Scientists Have Developed the Whitest White Paint Ever Made – So Reflective It Can Cool Surfaces

In 2020, scientists at Purdue University developed an ultra-white acrylic paint that initially reflected 95.5% of sunlight. They have since improved it to reflect 98.1%, setting a record for the whitest paint according to Guinness World Records. The paint, developed to help combat climate change, cools surfaces by scattering sunlight, reducing surface temperatures by up to 19 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Made with barium sulfate, it could significantly reduce the need for air conditioning by offsetting the urban heat island effect. Although a commercial version isn’t available yet, there is widespread interest in its potential applications, from buildings to vehicles.