Request a Sample Contact Recommended Products By Application

Blog

Increasing Time Until Condensation: Advanced Applications of 3M™ Glass Bubbles (Part 2)

Lab-validated 3M™ Glass Bubbles S22 performance: up to 45 minutes extended condensation delay

Explore real test results, optimized S22 formulations, and why lower dry-film density extends condensation resistance.

Moisture control remains one of the most persistent challenges in architectural coatings. While introductory (part one) anti-condensation paints offer basic moisture management capabilities, advanced performance requires deeper engineering of thermal conductivity, dry-film density, and CPVC balance.

This second part explores the scientific mechanisms behind condensation delay, using validated laboratory data from 3M™ technical studies and optimized test formulations.

If you haven't read Part 1 yet, start there for the fundamentals of moisture behavior, condensation formation, and the core role of 3M™ Glass Bubbles in thermal stabilization.

Related 3M™ Glass Bubbles Articles

Understanding the Science Behind Condensation Formation

Condensation occurs when surface temperatures fall below the dew point of the surrounding air. In real indoor environments, this often happens on:

cold interior walls
corners and junctions with poor air circulation
basements and semi-underground areas
bathrooms and kitchens with elevated humidity

The 3M™ technical paper confirms that excessive condensation produces long-term dampness, mold, and degradation of coatings and substrates.

Improving thermal insulation at the paint-film level is therefore a direct method to increase surface temperature and delay condensation formation.

Thermal Conductivity: The Core Principle Behind Anti-Condensation Paints

A coating’s thermal behavior is largely determined by its dry-film thermal conductivity (K-value) and density.

The 3M technical paper presents clear laboratory evidence:

lower K-value → higher surface temperature → longer condensation time.

K-Values of Glass Bubbles vs Standard Fillers

Table 1, 3M Technical Paper

Dry-Film Density: A Critical Performance Driver

The study evaluated multiple commercial anti-condensation paints vs. a standard wall/ceiling paint.

(See Table 2, 3M Technical Paper)

Key findings:

Standard wall paint: 24 min condensation time
Commercial “anti-condensation” paints: 20-44 min
Best-performing commercial paint (#5): 44 min, with dry-film density 0.79 g/cc
Higher density = lower condensation resistance

The relationship was nearly linear:

Lower dry-film density = longer condensation delay.

This is why 3M™ Glass Bubbles, being hollow, low-density microspheres, are uniquely effective.

Test Method (Scientific Setup)

The condensation test used by 3M is essential for evaluating true performance:

High-humidity chamber set at 22°C (dew point 19–20°C)
Cold chamber at 3°C
Painted aluminum panels placed between the chambers
Measured parameter: Time until first drop of condensation forms

This method provides repeatable differentiation between paint formulations.

Optimized Anti-Condensation Formulation with 3M™ Glass Bubbles S22

The study developed an optimized lab formulation using S22 Glass Bubbles:

Key properties: (Table 3, 3M Technical Paper)

Wet density: 0.97 g/cc
Dry density: 0.95 g/cc
PVC: 60%
Film below CPVC: 1.16 ratio
Glass Bubbles loading: 11 wt% / 50 vol%
Condensation time: 45 minutes

This value surpasses several market products tested, making it one of the highest-performing anti-condensation paints in the study.

Why S22 Glass Bubbles Deliver Superior Performance

From the technical paper’s conclusions:

Key properties: (Table 3, 3M Technical Paper)

✔Low thermal conductivity (0.071 W/m·K)

Delays heat loss from the paint film.

✔ Low dry-film density

Directly correlates with longer condensation delay.

✔ Formulation below CPVC

Ensures a non-porous, durable film with good scrub and stain resistance.

✔ Absence of CaCO₃

Prevents thermal bridging through highly conductive mineral extenders.

These advantages combine to deliver one of the most effective moisture-control coatings achievable with current raw material technologies.

Key Applications

High-humidity interiors
Bathrooms and kitchens
Basements and semi-subterranean rooms
Garages, storage areas
Cold walls prone to condensation risk
Residential and commercial buildings requiring moisture protection

Request the Technical Paper & Optimized Formula

You can access the full formulation, including component ratios and lab methodology, through our technical request form.

Conclusion

3M™ Glass Bubbles significantly enhance anti-condensation paints by lowering thermal conductivity, reducing dry-film density, and creating durable, closed-film structures.

Interested in engineering high-performance anti-condensation coatings?

Request a sample or formulation consultation today and take the next step toward advanced moisture-resistant coating design.