Alesta AntiGraffiti Outdoor powder coating from Axalta Coating Systems.
Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE: AXTA) has developed an anti-graffiti system that protects surfaces against spray paints and markers. Alesta® AntiGraffiti Outdoor is already being used on sound barriers along motorways and railway lines and is planned for use on community facilities such as cashpoints, garage doors, cabinets and information signs as well.
Peter Frese, Product Manager for Axalta's powder business in EMEA, says: "No public building or vehicle is safe from graffiti. And what's more, the paintwork often does not stand up to the cleaning processes used to remove. It is either damaged or completely destroyed, which is in many cases is an unacceptable cost factor for the companies".
Alesta AntiGraffiti Outdoor is the first powder coating product to be awarded GSB International and Qualicoat approvals, as well as complying with the strict quality requirements of the German anti-graffiti quality association – Gütegemeinschaft Anti-Graffiti e.V.
The new paint system combines an anti-graffiti coating for metallic surfaces with good resistance to weathering and mechanical properties. Alesta AntiGraffiti Outdoor is a polyester-based powder coating, which is compatible with standard polyester powder and can be re-coated. In addition, there is an almost unlimited choice of colour available as the Alesta AntiGraffiti Outdoor powder coating comes in all RAL and NCS colour shades, including metallic finishes.
Applicators of Alesta® AntiGraffiti Outdoor also have an advantage due to the extended curing window: Temperatures between 170°C and 190°C are possible. Plant operators can profit from this wider range of curing temperatures and in turn may be able to shorten the total cycle times during the coating process, which can have a positive effect on total costs.
In contrast to currently available polyurethane anti-graffiti powder coatings, Alesta AntiGraffiti Outdoor has very good mechanical properties, in particular impact resistance, Erichsen cupping, bending tests and adhesion tests in accordance with GSB and Qualicoat requirements. These properties allow for use on aluminium substrates. Various corrosion tests show that Alesta AntiGraffiti Outdoor demonstrates comparable qualities to other commercially available systems, and the thermal stability is also at a similar level.
Frese adds: "With its unique combination of anti-graffiti functionality and decorative protection of aluminium and other metallic substrates, Alesta AntiGraffiti Outdoor can add value to the end-users who are facing increasing problems from the blight of graffiti".
About Axalta Coating Systems
Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable solutions. From light OEM vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications to electric motors, buildings and pipelines, coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enable the materials we coat to last longer. With more than 145 years of experience in the coatings industry, the 12,000 people of Axalta continue to find ways to serve our more than 120,000 customers in 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology.
For more information: www.axaltacoatingsystems.com, @axalta on Twitter.