Alkyds can be used in combination with either acrylamide or hydroxy functional acrylics. Very often this results in an improvement in application solids. However, the alkyd must be carefully chosen, firstly in terms of compatibility with acrylics, and secondly from the point of view of what it will contribute to (or detract from) film performance. Clearly, the colour retentive alkyds are most likely to be selected so that the excellent colour and colour retention of the acrylic is not compromised.
Cardura(2) E10 based alkyds have been found to have excellent compatibility with both acrylamide functional and hydroxy functional acrylics(3). In general, a maximum level of 30% alkyd on solid binder is recommended, which can, depending upon the choice of alkyd, result in an increase in solids content and an improvement in exterior durability.
Higher levels result in significant reductions in hardness and general resistance properties.