Adept Materials Launched Humidity-Absorbing Paint
The new Lilypad paint system aims to reduce indoor moisture and prevent mold development.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Interior Decorating
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Adept Materials has introduced Lilypad, a specialized two-part paint and primer system designed to absorb moisture from the air. The product recently gained recognition as a winner in the 2026 Innovation by Design Awards.
Why it matters
The product is designed to mitigate indoor dampness that fosters mold growth while reducing the need for energy-intensive mechanical ventilation systems. It is intended to function in conjunction with traditional climate control methods.
A one-gallon kit containing both the paint and primer is priced at $175. The system features a proprietary desiccant made from nanomaterials.
The players
Adept Materials
This company develops specialized building materials and chemical products.
Boston Housing Authority
This local government agency provides and manages public housing for residents in Boston.
Fast Company
This media brand focuses on technology, business, and design trends.
The details
The system works by having the paint draw water from the air, while the companion primer releases the captured moisture back into the room. Adept Materials is currently testing the technology in a pilot program with the Boston Housing Authority to evaluate its real-world performance.
Timeline
Fast Company awarded Lilypad an Innovation by Design award in 2026.
Culture Shift
Lilypad represents a broader push toward passive sustainable design, where material properties are leveraged to reduce reliance on legacy energy-consuming systems. This marks a shift from active mechanical climate control toward materials that inherently manage indoor environments.
Homeowners may see lower indoor humidity levels and a potential reduction in the energy used by dehumidifiers if the paint proves effective. In the pilot location, residents of participating Boston Housing Authority properties serve as the first test case for this technology.
The takeaway
This technology highlights how material science can be applied to common home renovation supplies to solve indoor air quality issues. Users should view this as a supplemental tool rather than a full replacement for traditional ventilation systems.
Further reading
For more information on home improvement technologies, visit the Interior Decorating section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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