Self-Cleaning Paint: What Exactly Is It and How Does It Work?

In recent years, technology has advanced so far that we now have self-cleaning devices. Self-cleaning litter boxes and self-cleaning ovens may be familiar to you. However, have you heard of self-cleaning paints?

Let us tell you more about it if this is your first time hearing it!

BENIN-ART-GRAFFITI — Brazilian artist Dos Santos Edgar Bernado, also known as Ed-mun, paints with a brush on a wall at the Effet Graff festival, whose objective is to achieve one of the longest murals in the world, in Cotonou on May 18, 2022. - 26 Beninese and international graffiti artists are taking part in the eighth edition of the Effet Graff festival in Cotonou, with the ambition of creating one of the largest murals in the world that traces the history and culture of Benin. The fresco pays tribute in particular to the 26 Beninese treasures looted by French colonial troops and returned to Benin in November 2021, and the theme of this edition is a "new Benin". YANICK FOLLY/AFP via Getty Images

Self-Cleaning Paint Explained: What is It?

What is self-cleaning paint, exactly? Scientists from the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology - part of the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research -- invented the technology underlying self-cleaning paint. Among its ingredients is titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

"When the coating of paint is exposed to the sun, or any other ultraviolet light source, any organic substances on the surface decompose with the oxidative properties contained in the paint's coating," according to LoveToKnow.

Self-cleaning paint not only repels water but also repels oil, HowStuffWorks reported. Self-cleaning paint is precious for individuals who wish to keep their maintenance routine as low as possible since it suits hard-to-reach and hard-to-clean regions.

How Does It Work?

SAS Europe said self-cleaning paints create a microscopically textured surface with a contact angle of 140 degrees. It results in an ultra-hydrophobic surface that causes water to bead up into pearls of water that run across the facade's surface.

The water beads collect the dirt and other particles that fall to the ground as they flow over the surface. As a result, dirt and other particles are removed from the surface, effectively cleaning it.

Nissan has even illustrated how self-cleaning paint works on automobiles. The Japanese firm shared the feature on YouTube.

RIP, car washes. @Nissan invents a self-cleaning paint. http://t.co/bNVIL3jsrH #marketing pic.twitter.com/d6C4F3ns49
— Christopher Rizzo (@rizzotweets) April 29, 2014

Other Paint Innovations

Self-cleaning paint isn't the only paint-related invention and technology that has been developed in recent years.

According to The Family Handyman, if there is such a thing as self-cleaning paint, there is also a sort of paint containing air purifying technology. One-coat paints and paint that dries faster than usual have also been produced.

You've probably heard of the terms "smart home," "smart appliances," "smart lights," and other similar words. Given this, you might not be shocked to learn that smart paint now exists.

"Researchers have recently developed a paint that can turn any wall into a touchscreen, bringing a whole new meaning to the term 'smart home,'" Techaeris reported.

Looking for more environmentally friendly paint? According to Techaeris, solar paint is also available these days and "contains tiny light-sensitive particles that absorb sunlight to convert it into energy."