Fading is the loss of pigment in a painted surface, occurring naturally when the surface is exposed to sunlight, also known as degradation by light energy, and may result from the quality of the building paint as well.
Fading typically occurs on exterior walls that are more likely to be exposed to sunlight, whether on old or new plaster walls, and can be observed even after the paint job is completed or about 4-5 months post-completion, where a noticeable difference in shade can be seen.
Causes of Fading
- Sunlight or ultraviolet light (Ultraviolet: UV) breaks down the chemical bonds of the pigments over time, and if the light directly contacts the paint film, the paint will deteriorate and fade.
- Synthetic pigments that stand out with bright, vivid, and intense colors may have poor UV radiation resistance.
- Paints using low-quality resins and pigments often have low UV resistance.
- Using expired paint or low-quality paint that is not UV resistant.
- Severe weather conditions or proximity to the coast.
Solutions for Fading
- Wash or rinse the paint film with clean water to remove dust, grease, and dirt, then allow the surface to dry completely.
- Fill cracks and gaps with filler materials such as Beger Acrylic Filler F-200 or Beger Sealant and smooth it out.
- Surfaces with mold or algae stains should be cleaned and left for about 24 hours, then apply Beger MouldFree M-001 generously without rinsing, and let it dry completely before applying the regular paint system.
- Apply a coat of multipurpose primer Beger Pro Quick Primer B-1900 and let it dry for at least 4-6 hours, or apply Beger Water Block Primer 3100 and let it dry for at least 2 hours.
- Apply two coats of the best-grade water-based acrylic paint from Beger, such as BegerCool DiamondShield 15 and BegerCool DiamondShield Plus, or high-quality water-based acrylic paint like BegerCool UV Shield, allowing at least 2-3 hours of drying time before the next coat.
Recommendations
Homeowners should choose high-quality paint that is specially formulated for UV resistance and environmental conditions. It is important to note that shades that are not recommended for exterior use tend to fade faster than standard shades, so risks should be considered before painting.
Additionally, spot repairs are not recommended, as the difference between faded paint and fresh paint will be clearly visible. Older surfaces should be repainted and repaired as a whole, unless the surface is still new or has been exposed to minimal light.
