The sun will fade paint that does not have UV protection very quickly. Just a week of sunshine is enough to dull black paint a shade lighter, and white paint can begin to yellow and discolour in around a month.
The difference between a regular paint and UPVC paint is UPVC paint is designed to live outdoors. It therefore has higher UV resistance.
This is achieved by incorporating hindered amine light stabilisers into the mix which inhibit photo-degradation, and organic additives which selectively absorb ultraviolet light. These organic additives are similar to the additives used in sun cream, only the application here is much more stable and lasts years, not hours.
We can’t speak for all paints on the market, but the UPVC paint we use is resistant to UV fade for a minimum of 10 years, which is why we confidently provide a 10-year guarantee on our work. We know our paint lasts!
The paint we use is solvent-based and bonds with the UPVC on a molecular level. This eliminates the possibility of flaking and bubbling. The first paint layer bonds with the UPVC, with subsequent layers bonding with each other.
The application method is also important for a high-quality finish. UPVC should always be spray painted and ideally with a gun by a professional. This will ensure even coverage which is important to maximise the UV resistance.
Summing up
The UPVC paint we use has an especially high count of organic additives and stabilisers which absorb ultraviolet light. The hindered amine light stabilisers are especially important to stop photo-degradation at the surface.
Our paint comes with a 10-year guarantee against UV fading, but your painted UPVC may resist fading for even longer.
The quality of the application is just as important as the quality of the paint to maximise fade resistance. If you want a finish that appears to be original, the paint should be applied in thin even layers with a spray-painting gun.
