Powder coating reflects infrared radiation: sun protection in color

Powder coatings that reflect infrared radiation reduce the surface temperature of building facades by up to 20 percent. This “sun protection” extends the life of the facade and reduces operating costs.

Heavily heated façades increase indoor temperatures and intensify the heat in cities. IGP-Reflective powder coatings specifically reflect infrared radiation and reduce surface heating by up to 20 percent. This reduces the radiator effect, protects the building structure and lowers the energy requirement for air conditioning. At the same time, the color and design can be freely selected so that steel and aluminum facades are optimally protected. The certified powder coatings offer durability and enable energy-efficient and environmentally conscious construction.

Longer periods of heat and stronger solar radiation increase the load on urban building envelopes. A large proportion of solar radiation is in the near-infrared range (NIR: 780 - 1,400 nanometers) and contributes to surface heating. This heating affects material stability, thermal expansion and the cooling requirements of buildings. Suitable surfaces can significantly reduce energy absorption through radiation. Anyone who takes a closer look will be familiar with the effects from everyday life: dark gray sliding doors often run more heavily on their guides in summer, hot summer winds sweep through the streets in cities and dark painted surfaces heat up particularly strongly under a cloudless sky. The reason for this is that surfaces not only absorb visible light, but also infrared radiation, particularly from the near-infrared spectrum, which is crucial for heating.

IGP-Reflective technology combines the highly weather-resistant IGP-HWF classic 59 powder coating with optimized infrared properties. Thanks to the increased reflection of infrared radiation, the surface temperature of coated façade surfaces remains noticeably lower. The effect: less material deformation, a longer façade service life and lower operating costs.

The special pigments used by IGP Powder Coatings increase the TSR value (Total Solar Reflectance) and reduce surface heating by up to 20 percent. This reduces the so-called radiator effect. Heated façades act less like radiators, emitting heat to their surroundings. Thermal stresses caused by different expansion of connected metals (bimetal effect) are also reduced. This protects the building structure and increases the durability of the façade. At the same time, the indoor climate is improved as less heat is transferred into the interior of the building. This lowers the energy required for cooling and reduces the amount of heat emitted into the urban space. In this way, the coatings make an effective contribution to reducing the urban heat island effect.

IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect meets the highest aesthetic demands. Thanks to the color-neutral formulation, the coatings are compatible with RAL standards and other color systems. Façades can be combined with both the standard IGP-HWF classic 59 series and the IR-optimized variant without having to accept visible colour differences. For example, the standard IGP-HWF classic 59 product can be used on the shady side of a building, while the sunny side is protected with the IR-optimized IGP-HWF classic 59 Reflect variant.

The powder coatings have been specially developed for steel and aluminum façades. Their formulation is designed to optimize the reflectivity of the coating system. The series is available in different variants: smooth gradient in satin gloss and matt as well as fine structure in deep matt. The IGP-Reflective technology can be used in all colors of the IGP-HWFclassic 59 series. They offer long-lasting protection and optimum properties for the building envelope. The result is a pioneering solution for functional and aesthetically sophisticated façades. Ideal for planners in architecture and the construction industry.

IR-reflective powder coatings from IGP Powder Coatings make a valuable contribution to sustainable construction. They reduce surface heating, reduce the load on the building structure and lower the energy required for air conditioning. The result is lower CO₂ emissions and a longer service life for the building fabric. The IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect powder coatings also have a third-party validated Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and are listed in the DGNB Navigator. They therefore offer a solid basis for transparent ecological construction. (OM-10/25)