Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine September/October 2021 - 22

INDUSTRIAL FINISHING: ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS
color aesthetics that replicate the look of natural substrates, all
without the price tag. Copper and mineral-based tones, along
with earth-like tones that mirror these natural materials and
blend into urban landscapes, are also a trendy specification.
Powder coatings simulating anodized aluminum is another
aesthetic element on the rise. Building owners are now able to
achieve a conventional anodized aluminum appearance when
specified in a matte (low gloss) finishing. Avoiding the traditional
anodizing process can add up to about 15 years to a coating's
warranty, while delivering enhanced colorfastness and longterm
corrosion resistance. While color and beautiful aesthetics
are " nice-to-haves, " durable protection from high levels of
corrosion and weathering that excel in warmer environments
or settings near the ocean have always been essential aspects of
architectural coating specifications.
Polychromatic panels-or panels that change in color
throughout the day-are also gaining popularity. While
specifications of the past tended to lean towards dramatic color
shifts, the shift in color is much more subtle now, likely due in
large part to universal color trends related to the COVID-19
pandemic. Consumers have become increasingly attracted to
colors associated with healing and peaceful tones like subtle
shades of blue and gray, and this has started to take shape on
building facades as a result.
The Cost of Coatings
The raw materials shortage is seemingly everywhere in today's
economy - from chlorine to used cars, and that extends to
coatings as well. With the tightening supply, costs are expected
to remain expensive for at least the next few months. As a result,
coatings manufacturers are working to develop technologies that
are more cost effective, while still delivering the same level of
durability.
This extends to formulations, where manufacturers are
incorporating tactics like developing new pigments and mixing
resins and raw materials to try and come up with solutions that
are more cost-effective. Manufacturers are also innovating new
techniques to speed up production, thus cutting down costs,
such as an automated spray process through the help of robotics
technology.
[NP]While the automated nature of robotics application is
efficient for a number of products, it can be complicated when it
comes time to paint something a bit differently than the substrate
that came before it. This requires a rescaling and reprogramming
process, and automation isn't always the best solution, especially
when it comes time to paint hard-to-coat areas where you need
someone to physically make sure certain spaces are covered.
PPG is working with customers across the world to deliver
innovative architectural coatings solutions. Its new CORAFLON
Platinum powder coating technology features an efficiency rate
that is 20 percent higher than standard FEVE powders with an
extended gloss range from 5-85, while featuring a cost-effective,
low-waste and high output technology.
Gary Edgar is the national coil and extrusion specification
manager for PPG Building Products, including PPG DURANAR
and PPG CORAFLON fluoropolymer liquid, powder and fieldapplied
coatings. He is a NACE certified coating inspector, and
has been with PPG for 22 years, with the last 17 years devoted
exclusively to PPG's fluoropolymer coating systems.
22
www.cfcm.ca
Q&A
with Russell Bates,
Training Implementation Specialist at
Benjamin Moore
What kinds of products are your customers most
asking for in architectural coatings?
Customers are looking for waterborne options. VOC
regulations and changes typically have an impact and
affect some in their decisions, and they're open to new
products or options. With the need to withstand sanitizing
type solvents and hand sanitizers, higher crosslinked
films are the norm.
Are environmental or other issues an influencing
factor in your formulations?
Benjamin Moore
is
proud
of
our
reputation
for
environmentally friendly products and always looks to
formulate new products with the environmental impact
in mind.
Do your products work well with various types
of application? Robotics are increasing in some
specialized areas of paint application, for example.
Benjamin Moore tests all products for use with the
equipment expected to be used by the target market. While
not specifically tested on robotics, the spray application is
almost always tested for use on multiple spray systems.
This flexible approach has engineered products that
perform well under a variety of application systems, even
with those that were not specifically tested.
http://www.cfcm.ca
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine September/October 2021

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