McElroy UniversityHigh Performance Kynar 500 Coatings

PVDF/Kynar 500® Coatings

The most popular coatings for metal panels are PVDF (Kynar 500®), Silicone Modified Polyester (SMP) and Polyester. Of the three, PVDF coatings provide the best protection against fade and chalk and are proven to provide the best long-term performance. 

Long recognized for their ability to provide long-term protection and durability, PVDF resin-based coatings offer homeowners and commercial building owners beautiful, long-lasting roofs that retain their curb appeal year-after-year.

Architectural Color Chip Deck

Kynar 500 vs SMP - Actual Field Performance

Still not sure which coating is right for you? Let’s look at some real-life examples to showcase the difference in performance. Both PVDF (Kynar 500) and Silicone-Modified Polyester (SMP) panels were installed on this home in Louisiana. On day one, the colors were an identical shade of green.

The accompanying photo, taken only eight years later, tells a powerful story of the differences between the paint systems as it highlights both chalk and fade of the SMP paint system. Note that there is no visible fade or chalking on the darker (PVDF) panels.

KynarSP
The next example also dramatically illustrates the superior performance of Kynar 500. This building was built in two phases, nine years apart. Note that there is no color difference between the original roof and the addition.
 
addition building vs. original
 
With examples like these, it’s obvious that Kynar 500 (PVDF) coatings are the “Best” option when long service life, color retention and chalk-resistance are important. Yet, uninformed homeowners still often select a Silicone-Modified Polyester paint system. Why? It’s often because not every panel manufacturer or contractor offers Kynar 500 coated panels as one of their standard products. In those cases, installers may feel forced to sell the product they have available to them and oversell it as “just as good” as Kynar 500. Plainly put, there is no paint system that offers performance equal to or better than Kynar 500.
 

Kynar 500 - 50+ Years of Performance

The image below highlights actual samples of Kynar 500 coatings that have been exposed to nature’s elements on a South Florida test fence since 1967. The top portion of the color chips, identified as “unexposed”, were covered and protected from the elements.  Note how little color change is evident over 50+ years of exposure.

B4-Kynar 500 Crown Jewels (1)-1

Benefits of High Performing Substrates and Coatings

As indicated above, high performing substrates and coatings are important when long-term performance and aesthetics are important. Warranties are also a consideration when selecting a metal panel. Consumers often associate warranty with dependability and performance.

This is not necessarily the case. Just because a warranty has an extended time frame (45 years or even a “lifetime”), it does not necessarily mean that the warranty is better or that the product offers better performance. We encourage you to fully read and understand your supplier’s warranties. 

Learn more about roofing warranties

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