Preventing Color Fading in Arizona’s Intense Sunlight
Definition: Premature and/or excessive lightening of the paint color that typically occurs on surfaces with a southern exposure. Fading/poor color retention can also be a result of chalking of the paint film.
CAUSES:
* Use of a low-quality paint, or interior grade of paint for an exterior application
* Use of a paint color that is prone to ultraviolet deterioration (e.g., certain bright reds, blues and yellows)
* Painting masonry surfaces, such as stucco and concrete, that are not cured properly, resulting in alkali “burn” and Painting Fading/Poor Color Retention.
* Tinting a white paint that has not been designed to be tinted or adding too much colorant to a light or medium paint base
SOLUTIONS:
* When fading/poor color retention is a result of chalking, it is necessary to remove as much of the chalk as possible.
* When fading/poor color retention is a result of alkali “burn,” the surface should first be primed with an alkali-resistant primer before applying the finish coat.
* When repainting, be sure to use a high-quality exterior paint and colors that are recommended for exterior use to avoid Painting Fading/Poor Color Retention.
