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Why do facade coatings fade or discolour?

Facades · 4 min read

Facade coatings lose colour through UV breakdown of the binder and pigment, alkali attack from an insufficiently cured or unprimed cementitious substrate, efflorescence bringing salts to the surface, and dirt pick-up on soft or tacky films. Inorganic pigments and silicone-modified binders hold colour far longer than organic pigments in strong sunlight.

Colour choice is a durability decision

Deep, saturated reds, oranges and blues rely on organic pigments that fade faster under intense UV. Earth tones and light shades using inorganic pigments retain appearance longer and also stay cooler.

Self-cleaning and dirt resistance

Silicone-modified and low-surface-energy finishes shed rainwater in sheets, carrying dust off the facade rather than leaving tide marks below sills and projections.

Maintenance expectations

Even a high-performance facade benefits from periodic low-pressure washing. A planned maintenance wash every few years is far cheaper than recoating a stained elevation.

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Reviewed by

Engr. Mahmudul Hasan

Technical Director, Terraco Bangladesh

B.Sc. Civil Engineering (BUET), Chartered Member IEB

See our technical advisory panel

Standards referenced

  • EN 1062-3: Paints and varnishes — determination of liquid water permeability
  • ISO 11507: Exposure of coatings to artificial weathering

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