | Acrylic waterproof coatings |
| Parameter | Acrylic | PU | Bituminous |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Water-based acrylic | Polyurethane | Bitumen |
| UV Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Poor (plain) |
| Elongation | 150–400% | 300–600% | 30–50% |
| Reflective / Cool Roof | Yes (white) | Yes | No (black) |
| Traffic Resistance | Low | High | Medium |
| Application | Easy (water-based) | Skilled | Skilled (torch) |
| Lifespan | 5–10 yr | 10–15 yr | 10–20 yr |
| Cost | Low-Medium | High | Medium |
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Acrylic Coating (per kg) | Rs 80 – 200 |
| Elastomeric Acrylic (per kg) | Rs 120 – 280 |
| Cool Roof Reflective (per kg) | Rs 130 – 300 |
| Acrylic Applied (per sqft, 2 coats) | Rs 20 – 50 |
| With Fibre Mesh Reinforcement (per sqft) | Rs 35 – 70 |
| Cool Roof Treatment (per sqft) | Rs 25 – 55 |
| Acrylic Crack Filler (per kg) | Rs 100 – 250 |
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM D6083 | Liquid-Applied Acrylic Coating for Roofing |
| ASTM C836 | Liquid-Applied Elastomeric Waterproofing |
| ASTM D412 | Tensile & Elongation of Elastomers |
| ASTM E1980 | Solar Reflectance Index (cool roof) |
| IS 3067 | Code for Damp-Proofing & Waterproofing |
| IS 13182 | Waterproofing of Wet Areas |
| EN 1504-2 | Surface Protection of Concrete |
| ECBC 2017 / GRIHA | Cool Roof Requirements |
Acrylic coatings are the most popular and user-friendly waterproofing for exposed Indian terraces and roofs — seamless, UV-resistant, elastomeric and available in reflective white for cool-roof benefit. They are economical and easy to apply but need reinforcement at cracks, good slope (no ponding), and periodic recoating. They are not for heavy traffic, permanent immersion, or chemical exposure.
For permanent water immersion / tanks use cementitious waterproofing; for heavy traffic / longer life use PU coatings; for chemical resistance use epoxy; for below-grade use bituminous or self-adhesive membranes; and for integral concrete protection use crystalline admixtures.