Polyester and Urethane based powders are inherently UV resistant with the exception of fluorescent, neon colors and transparent finishes which have limited UV resistance. You can determine if your powder is a polyester or urethane by reading our color codes. Polyester powders have a color code that begins with "P" and Urethane powders begin with a "U". There are a few other things to keep in mind as well. While adding a UV resistant top coat over an existing coating that is not UV resistant may prolong the fading process, it will not make the finish 100% UV resistant and the finish will eventually fade.
Here's a few examples of powders that ARE UV resistant:
We do recommend the use of a clear top coat over metallic silver powders, regardless of formulation or UV resistance to protect the metallic from oxidizing.
Powder codes starting with "E" or "H" are NOT UV resistant (neon or fluorescent colors have limited UV stability). Some examples are:
FAQ's:
Q: I've heard that many fluorescent or neon colors aren't UV resistant. Is this true?
A: Yes, fluorescent colors have limited UV resistance even when a clear top coat is introduced. The color may eventually fade or discolor over time.
Q: Can you give me an approximate range of time before a fluorescent color "may discolor" or fade?
A: It is difficult to reference a specific time in which the color will begin to fade or discolor as there are so many variables that can affect the outcome. By adding a clear, the fluorescent color's UV resistance is extended, however, the color will still fade with prolonged light exposure.
You can find more in-depth color code details in our .pdf document here.
