Gloss Retention
 

Description:
Deterioration of the paint film, resulting in excessive or rapid loss of luster of the topcoat.

Possible Cause:
• Use of a low quality paint.

• Use of a gloss alkyd or oil-based paint in areas of direct sunlight.

• Use of an interior paint outdoors.

The alkalinity of “hot” surfaces will destroy an alkyd or oil product within 6 months. A vinyl acrylic coating will perform slightly better; however, it will ultimately fail. An acrylic coating will give the best service performance.

Solution:
• Direct sunshine can degrade lower quality paints, causing them to chalk and lose gloss. While all types of paint will lose some degree of luster over time, lower quality paints will generally lose gloss much earlier than better grades. Flex Bon latex paints are especially resistant to UV radiation. Oil and alkyd binders actually absorb the radiation, causing the binders to break down.

• Surface preparation for a coating showing poor gloss retention should be similar to that used in chalking surfaces (see CHALKING).

Recommended System:
Topcoat
2 Coats of Top Quality FLEX BON Exterior Latex Paint