Are you curious about the benefits and drawbacks of PVDF coatings and how they compare to other aluminum finishing options? Perhaps you need more details about how they're applied, or maybe you want to know how they compare to powder coating.

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In this article, we discuss PVDF coatings ' and they're worth considering for many reasons ' including their ability to make aluminum products both visually appealing and long-lasting. Even under harsh conditions such as exposure to saltwater spray, they stand up to weathering better than other alternatives.

We'll start by explaining what PVDF coatings are, then talk about their application process, benefits, and how they differ from powder coat.

What are PVDF Coatings?

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coatings are a factory-applied, resin-based coating system, typically with embedded color pigment particles that support a wide range of matte-finish colors. They are most commonly used for architectural coating applications due to their superior resistance to weathering by sunlight, moisture, or temperature.

Aluminum wall cladding, curtain wall, and roofing sheet are some of the most common applications for PVDF coatings.

PVDF coatings fit among the fluorocarbon family of plastics, which form bonds that are extremely chemically and thermally stable. This enables some PVDF coating variants to consistently meet or surpass stringent requirements (like AAMA ) with minimal fading over long periods of time. You may be wondering how these coatings are applied.

The PVDF Application Process

PVDF coatings for aluminum are applied in a painting booth by a liquid spray coating gun. The following steps outline the full process for completing a high-quality PVDF coating:

1. Surface Preparation ' Any high-quality coating requires good surface preparation. Good PVDF coating adhesion requires cleaning, degreasing, and deoxidizing (removing rust) the aluminum surface. Superior PVDF coatings then require the application of a chrome-based conversion coating to be applied before the primer.
2. Primer ' The primer effectively stabilizes and protects the metal surface while improving adhesion for the top coating.
3. PVDF Top Coating ' Color pigment particles are added along with the application of the top coating. The top coating serves to provide the coating with resistance to damage from sunlight and water, as well as an increase in abrasion resistance. The coating must be cured after this step. The top coating is the thickest layer in the PVDF coating system.
4. PVDF Clear Coating ' In the 3-layer PVDF coating process, the final layer is the clear coating, which provides additional protection from the environment and allows the color of the topcoat through without exposing it to damage. This coating layer must also be cured.

If required for certain applications, a 2-coat or 4-coat process can be used instead of the 3-coat method described above.

Key Benefits of Using PVDF Coatings

• More environmentally friendly than dip coatings, which contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Resistant to sunlight
• Resistant to corrosion and chalking
• Resistant to wear and abrasion
• Maintains a high color consistency (resists fading)
• High resistance to chemicals and pollution
• Long-lasting with minimal maintenance

Comparing PVDF and Powder Coatings

The primary differences between PVDF coatings and powder coatings are that PVDF coatings:

• Use a modulated fluid paint, whereas powder coatings use electrostatically applied powders
• Are thinner than powder coatings
• Can potentially be cured at room temperature, while powder coatings must be baked
• Are resistant to sunlight (UV radiation), while powder coatings will fade over time if exposed
• Can only have a matte finish, whereas powder coatings can come in a full range of colors and finishes
• Are more costly than powder coatings, which are cheaper and can save additional cost by reusing over-sprayed powder

Should I Coat Architectural Aluminum With PVDF?

It may depend on your exact applications but if you want highly durable, environmentally resistant, and long-lasting extruded or rolled aluminum products, PVDF coatings may be right for you.

For lower-cost interior coatings with an even wider range of vibrant colors than PVDF coatings, check out our article on powder coating.

PVDF Coatings: The Pros And Cons | Metal Roofing & Siding

Picking the right color for your metal roof is exciting, but more considerations should be made during the decision making process besides what the color looks like. Choosing the right paint system for your metal roof is a big contributing factor into how your roof will look long term.

At Western States Metal Roofing, we have worked with thousands of customers over our 25 years in business and have learned that color and appearance is one of the most important factors that homeowners care about when buying a roof. We're proud to offer metal roofing and siding panels in over 100 unique colors and finishes including many in the PVDF paint system.

While PVDF coatings maintain their color longer, it's also not the right fit for every roof. In this article, we help you decide if  they are right for you by discussing the pros and cons of PVDF paint systems.

What Is PVDF Coating? 

PVDF refers to the resin polyvinylidene fluoride. PVDF coatings use the highest quality pigmentations and consist of one of the strongest bonds known, called the carbon-fluorine bond, which adds to its durability.

What Are The Alternatives To PVDF

?

Polyester

SMP (Silicone-modified polyester)

Polyester Paint System

A polyester paint system consists of unsaturated synthetic poly resins that are blended with organic pigments. While this paint system is the least durable, it is also the most affordable. It's rarely used for metal roofing or siding panels.

SMP Paint System

SMP paint system consists of polyester and silicone intermediates. SMP is the middle ground between the polyester and PVDF paint systems, however there is a large variation in quality within the SMP paint category depending on the specific makeup of the resin. The higher the silicone content, the better the performance of the paint as the silicone improves the paint's gloss retention and weather resistance.

SMP paint systems are primarily used on light gauge metal panels in a 26 or 29 gauge thickness. In addition, they are used more often as a metal siding versus a metal roofing because you will have less UV exposure. The main disadvantage of SMP paint systems is that the color will fade quicker when compared to a PVDF coatings system. The colors that work best with SMP paint systems are earth tones and whites as the fading will be less noticeable.

Why Is PVDF Better Than Other Paint Systems?

PVDF high performance and superior resistance to premature chalking and fading, as well as excellent chemical resistance, makes it the highly preferred paint system. When it comes to metal roofing, where the painted surface is highly exposed to damaging elements such as UV rays and debris, excellent abrasion and fading resistance is critical. 

By having a superior paint system such as PVDF, the metal roof panels are able to maintain their aesthetic quality for longer than other metal roof paint systems such as SMP.

The Pros Of PVDF

Greater resistance to fading

Greater resistance to chalking

Superior longevity than other paint systems

End User Expectations

Large variety of color options

PVDF Has Greater Resistance To Fading

The chemical makeup of PVDF gives it the ability to retain its original hue and brightness for longer than other paint systems used in roofing. 

Fading, or the visible loss of original color, is something that all metal roofs face at some point. The color of a metal roof fades overtime because the chemicals in the paint's pigments start to break down from excessive exposure to the sun. By using PVDF paint, you have the greatest defense against harmful UV rays that will fade the roof's color.

Not only does PVDF paint coatings keep your roof looking more vibrant, it also helps keep your roof looking even for longer. Oftentimes, roofs that do not have adequate fade resistance will not fade evenly if one side of the roof receives more shade than the other. The side that is more often in the sun will look more dull than the side that is covered and receives less UV exposure. 

PVDF Has Greater Resistance To Chalking

Chalking, or the appearance of a powdery substance that forms on the surface of a painted panel, results from the chemical breakdown of the paint's resins and pigments after being exposed to the sun for an extended period of time. While chalking on painted metal panels is inevitable, the strong chemical components of PVDF make is more resistant and delays chalking compared to weaker paint systems.

PVDF Has Superior Longevity Compared To Other Paint Systems

Other paint systems cannot compare to the lifespan of PVDF. This is even reflected when you compare paint warranties of the different systems. While the covered time period is different for each manufacturer's warranty, PVDF is usually always covered for fading and chalking for more years than SMP paint systems.

End User Expectations

Purchasing a metal roof is an expensive investment in your home. If you're going to spend that kind of money, then you want a product that will last a long time. You will want a product that still looks beautiful many years after the installation.

A metal roof can last 50 plus years, but it's a system and all of the components within it should be designed for the same period of time. You want to use a nice synthetic underlayment that has a 50 year warranty and a PVDF paint system that has the longest warranty for chalking and fading. Cutting corners on any of these components will lessen the overall longevity of the metal roof

PVDF Has A Larger Variety Of Colors

If you use a SMP paint system, you are limiting your metal roof color options to only the basic and standard colors. However, PVDF panels are available in a much wider variety of custom colors, finishes, and paint prints. 

If you are looking for a unique color and design that will stand out, you will likely end up choosing a PVDF color.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of custom pvdf coating on aluminium company. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Examples of unique PVDF colors include:

The Cons Of PVDF

PVDF is more expensive

Less abrasion resistance 

PVDF Is More Expensive

PVDF will cost between 15-35% more than the lesser quality SMP. The greater cost is the result of PVDF being made from metal panels that are a heavier gauge and higher quality paint resins.

PVDF Has Less Abrasion Resistance 

PVDF paint is soft which makes it easier to scratch compared to a harder paint such as SMP. This means extra care should be paid during transporting and installing to ensure the panel's surface does not get scratched.

Choosing PVDF Panels For Your Metal Roof

PVDF panels are popular for maintaining their vibrant appearance longer without fading. However, they are significantly more expensive and may not be the right fit for every project. 

PVDF Paint Panels Typically Fit Those Who:

Are using the panels on their home or have aesthetics as a main concern.

Want the panel with the best longevity possible.

Choose panels in bright and vibrant colors such as red or green.

At Western States Metal Roofing, we offer both SMP and PVDF painted panels. We have an extensive color selection between both paint systems.

The next step is to determine the color of your metal roof. This article will help you with that decision: Metal Roofing Colors: 5 Tips To Pick The Best Metal Roofing Color

Once you know which colors you are most interested in, request a free sample to see your favorite colors in person.

Difference Between PVDF Coating Versus Powder Coating

What Is the Difference for PVDF Coating and Powder Coating?

There are customers donot know what the difference between PVDF coating and powder coating, and do not know they shall choose PVDF coating or powder coating. Here we are pleased to make a quick and simple introduction for what is PVDF coating, what is powder coating, the difference and advantage of PVDF coating and powder coating.

What's PVDF coating?

PVDF coating (polyvinylidene fluoride) a resin based liquid coating charged powder is sprayed on the metal surface.

PVDF coating (polyvinylidene fluoride) a resin based liquid coating system and a pure thermoplastic fluoropolymer that is non-reactive and possesses multiple coating benefits. PVDF coatings are especially resistant to solvents, acids and have a very low density compared to similar fluoropolymers.

What's Powder coating?

Powder Coating is an electrostatic process in which the electrostatically charged powder is sprayed on the metal surface.

Powder coating is Electrostatic spraying refers to a coating method that uses corona discharge principle to make atomized coating negatively charged under the action of high voltage direct current field and adsorbed on the surface of positively charged substrate.

Difference and performance comparison

Different raw material

PVDF coating raw material is Polyvinylidene fluoride
Powder coating raw material is various such as Epoxy resin, Epoxy-polyester mixture, Polyester resin, Polyurethane resin, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene.

Different process

Fluorocarbon spraying process is divided into

Two coating a baking (referred to as two coating) : primer + finish + curing.

Three coating a baking (referred to as three coating), primer + finish + finish + curing.

Four coating two baking (referred to as four coating), primer + isolation blocking paint + curing + finish + varnish + curing

Powder Coating Process Involves Three Basic Steps

Part preparation or the pre-treatment, the powder application, and curing.

The performance comparison

Performance PVDF coating Powder coating Film thickness 35-60μm 60-120μm Wear resistance Excellence Good Weather resistance Over 15 years, the color is basically unchanged 7-8 years, general 2-5 years can produce obvious chromatic aberration Corrosion resistance/stain resistance Fluoropolymers are corrosion resistant and have a smooth surface Rough surface, easy to stain, outdoor weather resistance is general Appearance Plain color, metal color, wrinkle, sand and other artistic coatings. Can do light, matte, matt and so on. Plain color, limited metal color. Can do light, matte, matt and so on. Color uniformity Good color consistency Small color difference Cleanliness and maintenance Dirt is not easy to adhere to, easy to clean and maintain Need regular maintenance the price Expensive Economical

Aluminum color coating with PVDF coating technology, so what is PVDF?

Polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) is a highly unreacted thermoplastic fluoropolymer produced by the polymerization of vinylidene difluoride.

PVDF is a special plastic used in applications that require the highest purity, as well as resistance to solvents, acids and bases. Compared to other fluoropolymers, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), PVDF has a low density (1.78 g / cm 3).

It is available as piping products, sheets, tubes, films, sheets and an insulator for high end wires. It can be injected, cast or welded and commonly used in the chemical, semiconductor, medical and defense industries, as well as in lithium-ion batteries. It is also available as a cross-link closing foam, which is used increasingly in aerospace and aerospace applications. It can also be used in repeated exposure to food products, as it is FDA compliant and completely non-toxic.

As a fine powder, it is an ingredient in high grade paints for metals. These PVDF grades have excellent gloss and color retention. They are used on many well-known buildings around the world, such as the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia and Taipei 101 in Taiwan, as well as on commercial and residential metal roofing.

PVDF films are used in western blots to stabilize proteins, due to its non-specific affinity for amino acids.

PVDF is also used as a binder component for carbon electrodes in supercapacitors and for other electrochemical applications.

Accordingly, the building and building materials industry, aluminum color before the race on the market has diversified and improved products to use for many different categories of works from the Walls, walls, roofs to the decorative items advertising fine art.

As a protective coating for the building's surface, color-coated aluminum requires a high durability and good environmental resistance, especially in the marine environment. The decisive factor in quality, besides the basic components is high quality aluminum and durability, also depends on the surface paint must be strong protection, good corrosion resistance and color fastness , resistance to chemical changes in weather and environmental pollution.

Coating is a surface element that interacts directly with external agents, so the coating system plays an extremely important role in protecting the interior layer from the harsh tropical weather conditions. To ensure the role of coating, high quality paint for aluminum must ensure against the phenomenon of cracking paint, fading paint as is commonly seen in hot and severe Asian countries.

In the face of ever-increasing climate change, external agents from the environment include hot sun, ultraviolet rays, dirt, acid rain, and a host of other causes of pollution. cause. Coating now serves as a shield for the aluminum layer as well as the beauty of the work before the corrosive agent of the environment. Without good protection, these agents will gradually attack the paint, eventually damaging the entire structure of the aluminum layer.

'PVDF is the exclusive top coat for aluminum with an outdoor warranty of 10 to 20 years'

For color-coated aluminum for civil and industrial applications, market requirements for coating systems vary from acrylic or polyester to super polyester and high quality coatings. PVDF. The variety of types and quality of coatings makes the aluminum plating market shaping many quality segments from low to high.

According to Nguyen Dinh Long, Director of PPG Vietnam Paint Company ' the world famous paint company and achieved high turnover ' shared: 'PVDF coating system is considered as the leading paint technology and is the system. The coating is very good for aluminum coating at the present time because of the outstanding features of aluminum surface protection against corrosive agents of the environment. '

However, not all PVDF paint systems on the market today are guaranteed the same quality. According to Long, in the world today only PVDF coatings conform to the exclusive registration formula Kynar 500® or Hylar ® to ensure superior quality to meet the AAMA high technical standards of the Association of American Architectural Manufacturers Association ' one of the leading architectural standards in the world. Specifically, the DURANAR® coating system is a combination of PPG's unique pigment and resin technology with 70% of the special fluoropolymer content of the Kynar 500® or Hylar ® PVDF. This is the optimum ratio in the PVDF coating formula. '

'Unlike other color-coated aluminum technologies, DURANAR® is a chemical inert system that provides a color fastness and excellent gloss retention as well as reduced environmental impact. acid rain; Attack of the

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