Emulsion are provided which are useful in imparting water resistance to
gypsum products. In one embodiment, the emulsion comprise a plurality of
waxes, at least one saponified wax, a complexed starch, a polymerized
alkyl phenol, and a small amount of a co-surfactant. In another
embodiment, the emulsion comprise a single wax, a balanced dual
surfactant system, a complexed starch and a polymerized alkyl phenol.
Emulsion of this embodiment may be added to hot, even boiling, water
without the emulsion separating or curdling. The emulsion of the present
invention are stable for extended periods of time when stored at room
temperature and do not require the addition of a bactericide. The
emulsion of the present invention are pourable liquids at room
temperature.