Color Matters –

The Relationship Between

Color and Pigments in

Architectural Coatings

Valspar sponsors this learning unit provided by Hanley Wood, a

registered provider with the American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Continuing Education Systems (CES). Credits earned on completion

of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members.

Certificates of Completion are available for recordkeeping and self-

reporting purposes.

This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing

professional education. As such, it does not include content that may

be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA

of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling,

using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questions

related to specific materials, and services should be directed to

Valspar after you complete this learning unit.

AIA Best Practices

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Course Description

The perception of color is informed by a culture and its symbolism, from

food and fashion to the landscape, structures, raw materials and light.

Color forecasting identifies the newest trends in color that are drawn from

these underlying influences and provides an ongoing resource of

inspiration for designers and architects. This course will demonstrate the

importance of color in the built environment and how color is used in

specific industries and building types to inform an occupant of their

surroundings. The course will discuss the relationship between color and

pigments, including how pigments can affect color performance in

architectural coatings. It will cover ASTM performance test methods used

to ensure coatings meet industry standards and perform well, and the

effect that exposure has on pigments and color retention. In addition

AAMA specifications for various coating technologies will be discussed,

and how these can help specify the correct pigments for optimal form and

function in a project.

Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate the importance of color in the built environment,

including in specific industries and building types.

2. Explain the relationship between color, pigments, and

architectural coating performance.

3. Describe ASTM test methods used to define the performance

specifications for architectural coatings, including the effect

that exposure has on pigments and color retention.

4. Identify AAMA specifications for various coating technologies.

Learning Objective One

Demonstrate the importance of color in the

built environment, including in specific

industries and building types.

Color is Emotion

“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.”

– Pablo Picasso

Red side of color

spectrum evokes

emotions ranging

from warmth and

comfort to anger

and hostility.

Blue side of

color spectrum

evokes feelings

of calm,

sadness and

indifference.

Color Trend Research

Color provokes instant reaction in consumers.

Generates purchases through color attraction.

Companies perform intense research, analysis and forecasting

throughout the year to learn immediate and long term goals of market.

Color Trend Research

Color trends are newest

underlying influences,

inspirations, movements

and prevailing directions

expressed in:

‒ Fashion

‒ Food

‒ Interior products

‒ Architecture

Color and the Built Environment

Color can have a profound effect

on the human experience and on

users of the built environment.

Artists and architects create

ambience and identity in

buildings using:

‒ Colored pigments

‒ Paints

‒ Mosaics

‒ Glass

Color and the Built Environment

Mainstream architecture has overlooked application of color.

Urban planning constraints pose complex obstacles to color

usage in architecture.

But with material

innovations:

‒ Trend for dynamic

color effects emerging.

‒ Academics proving

color in urban planning

is beneficial and

essential.

Color and the Built Environment

Architects should use color in an effective way to create more

human, user-supportive environments through educated

application of color.

Color theory:

‒ Maintains and

reinforces spatial

relations with effective

use of contrasting

color and light.

‒ Integrates certain

pigments to convey a

building’s dimensions

and proportions.

Building Types and Industries - Exteriors

Color and architecture are intimately related, as form first

reaches the human eye through color.

Architects can use exterior color to:

‒ Influence surrounding built

environment.

‒ Fine-tune a building's

appearance and bring it in

harmony with its surroundings.

‒ Differentiate, contain, unite,

equalize and accentuate

elements of a building.

Building Types and Industries –

Restaurants and Food Service

An inviting restaurant that

arouses appetite through multi-

sensory stimulation will be

more successful, provided food

and service are acceptable.

Use of color in restaurant

design should:

‒ Emphasize color's

psychological association with

appetite and smell.

‒ Stimulate the appetite.

‒ Present desired image.

Building Types and Industries –

Industrial Work Environments

Poorly designed conditions in

industrial work environments lead to:

‒ Monotony

‒ Boredom

‒ Fatigue

‒ Lack of motivation

‒ Negative interaction

‒ Accidents

Proper color specifications:

‒ Improve perception

‒ Increase efficiency

‒ Minimize errors

‒ Increase safety and

improve orientation.

Building Types and Industries – Offices

Employers should provide environment physically and

psychologically supportive of employees.

Ergonomics experts critical for efficient space planning, noise,

lighting, etc.

Color specialist:

‒ Sets correct mood

and image.

‒ Pays attention to

relationship between

color, visual efficiency

and comfort.

Building Types and Industries – Schools

Designers turning to color as

means to inject affordable fun

into school environment.

Physical environment has

powerful psycho-physiological

impact on students.

Appropriate color design:

‒ Protects eyesight.

‒ Creates surroundings

conducive to studying.

‒ Promotes physical and

mental health.

Building Types and Industries – Healthcare

Color plays important role in

experience of healthcare facility

as competent, efficient and

caring.

Color can:

‒ Enhance healing process.

‒ Inspire user confidence.

‒ Facilitate medical diagnosis

and surgical performance.

‒ Maintain stimulatory balance.

Learning Objective Two

Explain the relationship between color,

pigments, and architectural coating

performance.

Introduction to Color and

Architectural Coatings

Color, form, space and light

are principle components of

an architectural project.

Color sets experience of a

space.

Has profound effect on built

environment where we live,

work and play.

Has dramatic effect in

changing and improving

aesthetic appeal.

Introduction to Color and

Architectural Coatings

Color is consistently a key selling feature

for building components.

Color choices tend to be on conservative

side.

Heightened consumer and design industry

desire to express creativity by re-evaluating

the power of architectural color.

Looking to color trends and bringing bolder

color choices to projects.

Poses a unique opportunity for high

performance architectural coatings.

Introduction to Pigments

Pigments are key ingredient that can make or break a coating.

Provide coatings color.

Pigment component in formulation can enhance or degrade

overall performance of protective color coating.

In architectural building

components chemical

resistance of pigment is

crucial.

‒ Certain colors more

affected by environment

than others.

‒ Bright colors such as

yellows, oranges and reds

fade faster.

Introduction to Pigments

Pigments added to paint to provide color.

Blended to create desired color to suit

aesthetics of application.

Types of pigments include : ‒ Tints

‒ Metallics

Pigments provide opacity to UV light by

either absorbing or reflecting light, which

often ensures a longer life for the coating.

Pigment can affect a coating in two ways: ‒ Increase porosity, making coating less

corrosion resistant.

‒ Increase hardness and surface roughness,

lowering the coating’s gloss level.

Pigments Performance Qualities

Performance properties of final film

are affected by pigments used in

coating mix.

Organic pigments: ‒ Very bright appearance, but low

resistance to fade.

‒ Allow UV and water to penetrate.

‒ Less hiding power than inorganic

pigments, contributing to poor

weathering.

Ceramic (inorganic) pigments: ‒ Metal oxides and mixed metal oxides

that have high resistance to fade.

‒ Represent most heat stable,

chemically inert, UV, and weather

resistant pigments known.

Pigments: Organic vs. Inorganic

A pigment changes color of

reflected or transmitted light

as a result of wavelength-

selective absorption.

Role must be for both

coloration and function.

Pigments either inorganic or

organic in composition, but

sometimes both types must

be used to achieve a certain

shade or color.

Inorganic Pigments

Manufactured from mineral

compounds that are mainly

complex metal oxides.

Have superior: ‒ Color stability

‒ Heat resistance

‒ Chemical resistance

Colors coming from inorganic

pigment are less bright: ‒ Beiges

‒ Browns

‒ Tans

‒ Other earth-tone colors

Organic Pigments

Carbon-based.

Often made from petroleum compounds.

Low resistance to fade.

Low heat resistance.

Allow UV and oxygen to penetrate,

breaking the chemical bonds.

Less hiding power.

Colors from organic pigments have very

bright, vivid appearance.

Comparison of Inorganic and Organic Pigments

Characteristic Inorganic Organic

Color Often Dull Bright Colors

Color Strength High Low

Opacity Opaque (strong coverage) Transparent (low coverage)

Environment 100% Sun 50% Sun or less

Weatherability/Heat

Resistance

High Low

Warranty High (10 – 30yrs) Low (5 – 10 yrs)

Source Minerals Petroleum

Cost Low High

How Color Affects Warranty

Analyze each architectural project in

terms of its particular situation, function

and needs:

‒ What is the end use application?

‒ What is the application’s environment?

‒ What are the performance requirements?

Not all pigments suitable for every

application.

Pigments for exterior high performance

architectural coatings require high-end

products with outstanding properties;

especially heat resistance.

How Color Affects Warranty

Color warranties based on % of organic vs.

inorganic pigments used to create final color.

Film integrity determined by resin system used: ‒ PVDF

‒ SMP

‒ Polyester

Gloss: ‒ Measure of surface roughness.

‒ Smoother surface = higher gloss.

Chalk: ‒ Degraded resin appearing as a white powder.

Fade: ‒ Caused by resin degradation

‒ Affected by gloss changes and depletion of pigment

How Color Affects Warranty

Warranty PVDF - Brick Red PVDF – Bright Red

Film Integrity 20 years 20 years

Chalk (8 rating) 20 years No warranty

Fade (5.0 DE) 20 years No warranty

Clear Coat

Clear coat will improve durability

of any coating.

Critical for metallic colors using

aluminum pigmentation.

This top coat keeps aluminum

from discoloring when exposed to

certain chemicals in environment.

Can help bright colors, as color

fade and chalk resistance of

some organic pigments can be

improved by using a clear coat.

Solar Reflectance Pigments

Metal building components coated with solar

reflective pigments help to keep the building cooler.

Lighter colors and inorganic pigments cool better.

SR pigments can be altered physically and

chemically to reflect infrared radiation, while still

absorbing the same amount of visible light, allowing

the coating and roof to stay cooler.

Products containing solar reflective pigments are

available in a variety of formulations such as 70%

PVDF, SMP and polyester.

Metamerism

Change the light source and each of

those matches will then look visually

different from one another.

Colors that shift relative to one another

when a light source changes are said to

be metamers, or to be exhibiting

metamerism.

The color of an object is determined by 2 components:

‒ The chemistry of the object’s pigmentation.

‒ Type of light illuminating the object.

Using only 1 light source, a given color could be

matched with multiple pigment combinations.

Metamerism

Practical applications of metamerism are

experienced every day in our atmosphere.

Visible spectrum of light is evenly distributed

at noon when sun is directly overhead.

At sundown, when the angle of direct sunlight

has shifted due to a change in position of the

earth relative to the sun, visible light is shifted

toward red end of spectrum.

Two colors that look identical at noon could

shift considerably in appearance at sundown

if they not matched using identical

pigmentation.

Metamerism

Samples entering lab to be matched are first analyzed in reflectance

spectrophotometers.

From those analytical results manufacturers can determine a sample’s

pigmentation and thus avoid producing a metameric match.

In knowing the pigmentation

they also know if the sample

contains a pigment that has

limited or no exterior durability.

When a metameric match must

be submitted they should be

matched under daylight (noon

time sun) conditions, a common

practice in the coatings industry.

Learning Objective Three

Describe ASTM test methods used to define

the performance specifications for

architectural coatings, including the effect that

exposure has on pigments and color retention.

Testing and Coating Performance

Factors such as: ‒ Exposure to sun (UV light)

‒ Moisture and humidity

‒ High temperatures

‒ Temperature fluctuations

Lead to: ‒ Color changes

‒ Chalking

‒ Blistering

‒ Corrosion to protective metal coating.

Knowing the enemy and understanding how it can

affect a painted metal product helps manufacturer

develop and deliver products that meet a project’s

specific performance requirements.

Causes of Coating Failure

Possible causes of a coating failure include:

Oxidation of binder due to UV exposure.

Degradation/oxidation of the pigment.

Reaction of the pigment or etching of the surface

with atmospheric pollutants.

Dirt (picked up or staining), and

Wind-blown sand abrasion.

Testing and Coating Performance

Coating industry constantly testing and

evaluating how weather interacts with paint.

Tests and evaluations performed to

appropriate industry association

standards by technical experts.

Technology is key to: ‒ Weather testing of coatings.

‒ Formulation of new materials.

‒ Improvement of old formulas.

Allows for: ‒ Coating patch and application performance.

‒ Resin development.

‒ Pigment studies.

Natural Exposure Testing

Weather exposure is key component to coatings performance.

Natural exterior exposure is the best way to see how a coating

system will stand up to the test of time.

Testing facility in Florida

exposes panels at 45°

angle facing south for max

stress on coating

performance, providing

weather conditions ideal

for natural testing.

Numerous coated and

bare metal panels

monitored simultaneously.

Physical Tests

Physical tests performed usings

ASTM test methods to measure: ‒ Color retention

‒ Film thickness and hardness

‒ Gloss levels

‒ Resistance to solvents

‒ Flexibility

To perform physical tests on a

cured film, the film must be cast

on a pre-coated primer: ‒ Coil applications use a draw-

down rod.

‒ Extrusion applications are

sprayed on.

Color Retention Test

Various color instrumentation

utilized to measure color of a batch:

‒ Versus the standard.

‒ As looked at by the human eye.

Film Thickness and Hardness Test

Film thickness:

‒ DJH machine pierces film.

‒ Crosshairs then put on hole to

determine actual DFT.

Film hardness:

‒ Determined by pencil

hardness test.

‒ A number of pencils held

against film at specified angle

and pushed across film.

‒ Test begins with hardest pencil

and continues until pencil can

no longer gouge film.

Gloss Levels Test

The various film gloss

levels used in the

industry are determined

by end use.

Resistance to Solvents Test

Films can be very resistant to solvents.

Cheesecloth saturated in MEK or acetone and rubbed across panel.

One rub is up and back.

Cured fluoropolymer will

take 100 double rubs

without breaching the film.

Flexibility Test

Flexibility is critical as metal

will be post-manufactured into

shapes after film is applied.

“T” bend refers to number of

thicknesses of metal between

the two outside in the bend.

Special tape is applied on

bend to determine if adhesion

is lost.

Sand Abrasion Test

Resistance to erosion important in exterior exposure.

Sand abrasion test determines toughness of film.

Sand put in hopper and allowed to fall from a specified height

through a guide tube onto coated panel below.

Sand continues to fall until

a hole in film is created,

revealing substrate below.

Amount of abrasive per

unit film thickness is

reported as abrasion

resistance of coating on

panel.

Chemical Spot Test

Determines a film’s resistance to

high acidic or alkaline conditions.

Concentrated acid or base is

dropped onto film and covered with

a watch glass.

After prescribed period of time

panel is wiped off and examined.

Fluoropolymers are fairly inert and

do not change when subjected to

such conditions.

Why Coatings Fail - Chalking

Chalking caused by degradation of resin system at surface

of finish, due predominantly to exposure to UV rays.

As resin system breaks down, resin particles take on a

white appearance, and imbedded pigment particles lose

their adhesion to film.

Chalk can easily be rubbed off.

Why Coatings Fail - Fading

Fading is caused by UV and hydrolytic degradation of the resin system.

If organic pigments are present in the color they may also be degraded.

Consult individual manufacturers for more information about their test

methods and facilities.

Learning Objective Four

Identify AAMA specifications for various

coating technologies.

Extrusion Coatings and AAMA 2605 Superior

Performance Organic Coatings on Aluminum

Extrusions and Panels

All extrusion coatings manufactured to protect

aluminum building components fall into one of the

AAMA specifications.

All coatings can be produced in liquid or powder form.

70% PVDF coating:

‒ Most durable coating to ensure long

life of building project.

‒ Best protection against color fade

and chalk, cyclic corrosion,

pollutants, corrosion, and other

harsh conditions.

70% PVDF

Used around the world on exteriors of high profile projects. Trusted

and known in the industry for best use on monumental projects that

need exterior durability to harsh conditions and long life.

Applications include, but are not limited to: ‒ Curtain walls

‒ Monumental window wall systems

‒ Louvers

‒ Sun shades

‒ Entry systems.

Commonly uses earth tone colors.

Two coat system consisting of a

flash primer and color coat.

Solar reflective pigments introduced

within last several years.

Metallic and Pearlescent Effects

Metal flake based

and solar reflective

pigments may be

available.

3 coat system

consisting of:

‒ Primer

‒ Topcoat

‒ Clear coat

Pearlescent (mica) coatings are

man-made (non-metallic) flake.

Best technology for color

consistency and repeatability.

2 coat system consisting of:

‒ Primer

‒ Mica top coat

Solar reflective pigments may be

available.

Bright and Exotic Colors

3 coat systems comprised of a: ‒ Primer

‒ Color coat

‒ Clear coat

The bright pigmentation

requires a clear coat for

exterior durability to meet high

industry specifications.

AAMA 2604

Coatings that meet AAMA 2604

specification are very functional and

ideal for projects that do not need to

meet highest industry specifications,

but still require good durability for

harsh conditions.

50% PVDF containing products may

provide a harder surface than a 70%

PVDF product line due to a lower

PVDF and a higher acrylic content.

50% PVDF resin systems offer good

resistance to chalking and fading.

AAMA 2604

These coatings provide hard, durable

surfaces ideal for high traffic areas such as: ‒ Interiors

‒ Store front entry systems

‒ Residential windows

‒ Low rise commercial

‒ Condominium projects

All 50% PVDF coatings are a 2 coat system

similar to the typical, standard 70% PVDF

system.

Mainly available in an earth tone color range,

although pearlescent systems available and

widely used in market place.

AAMA 2603 Voluntary Specification Performance

Requirements for Pigmented Organic Coatings and

Aluminum Extrusions and Panels

Coatings that meet AAMA 2603 specifications are: ‒ PVDF/acrylic blends

‒ High solid polyesters, or

‒ Conventional acrylics

Perform extremely well for hardness and weatherability.

UV can penetrate glass and breakdown lesser performing coatings.

PVDF/acrylic blends are the highest performing products in 2603

specification.

Polyester resin systems are compliant coatings that are flexible, high

solid, with a low VOC content.

AAMA 2603

Acrylic resin systems are non-

compliant coatings with low solids

and higher VOC content.

Polyester and acrylic coatings create

extremely hard resin systems.

Polyester and acrylic resin systems

are usually used for: ‒ Non-commercial projects

‒ Interior application for monumental

projects

AAMA 2603 coatings are a 1 coat

system (direct to metal coatings),

and available in standard and bright

colors.

AAMA Summary

Coatings are used to protect the substrate from deterioration.

Possible causes of a coating failure include: ‒ Oxidation of binder due to UV exposure.

‒ Degradation/oxidation of the pigment.

‒ Reaction of pigment or etching of surface with atmospheric pollutants,

dirt, and wind-blown sand abrasion.

Using the proper coating system will protect the overall system for

the life of the project.

PVDF coatings used for long life expectancy.

PVDF coatings used for consistent color with minimal fade and chalk.

Polyesters and acrylics are harder.

Ideal for low UV environments and interiors.

Summary

Color has a profound effect on the human experience users of the built

environment.

Architects should use color effectively to create more user-supportive

environments through the educated application of color, whether in an

institutional, commercial or industrial setting.

High performance architectural coatings are a means to this end, but it

is important to select the appropriate color for a specific project, taking

into consideration intended use and environmental concerns.

The pigment component in any formulation can enhance or degrade the

overall performance of the protective color coating and it is very

important to choose correctly between inorganic and organic pigments,

as they have very different aesthetic and performance properties.

Paying attention to ASTM testing and AAMA specifications for certain

architectural coating technologies will help architects to specify the

correct pigments for optimal form and function in a project.

Thank You Thank you for your interest in Color Matters – The

Relationship Between Color and Pigments in

Architectural Coatings.

Please contact Valspar with any questions related

to the information presented within this program.