Jeff Alexander, ValSpar Vice-President of Sales

Color can be one of the most important design elements in an architectural project. However, a beautiful building aesthetic can be negatively impacted if the coating chalks or fades. While the reasons for chalk and fade are different, it’s good to watch for both occurrences.

Chalking is caused when the paint system degrades at the surface of your finish. This is typically due to ultraviolet ray (UV) exposure. Other contributors include acid rain, pollution, salt spray and abrasion by airborne particulates. When the resin breaks down, the surface takes on a white powdery or chalky appearance and embedded pigment particles lose their film adhesion.

Fading occurs when environmental substances attack the coating and cause the color to change. From high and fluctuating temperatures to UV exposure, fade is actually a breakdown in the coating’s resin causing the color pigment to change. It can manifest in many ways, such as the color becoming lighter. In some cases, the color can darken or change completely over time, such as blue fading to purple. Depending on the nature of the breakdown, it is possible for chalking and fading to happen simultaneously.

No matter what visual appeal you are trying to achieve, protect your vision with a high-quality coating to ensure your building ages beautifully.