This paper introduces the current advantages and future directions of water-based coatings，the preparation process of water-based coatings of nano-carbon materials，the dispersion method of nano-carbon materials and the status quo of its application in the coatingindustry，and summarizes the research results on the modification of water-based coatings bynano-carbon materials in recent years，including graphene modified coatings，carbon nanotubes modified coatings，carbon black modified coatings and nano-carbon modified coatings，as well as the preparation methods thereof. The problems existing in the applicationof nano carbon materials in waterborne coatings are analyzed and discussed. Finally，the development direction of nano carbon materials in waterborne coatings is prospected.