Architectural low-VOC coatings can be formulated with dibenzoate glycol esters to have increased hardness, block resistance, gloss and scrub resistance.

The VOC results for a given material may vary widely depending upon test methodology.

New products are being developed to meet the challenge of delivering low- and zero-VOC offerings, including specialty resins, coalescents/plasticizers, water-based and energy curable colorants, foam control and silicone products.

This article provides an overview of how well these newer, low-VOC coalescents perform in exterior paint applications.