Kem-Tone© Wall Finish
In 1941, a Kem-Tone® paint, waterborne wall paint was introduced, spurring the expansion of "do-it-yourself" painting.
In 1941, The Sherwin-Williams Company introduced Kem-Tone© Wall Finish, the first commercially successful, multi-million-gallon, waterborne interior wall paint that could withstand rubbing or washing. The product was based on the commercial innovation of emulsifying casein, linseed oil and, later, tall oil as binders. This technology led to the development of improved waterborne paints by replacing naturally occurring binders with synthetic ones. The new product, along with the Sherwin-Williams Roller-Koater™ applicator, spurred the World War II development and expansion of “do-it-yourself” painting. The innovative technology that made Kem-Tone© a success permanently changed the architectural painting habits and products of the United States.
Sherwin-Williams chemists used science to combine two chemical opposites–oil and water. Their chemical innovation was to emulsify, in an aqueous system, traditional solvent-borne binders with casein and other traditional paint ingredients. The binders were casein, linseed oil and, later, tall oil (obtained from wood pulp). This technique set a new standard for the improvement of water-based paints. Eventually, as the product evolved, newly developed synthetic binders replaced the ones used in the original Kem-Tone© paint.
Solvent-borne paints generally contain mineral spirits to thin the paint and make it “brushable.” In contrast, Kem-Tone© paint could be diluted with water. The Kem-Tone© paint formulation consisted of many different ingredients.
Visit National Historic Chemical Landmarks to read more about Kem-Tone Wall Finish.
Excerpted with permission, National Historic Chemical Landmarks Program