Fenestration systems and other architectural products are often built from low density materials such as aluminum extrusions, which are affordable and easy to process to meet performance standards. They provide integral support and aesthetic appeal for windows, storefronts, curtain walls and other portals. However, long-term exposure to heat, cold, sunlight, water and salt can corrode the metal and compromise the structure’s integrity, causing safety issues. Corrosion can also degrade the structure’s appearance.
To protect metal components and reduce maintenance costs, many design teams are turning to high-performance coatings such as fluoroethylene vinyl ether (FEVE) fluoro-urethane systems. These systems can be easily applied and processed. They provide superior protection for metal extrusions, preserving their original appearance, improving durability and reducing life cycle costs associated with maintenance and replacements.
Common Types of Coatings for Extrusions
Resins are used as binders in coating systems that form the chemical backbone. They enhance the aesthetics and performance of coatings while ensuring strong adhesion to metal substrates. Metal extrusions can be made from coil or extruded profiles. Coil coatings are often formulated with acrylics, fluoropolymers (PVDF or FEVE) or polyester resins to improve their performance. By choosing coatings formulated with the right resin performance profile, developers can ensure long-lasting protection for metal extrusions.
Acrylic-Based Coatings
Acrylic resins are made from a combination of acrylics and methacrylic ester-based polymers. These durable resins enhance the thermal, chemical and ultraviolet (UV) resistance of metal coatings. They also provide a hard, glossy finish that protects metal surfaces from corrosion and preserves their appearance over time.
PVDF-Based Coatings
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a durable resin with strong carbon-fluorine bonds. PVDF-based coatings provide effective resistance to chemicals, UV exposure and other corrosive elements. However, they require specialized processing and have a limited range of gloss and color options.
Polyester-Based Coatings
Polyester resins have a rigid molecular structure that provides strong chemical resistance. They enable coatings to effectively resist corrosion from fuels, oils, solvents and acids, offering limited UV resistance. However, polyester-based coatings often have short lifespans, which can increase maintenance and labor costs. They also contain styrene, a hazardous material that can cause health risks and contribute to air pollution.
FEVE-Based Coatings
Fluoroethylene vinyl ether (FEVE) resins are highly durable and made from alternating fluoroethylene and vinyl ether in the base polymer. This unique molecular structure enables FEVE resins to resist UV degradation better than standard polyesters or acrylics. According to accelerated weathering tests, FEVE-based coatings last five times longer than acrylic urethanes.
FEVE-based coatings support brighter colors and a broader range of glosses, colors and finishes than standard PVDF coatings. These coatings are easy to apply in factory and field settings with brush, roll or spray methods. They also cure at ambient temperatures, making them ideal for field applications for original and refurbished structures.
What Are LUMIFLON® FEVE Resins?
AGC’s LUMIFLON® FEVE resins are widely used in metal coatings to improve durability, reduce costs and preserve the appearance of buildings. LUMIFLON-based coatings protect critical metal extrusions, including windows, doors and curtain walls, from the corrosive effects of wind, rain and UV exposure. In field applications, FEVE systems have shown lasting color and gloss retention for more than 35 years, reducing maintenance and material costs. The technology supports an extensive range of coating palettes and is available in solvent-based, powder, waterborne and low-VOC, HAPS-free solid resins.
Available in solvent and water-based grades for traditional coating formulations and flake-based grades for powder and solvent based coating formulations, LUMIFLON grades can be tailored to meet precise specifications.
Key Benefits of LUMIFLON-Based Coatings for Metal Extrusions
LUMIFLON-based coatings provide essential protection for metal extrusions and key performance benefits:
Resistance to Corrosion
Weathering agents such as moisture, oxygen and electrolytes can cause galvanic corrosion, weakening the integrity of metal extrusions. FEVE-based coatings provide durable barriers that protect metals from harsh elements and corrosion, preserving their appearance. They prevent water, salt, chemicals and other elements from permeating the topcoat and damaging the primer, extending passivation. Past studies have shown that FEVE coatings applied to outdoor superstructures have long lifespans up to 60 years, minimizing maintenance.
Long-Lasting Durability
LUMIFLON-based coatings provide long-lasting protection for metal extrusions. They retain their color and gloss, minimizing the need for recoating and touchups. This extended life cycle reduces maintenance frequency and long-term project costs. On average, LUMIFLON-based coatings must be repainted every one to two cycles, compared to four to five cycles for standard systems.
Reduced Life Cycle Costs
With LUMIFLON-based coatings, developers can significantly reduce a project’s life cycle costs. According to independent life cycle cost (ILCC) analyses, LUMIFLON systems reduce total life cycle costs by 30-40% over a period of 50 years. As a result, they minimize the material and labor costs associated with maintenance, recoating, replacement and other inconveniences.
LUMIFLON FEVE Grades Ideal for Metal Substrates
Certain grades of LUMIFLON FEVE resins, including FE-4300 blends and LF-710F, are ideal for coatings applied directly to metal substrates. These grades can be tailored for a variety of formulations to meet precise specifications.
LUMIFLON LF-710F FEVE Solid Resin Polyols
Developed specifically for powder coatings, LF-710F resins safeguard aluminum extrusions used in windows, storefronts and curtain walls from corrosion.
High performance architectural coatings using LF-710F resins meet the AAMA2605 standard, the highest standard by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). They produce a full gloss range from matte to high gloss and support a variety of finishes, including clear coats, custom colors and textures.
LUMIFLON LF-710F-based coatings can be electrostatically sprayed onto steel, aluminum and other metal extrusions. The resins are supplied in flake form and are soluble in various common solvents. Because they are processed at room temperature, they don’t require expensive cryogenic grinding. Powder coatings with LF-710F resins can be manufactured using standard processing equipment.
LUMIFLON FE-4300 FEVE Waterborne Resin Polyols
FE-4300 water-based resins provide long-lasting durability for exterior metal applications. Coatings made with these protective resins can be easily applied in the field with brush, roller and spray techniques, then air dried. This grade has a high molecular weight, which is ideal for producing single-component (1K) coatings with strong resistance. These resins can easily be combined with other coating ingredients to achieve the desired properties.
Architectural Projects Using LUMIFLON-Based Resins
Metal Composite Panels
Metal composite panels coated with LUMIFLON FEVE resin were used on a contemporary Canadian residence to achieve vibrant, durable cladding that enhances curb appeal while offering long-term weatherability and color retention.
Single Skin Metal Cladding
This sustainable, lightweight, and highly customizable cladding option offers design flexibility and performance comparable to traditional materials like stone or timber. When finished with LUMIFLON FEVE-based coatings, these panels achieve enhanced weatherability and long-term durability.
Metal Roof
Field-applied FEVE-based coatings, like PPG’s Coraflon ADS containing LUMIFLON resin, can restore deteriorated metal roofs by providing long-lasting weatherability, color and gloss retention, and low maintenance after removing old finishes. It highlights several restoration projects where these coatings improved both appearance and performance compared with original factory finishes.
Metal Mesh
A modern parking garage renovation used a Fabricoil stainless-steel mesh coated with an IFS 500FP powder system based LUMIFLON FEVE resin to achieve a visually appealing, high-performance façade that delivers security, ventilation, long-term weatherability, and durability. The FEVE-based coating exceeds architectural performance standards and ensures the metal mesh maintains aesthetics and longevity outdoors.
Ensure Long-Lasting Protection with LUMIFLON FEVE Resins
AGC works closely with coating formulators to find the best LUMIFLON grade for each project. Whether the goal is to reduce costs, improve weatherability or prevent corrosion, our experts can help you ensure optimal results. Contact us to learn how LUMIFLON FEVE resins can enhance your formulation.