High-performance metal coatings are engineered to withstand a wide range of natural environmental challenges, including UV rays from the sun, extreme temperature fluctuations, humidity and salt spray.
But increasingly, architects, builders and planners are specifying paints and coatings that are proven to protect against a prevalent manmade threat—graffiti.
The Impact of Graffiti on Infrastructure and Communities
Graffiti vandalism affects more than just the appearance of railways, bridges, overpasses, and buildings. Areas that suffer from high rates of graffiti are prone to crime and neglect, which negatively impact commerce and property values. Rapid graffiti removal is critical, as studies show that graffiti damage tends to accumulate over time, exacerbating these issues.
Benefits of Graffiti-Resistant Industrial Metal Coatings
Industrial metal coatings with graffiti resistant properties simplify and accelerate graffiti removal, making the process more cost-effective by:
- Providing a strong protective barrier that shields metal surfaces from inks, spray paints, markers, and other graffiti tools.
- Enabling easier graffiti removal, often without the need for harsh chemical cleaners, reducing labor and restoration time.
- Reducing the need for extensive cleaning, repairs or repainting, thereby saving significant time, labor, and capital investments.
Introducing PPG DURANAR®: A Legacy of Excellence in Architectural Metal Coatings
For nearly 60 years, PPG DURANAR® liquid coil and extrusion coatings have been among the most specified architectural metal coatings worldwide. Known for their long-lasting durability, Duranar coatings are formulated with 70% polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) combined with PPG’s proprietary resin and pigment technologies. These coatings protect a variety of applications, including building walls, storefronts and roof panels.
Duranar coatings deliver exceptional resistance to color fading, acid rain, ultraviolet rays, chipping and peeling when applied by approved applicators, meeting, and often exceeding, the stringent FGIA/AAMA 2605 standards, the industry benchmark for performance of coatings on aluminum building products.
Enhanced Graffiti Resistance: A New Performance Milestone for Duranar Coatings
Recently, a new performance property was added to bolster Duranar’s already impressive value proposition—graffiti resistance.
Using the ASTM D6578/D6578M-13 (2024) standard graffiti resistance test developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), PPG submitted metal panels coated with 10 different Duranar systems for independent laboratory evaluation.
To simulate graffiti, six types of graffiti materials were applied to one-inch panel sections and left for 24 hours under controlled humidity and temperature conditions.
Graffiti removal was tested using various methods like isopropyl alcohol, 5% sodium phosphate solution and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK).
All six types of graffiti were successfully removed from every Duranar panel, confirming the coatings graffiti resistant properties.
The Duranar Family: Versatile Coating Solutions for Every Architectural Need
- Duranar Solid Color Coil Coating System: Available in an extensive palette of solid colors and multiple formulations, designed to balance cost, aesthetics, and performance.
- Duranar SUNSTORM® Mica-Effect Coil Coating System: Features a two-coat application with pearlescent mica flakes for a metalescent finish—without aluminum flakes or a third clear coat. It can also incorporate PPG’s ULTRA-COOL® infrared (IR)-reflective technology to improve building energy efficiency and comfort.
- Duranar XL Metallic Coil Coating Systems: Designed for harsh seacoast and industrial environments, these three- and four-coat systems include a primer, barrier coat, color coat (with optional mica flake), and clear topcoat. This multi-layer system offers outstanding UV protection, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, and durability.
Key Performance Features Across All Duranar Coatings
- Long-term durability with exceptional resistance to corrosion, chemical exposure, and UV damage.
- Excellent resistance to chalking and color fading, maintaining building aesthetics over time.
- Minimal maintenance requirements; cleanable with mild detergents and solvents.
- Field repairable for minor scratches.
- Good flexibility for demanding post-forming processes.
- Wide range of design options for architects and designers.
- Exceptional color stability and gloss retention.
- Proven graffiti resistance for easier maintenance and restoration.
Trusted Worldwide on Iconic Structures
PPG Duranar coatings are trusted globally, protecting numerous commercial buildings and iconic landmarks such as the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, the Empire State Building in New York City, and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.