Global paints and coatings company AkzoNobel has introduced the TRINAR® SC Series, an exterior coating in China that uses rainfall to remove dirt from building façades.
The coating relies on hydrophilic technology, which causes rainwater to spread across the coated surface and wash away dust and stains. It is intended for high-end buildings with curved façades, irregular forms, and curtain-wall geometries that are difficult to clean manually.
TRINAR® is an established range of fluorocarbon coatings developed for architectural applications and resistance to fading and chalking. The SC Series adds self-cleaning properties to the product family.
The factory-applied coating can be introduced without changes to customers’ existing coating lines, according to AkzoNobel. The company said its use would not limit the available colours or finish textures.
Rainwater reduces the need for façade cleaning
Curved elevations and irregular exterior forms can complicate maintenance, particularly on high-rise buildings where manual façade cleaning can be difficult and costly.
By allowing rainwater to carry dirt from the coated surface, TRINAR® SC could reduce the need for manual cleaning. AkzoNobel said this may lower the amount of water, chemicals, and other resources used to maintain building exteriors.
The coating is certified to the AAMA 2605 weatherability standard. Maintained by the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance, the specification covers factory-applied organic coatings on aluminium extrusions and panels. Its performance requirements address colour retention, chalking, gloss retention, adhesion, chemical resistance, corrosion resistance, and ten years of outdoor weathering.
AkzoNobel said the coating provides long-term surface protection and is intended to help façades retain a cleaner appearance over time.
TRINAR® SC tested at Dongying office project
AkzoNobel conducted long-term onsite testing at an office building in the Dongying Economic Development Zone. The company reported consistent self-cleaning performance during the trial.
TRINAR® SC has also been applied at 16 Man On Street in Hong Kong and several other building projects.
James Kavanagh, commercial director of AkzoNobel’s Coil and Extrusion business, said the coating allows customers to add self-cleaning properties without altering their coating lines or restricting their choice of colour and texture.
AkzoNobel plans to introduce the coating across further high-end building applications.