Hydrophobic Properties of Pine Wood Coatings Based on Epoxy Varnish and (Fluoro)Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymers

This study presents water-repellent coatings for pine wood surfaces based on epoxy varnish modified with glycidyl methacrylate–(fluoro)alkyl methacrylate copolymers, achieving superhydrophobic properties with contact angles up to 155° while maintaining the natural texture of the wood. The influence of the application method on the microtexture and water-repellent properties of the coatings has been demonstrated. Incorporating functional copolymers considerably improves water resistance: after 60 days of immersion, water absorption is reduced more than threefold compared to coatings made with unmodified epoxy varnish. Furthermore, the coatings maintain their water-repellent properties and preserve the wood’s appearance even after six months of exposure to the tropical climate of South Vietnam.