Developing reliable coatings
How can an architect or specifier be confident that the paint system will really last?
What goes into the development of a new exterior coating to ensure that it will perform as specified?
Developing a new exterior coating may take as long as 2-5 years – and this is primarily to ensure that its performance is thoroughly and realistically tested before it is launched.
There are numerous safeguards built in to the development process:
- Thorough research of the topic to ensure that it is consistent with market aspirations and with foreseeable health, safety and environmental concerns.
- Regular project reviews to maintain progress and to confirm continued relevance to the end user markets.
- Close collaboration with raw material suppliers and customers to maintain focus throughout the development process.
- New raw materials are tested by the raw material supplier.
- Extensive screening is done in the laboratory using a wide range of techniques, including accelerated and simulated weathering (ASTM B117, salt spray, prohesion, Q UV(A & B) and Kesternich), microindentometry, thermal analysis (DSC, DMTA), surface tensiometer, chemical and humidity resistance.
- Panels are then exposed to real-life weathering in a variety of situations from Florida to the Baltic and utilising Becker sites in varying climatic zones around the world.
- Beckers can also run test quantities on their unique pilot coil coating line, to complement the laboratory rheological studies and to ensure that there are no application problems, which might affect subsequent performance.
- Universities Studies.
The final, and perhaps the most important safeguard, comes from the depth of experience of Beckers' 100+ coil coating chemists, who really understand what makes the best possible field performance.