Like everything else on the planet, buildings and their facades age. It’s the humidity, the rain, the heat. And, of course, the sun. The unrelenting sun! All contribute to what are the two most common culprits behind dull, old-looking facades: chalking and fading. Common problems. But problems that can be prevented.
Prevented? Without question. We’ll get to that. However, first, let’s discuss the causes of chalking and fading.
Chalking & Fading – A Closer Look
Both chalking and fading are primarily caused by exposure to environmental factors, such as sunlight and moisture, which leads to the degradation of the coating’s components. But what happens to cause this degradation? Hold on, because we’re about to get a little technical.
Chalking appears as a loose, powdery residue caused by a breakdown of the coating’s binder, usually due to UV exposure. Pigment volume concentration (PVC) influences how likely the coating will chalk. PVC refers to the ratio of the volume of pigment particles to the total volume of the pigment and binder in the coating. Essentially, it tells you percentage of pigment in the polymer pigment matrix. Lower PVC coatings are less prone to chalking.
Fading is color loss or discoloration of an architectural coating. It occurs when UV light breaks down the pigments. Fading is often more visible in darker or more vibrant hues due to their organic nature.
UV exposure appears to be the problem, right? Well, yes. But we can’t change the amount of UV radiation a building is exposed to over its lifetime. So, the real challenge here is color selection and PVC. Darker colors absorb more UV which makes them prone to fading faster. In addition, colors that contain organic pigments are prone to fade faster than those containing only inorganic pigments. Unfortunately, not all color options can be formulated with only inorganic pigments.
And that is why Sto has developed low PVC formulations and protective coatings so you can achieve brilliant aesthetics without sacrificing performance.
The Sto Difference: Low PVC Formulations for Lasting Performance
Sto has spent years of R&D focused on performance coatings for demanding climates and architectural needs. The data gathered from this research has enabled us to engineer solutions that significantly reduce surface breakdown, preserve aesthetics, and extend the lifespan of exterior coatings. These solutions utilize lower PVC formulations with a higher binder concentration, which enhances UV resistance and durability, preventing chalking and extending color retention.
These solutions fall into two primary categories: advanced pigments and protective topcoats.
Advanced Pigments and Color Stability
- Use of UV-stable, high-performance pigments that resist fading even in extreme environments.
- Color-fast formulas maintain design intent and architectural appeal.
- Product Example: StoColor® Acryl Plus. A premium, lower-PVC acrylic coating with proven resistance to chalking and UV fading, StoColor Acryl Plus is available in eggshell and flat and is ideal for projects requiring long-term visual consistency.
Protective Topcoats
- Provide added protection and color retention.
- Product Example: Sto Clear Coat Sealer.
This matte or gloss coating adds a transparent protective layer that locks in color and repels pollutants. At a very low PVC, it can be applied over coatings and finishes to prolong their lifespan making it a great option for both new construction and renovation projects.
All our coatings are tested for accelerated weathering, color retention, and adhesion under extreme conditions. Additionally, Sto’s solutions align with sustainability and lifecycle cost reduction goals.
Beauty That Lasts
While buildings naturally age, their coatings don’t have to show it. With Sto’s high-performance coatings, chalking and fading can be prevented before they start, ensuring your design stands the test of time. Lean on Sto’s technical support for optimized color choices and product recommendations that extend durability and enhance performance.
Explore Sto’s range of high-performance coatings and say goodbye to chalking and fading.
