VOCs… and Beyond: Powder and liquid coatings reviewed When powder coatings were first introduced into the architectural market for metal surfaces, they were heralded as a vastly superior product and expected to quickly replace liquid paint and anodization. However, paint has had more staying power than predicted. To understand what attributes of liquid paint are causing it to remain popular, it is important to take a look a broad range of considerations, including color options, cost, ease of use and performance. |
Reducing Environmental Impact with Coatings Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most projects, and coatings selection can play a big role in reducing these inefficiencies. This article examines use of coatings in applications as diverse as cool roofs, air barriers, infrared (IR) reflective pigments, and radiant heat barriers. |
Exploring Mica Coatings’ Potential: A look at Port Canaveral’s Exploration Tower The welcome center at Florida’s Port Canaveral space shuttle facility is Exploration Tower. Clad in aluminum panels and a curtain wall assembly, it is also the first major project to be finished with paint that changes color depending on the light reflectance. This article looks at how such a coating is applied, and what design professionals need to know about the visual potential of such materials. |
Ensuring Durability of Elastomeric Wall Coatings: Strong recommendations for better standards Elastomeric wall coatings (EWCs) are often used to waterproof porous cladding, both in new construction and as a solution for failed weather barriers. Since they are more expensive than paint, it is important to achieve maximum service life. Durability of coatings is usually considered as a function of weathering resistance, but EWCs may fail due to an inability to bridge cracks that often form in cold weather. Unfortunately, there are no industry standards for this important parameter. To fill this void, an economical and practical test method was developed by the authors. |
Putting a Fresh Face on Historical Façades: Project teamsThe absence or failure of adequate waterproofing systems is a major cause of deterioration from moisture intrusion on historical architectural façades dating back more than a century. Efforts by communities across the nation to preserve and restore these historical landmarks to like-new condition requires special expertise and thousands of hours to resolve deficiencies in waterproofing and to prevent future damage to the façade. Frequently, historic cast iron façades require the recasting and replacement of thousands of original ornamental components that are severely corroded beyond repair. Those original pieces that are salvageable must be stripped of old paint, repaired and recoated with high-performance primers and finishes that comply with demanding specifications for aesthetics, durability and resistance to corrosion and ultraviolet (UV) light. The scope and complexity of these projects require a high level of craftsmanship, technical expertise, and appreciation of the historical significance and challenges that are unique to these restorations. |
Putting a Fresh Face on Historical Façades The absence or failure of adequate waterproofing systems is a major cause of deterioration from moisture intrusion on historical architectural façades dating back more than a century. Efforts by communities across the nation to preserve and restore these historical landmarks to like-new condition requires special expertise and thousands of hours to resolve deficiencies in waterproofing and to prevent future damage to the façade. Frequently, historic cast iron façades require the recasting and replacement of thousands of original ornamental components that are severely corroded beyond repair. Those original pieces that are salvageable must be stripped of old paint, repaired and recoated with high-performance primers and finishes that comply with demanding specifications for aesthetics, durability and resistance to corrosion and ultraviolet (UV) light. The scope and complexity of these projects require a high level of craftsmanship, technical expertise, and appreciation of the historical significance and challenges that are unique to these restorations. |