The intent of using solar-reflective coatings is to reflect a significant amount of solar radiation away from colored surfaces to keep them cooler. Cooler surfaces are beneficial to materials and users in many ways. They can help reduce energy costs through lower demand for air conditioning in hot climates. Thermal stress in construction materials is reduced, thus contributing to better durability of temperature-sensitive materials. Cooler surfaces on clothing, helmets or other objects that come in contact with human skin are equally attractive for people at work or participating in leisure activities. Finally, some national restrictions or regulations already enforce the application of solar-reflective surfaces with the intent of protecting the environment and limiting the so-called Urban Heat Island Effect.
“Solar heat management” is the term used when applying solar-reflective colored coatings. It implies that heat build-up is minimized and, at the same time, the surface color is matched to the desired effect. Solar heat management can be beneficial for numerous applications, including architectural and decorative paint applications, such as roofs, façades, exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS) or window frames. It is equally useful for general industrial paints used in construction or marine applications, or in the leisure sector, including outdoor furniture. Automotive and transportation applications include car body and parts, seats, dashboards, trains, busses, trucks or caravans.