Abstract: A water-based solvent-free and IR reflecting surface treatment composition is disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the composition includes: (1) a base comprising (a) 30 to 60% by weight of an acrylic resin; (b) 1 to 10% by weight of an alkyd resin; (c) 0.1 to 2% by weight of a polyolefin; (d) 0.1 to 1% by weight of an ammonium salt; (e) less than 0.1% by weight of a preservative; (f) water such that base reaches 100 % by weight; and (2) a paste comprising (i) metal oxides having a mean particle size between 0.05 and 5 ?m; and (ii) a polymeric binder.