Australia’s UV environment is among the harshest in the world. Facade coatings here do not get an easy life - they face decades of intense solar exposure and need to maintain colour and appearance throughout. The good news is that modern coating systems are engineered specifically for this challenge, and when specified correctly, aluminium facades hold their colour remarkably well.
How does UV actually degrade a facade coating?
UV radiation breaks down the chemical bonds in a coating’s resin matrix. Over time, this causes three visible effects: chalking (a white, powdery residue on the surface), colour shift (fading), and loss of gloss. How quickly this happens depends on the resin chemistry, the pigment type, and the intensity of UV exposure the facade receives.
The rate varies significantly between coating families. That difference is the core of the specification decision.
What are the two main coating types on V&G products?
Valmond & Gibson uses two coating systems across its facade products, each suited to different project requirements.
element13 - PPG PVDF paint finish
element13 solid aluminium panels use a PPG PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) wet-spray paint finish. This is the premium option for UV resistance. PVDF coatings are tested to AAMA 2605:2020, the highest performance specification in the AAMA hierarchy. element13’s coating has been independently tested by Intertek Shanghai (report 210203002SHF-001) and meets this specification.
AAMA 2605 sets strict limits: maximum allowable colour change of Delta E of 5 or less and a minimum chalk rating after 10 years of South Florida exposure - the most aggressive accelerated weathering benchmark the industry uses. In practice, PVDF delivers 20 to 30 years of colour stability with minimal chalking.
interloQ - Interpon D2525 superdurable polyester powder coat
interloQ interlocking rainscreen panels use Interpon D2525 superdurable polyester powder coat. This is not standard polyester - superdurable formulations exceed standard polyester performance significantly and approach PVDF in UV resistance. The coating is purpose-designed for architectural exterior applications.
Superdurable polyester delivers 15 to 20 years of colour stability with low chalking. It sits in a strong middle ground: very good UV resistance at a lower cost point than PVDF, applied as a powder coat rather than wet spray.
For reference, standard polyester - which V&G does not use for exterior facade applications - typically offers only 5 to 10 years of exterior life. It is not suitable for Australian facade conditions.
How do PVDF and superdurable polyester compare?
For most Australian facade projects, both coatings perform well. The choice comes down to project priorities.
PVDF is the clear leader for maximum longevity and the highest possible UV resistance. It is the right specification when the facade is heavily exposed, the building owner wants the longest possible service life from the coating, or the project demands AAMA 2605 compliance.
Superdurable polyester is a strong performer that suits a broader range of projects. It offers very good UV resistance at a more accessible price point, and the powder coat application process works well with interloQ’s extruded aluminium profiles.
Does colour choice affect UV performance?
Yes. Darker colours absorb more UV radiation and heat, which can accelerate fading compared to lighter colours. Metallic finishes use reflective pigments that tend to resist UV degradation better than solid colours. This is worth factoring into specifications - particularly on heavily exposed facades where the coating is working hardest.
Does orientation matter?
Significantly. North and west-facing facades receive the most UV exposure in Australia. If budget requires prioritising, one practical approach is to specify PVDF on the most exposed faces and superdurable polyester on shaded or south-facing elevations. This balances performance with cost without compromising the facades that take the most punishment.
What about V&G’s warranty coverage?
V&G offers up to 20 years of warranty covering both the aluminium substrate and the coating finish. This is worth noting - some suppliers warrant substrate and coating separately, often with a shorter duration on the coating. A combined warranty simplifies the position for building owners and removes ambiguity about which element is covered.
How do you maintain colour longevity?
Regular cleaning makes a measurable difference. Every three months is the baseline - more frequently in coastal or industrial areas where salt spray and pollutants accelerate degradation. The method is straightforward: mild detergent and warm water. No solvents on powder coat finishes.
Cleaning removes surface deposits before they have a chance to interact with the coating and cause localised degradation. It is one of the simplest things a building owner can do to extend the life of their facade finish.
Want coating specifications or samples for your next project? Get in touch with our team for guidance on the right finish for your facade.
Related Reading
- PVDF vs Polyester Coatings for Aluminium Cladding
- Colour Selection for Aluminium Facades
- Aluminium Facade Maintenance: A Practical Guide for Building Owners
- Aluminium Facades in Coastal Environments
Last updated: 4 April 2026