Special effect coatings in FP technology

What are special effects

Special effects in powder coatings refer to the use of additional pigments and additives that result in a visually distinct and often dynamic finish. These effects are not only about the aesthetic appeal but also about how light interacts with the surface and how the coating responds to environmental factors. Depending on the desired outcome, special effects can range from subtle metallic shines to physical textures that you can truly feel, or multi-component effects that add real depth to the finish or even glow in the dark.

Special effect coatings: Interior vs Exterior applications

Special effect coatings are used extensively in interiors, but what about exterior applications?

Manny Mayer, Architectural Director of IFS Coatings explains; “Of course certain special effects are possible in exterior grade powders, the ultimate of which, in terms of performance, is FEVE fluoropolymer powder coating. We use fluoropolymer technology to deliver long term weatherability on applications like curtain wall, panels, and façade elements however, there are some limitations when it comes to achieving special effects in superior performance fluoropolymer coatings.”

Before we get into the special effects, let’s review why we use fluoropolymer coatings even though they’re more difficult to achieve certain effects.

Why Fluoropolymer Performance

Fluoropolymers are chosen for their superior durability, chemical resistance, long-lasting aesthetic performance and ability to meet and exceed the performance requirements of AAMA 2605. This makes them an ideal choice for high-end, exterior architectural finishes. Architects choose FEVE Fluoropolymer powder coatings over PVDF fluoropolymers for the additional sustainability benefits they deliver along with some technical advantages.

FEVE fluoropolymer powders, like IFS 500FP, are engineered to withstand extreme environmental conditions and they provide excellent resistance to ultraviolet (UV) degradation, which prevents color fading, chalking, and surface deterioration. As a result, these powders maintain their color over time and fade gradually.  They can also retain their properties over a wide temperature range, making them highly resistant to thermal cycling and ensuring long-term performance in both hot and cold climates.

Fluoropolymer coatings also exhibit outstanding resistance to a broad range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, solvents, and salts. Furthermore, their corrosion resistance properties, over properly pretreated aluminum are excellent.

A less talked about, but just as interesting advantage of fluoropolymer powders is the low surface energy and cleanability, which means they resist the adhesion of dirt, grime, and other contaminants.

Clearly there are a lot of advantages in using fluoropolymer coatings, and they have become the standard – whether in powder of liquid – for long term weathering performance in North America and across the world. So, why are certain special effects more difficult to achieve?

Why Certain Special Effects and Colors Are More Challenging in Fluoropolymer Coatings

The range of special effect powders possible with polyester resins is extensive. However, when it comes to achieving complex special effects or certain colors, there are specific challenges that need to be considered when using fluoropolymer chemistry.

One of the main reasons relates directly to characteristics and limitations of the fluoropolymer resin itself. The fluoropolymer resins used in these superior performance coatings inherently have a high molecular weight and low reactivity, which makes them more challenging to work with when it comes to developing colors and effects.

Fluoropolymer resins are complex, high-performance polymers with large molecular chains. This makes them more resistant to certain colorants and additives that are more commonly used in other powder coatings with less weatherability. For example, achieving some bright, vibrant colors can be more difficult as the resin tends to limit the absorption and uniformity of color pigments.

When manufacturing fluoropolymer powders, we use high-grade fluoropolymer resin, but we also have to use high grade pigments that boast good UV stability. Some pigments are more sensitive to UV degradation, for example bright reds and oranges, and as such are not available to us in the high grade required. If we use a lower grade pigment then we compromise the coating's durability.

Sparkles – Metallics and Micas

Of course, metallic/mica/sparkle effect powders are possible in fluoropolymer powder coating.  However, there are some limitations.  The most significant difference between liquid and powder lies in the lower viscosity of the liquid.  The lower viscosity allows for a much higher loading of effect pigment to be used while still maintaining favorable application properties.  A liquid coating can have up to 25% metallic pigment loading, while most powders can only have around 5-6% loading.  So, if the super sparkly look of days gone by is the type of effect you’re looking for, liquid may be a better option. If you’re looking for a more natural sparkle, think powder!

Color shifting or chameleon colors as they’re sometimes called, introduce an additional layer of complexity in fluoropolymer coatings. These effects depend on the precise alignment of pigments that create the color-shifting effect which is more difficult to achieve in fluoropolymer powder, but not impossible! Check out the upcoming IFS Special Effects Card for evidence of this!

Textures – A Physical Element

Textures in powder coating are a common effect – from a super fine, light texture, to a heavier feel that’s almost anti-skid in nature. Once again, when it comes to fluoropolymer technology, the heavier effects are not possible, for similar reasons. So, stick to the light, super fine texture for areas protected with superior performance coatings – it’s always worth checking out as it does make the light refract differently off coating!

Fluoropolymers – are they glowing?

And finally, what about those glow in the dark powders mentioned at the beginning? Sadly, they’re not possible in exterior grade powders, fluoropolymer or even super durable polyester! In fact, the ‘glow in the dark’ pigment used to achieve the effect breaks down under direct UV light, so keep the glow in the dark effect for interior applications!

In summary, we use fluoropolymer coatings, like the FEVE fluoropolymer IFS 500FP because it delivers long term weathering, mechanical and chemical performance to the exterior of a building. The range of special effects may be more limited than with other types of coatings, however metallics, very fine textures and even speckles and multi-component effects to give the coating real depth are still possible.

Companies like IFS Coatings are diligently researching and developing special effect coatings for the architectural world – check out the upcoming IFS Color Alchemy Special Effects Color Card!! A range of effects to aid and inspire, and they’re all available in Fluoropolymer technology.