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Exterior painting improves the visual appeal and longevity of a property. However, these surfaces are constantly exposed to environmental factors, including the ultraviolet light rays. UV rays can cause paint to fade over time, but selecting exterior paints with UV protection can increase the aesthetics, durability, and reduce maintenance costs. This blog by Australian Painting, one of the top painting companies Sydney, provides a clear understanding of the role of UV protection in exterior paints and the benefits it can bring to your property.

What Is UV Radiation, And How Does It Affect Exterior Paint?

UV radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation in the sun. It not only affects humans but also materials like paint. The paint degrades over time; the UV rays can crack the pigments in paint, causing color fade. Another effect of UV radiation is that it causes a faster degradation of the binding substance holding together the particles of paint. Binder degradation leads to peeling, cracking, and chalking. Thus, it diminishes the look of the building but also leaves it to more damage caused by the weather as well as moisture.

Importance Of UV Protection In Paint

Prevents Color Fading:

UV exposure naturally causes color fading. Darker colors are more prone because they absorb more UV radiation than light shades. The UV-resistant paint reduces the level of radiation that the paint absorbs, as the pigments will retain their vibrancy of color. These UV-protected paints will keep your exterior walls looking fresh and vibrant for an extended period, even under the scorching sun.

Enhances Paint Durability:

UV rays often cause paint to crack, peel, or blister. Therefore, the adaptability of paint against the sun’s effects hinges on its UV-blocking property. A stronger bond with the surface is achieved since this paint is more resilient against the damage caused by sunlight, rain, wind, and temperature changes. This is more particularly applicable to places where the sunlight is intense, or weather conditions are extreme.

Reduces Maintenance Costs:

Exterior paint without UV protection will deteriorate faster, leading to repainting and all the expenses incurred in labor and material. Select paint with built-in UV resistance, and you are likely to extend the life of your exterior finish and minimize the repetition of repainting; thus, savings on labor and material can be achieved. It makes UV-resistant paint more cost-effective over time because there are better investments.

Protects Underlying Materials:

Not only does this harm the visual appeal, but it also damages the underlayer with sun, water, or wind. Whether wood or brick, time will take its toll when the home is exposed daily to the elements. UV paints maintain the exterior surface of a home with less cracking, water penetration, and mold growth.

Types Of UV-Resistant Paints

Acrylic Latex Paints:

Acrylic latex paints are considered the best for external surfaces because of their superior performance in terms of UV resistance, flexibility, and durability. They do not crack and fade easily, which makes them ideal for homes in places exposed to a lot of sunshine. In addition, these are water-based, making them environmentally-friendly options.

Elastomeric Paints:

Elastomeric paints are formulated with thick, flexible coatings that expand and contract with the surface, making them highly resistant to cracking and peeling. These paints are robust against harsh weather conditions and have excellent UV protection making them ideal for sunny, arid, or coastal homes.

Oil-Based Paints:

Oil-based paints are few and rare these days, but they still offer a very hard, glossy finish. They have reasonable UV resistance, although they yellow with time and lose sheen due to settling. Oil-based paints can protect the wood surface well, but most modern acrylic paints offer much better UV protection and are easier to apply.

Reflective Coatings:

Some exterior paints are formulated to contain light-reflective pigments that reflect the sun’s rays from the surface. They offer UV protection and help limit heat absorption, offering energy efficiency for homes in warmer climates. By keeping the surface temperature down, such coatings also minimize the increase and decrease of materials, thus further resisting cracking and paint failure.

Exterior paint might mean a color that suits your home’s design, but more important is the UV protection for enhanced durability, and shine. Hence, investment in high-quality painting with Australian Painting, one of the best painters in Wollongong for enhanced durability and maintaining its aesthetics with less maintenance.