IR-reflective Surfaces
Powder coating with enhanced infrared reflectivity.
IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect combines the benefits of super durable coatings with the advantages of IR-reflective surfaces. These characteristics make this product an ideal choice for dark façades exposed to intense sunlight. Using Reflect results in less heat buildup on dark surfaces, reduces the radiator effect, and minimizes mechanical stress on the underlying material.
A Suitable Choice of our Products
Durable Protection with Lasting Visual Appeal
Decreased Energy Absorption in Dark Colors – without Compromising Color
Quality.
Facade surfaces are increasingly subject to stress due to extreme cyclical fluctuations in solar radiation and steadily rising average temperatures – a trend that has accelerated since the 1970s. This is a key factor when choosing modern coating systems for architecture and infrastructure. With the super durable powder coating IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect, both long-term protection and lasting aesthetics are guaranteed.
The impact of infrared radiation on surfaces
Roughly half of the solar energy that reaches the Earth’s surface is infrared radiation, which plays a major role in heating objects. The rate at which an object heats up depends on how much radiation it absorbs or reflects. Lightcolored surfaces reflect a high proportion of infrared radiation, helping to keep temperatures down. Dark surfaces, by contrast, absorb more radiation, resulting in significantly higher surface temperatures – which in turn increases the cooling energy demand in buildings. Object temperature also affects material stability, as thermal expansion increases mechanical stress on joints and components (bimetal effect).
Urban heat islands
Prolonged periods of intense summer sunlight cause certain areas of towns and cities to heat up significantly – a phenomenon.
The Advantages of IR-reflective Surfaces
Lower IR Absorption on the Facade means Reduced Cooling Costs.
IR-reflective surfaces keep building exteriors cooler, reduce discoloration, and extend the lifespan of coatings. They help save energy, reduce heat stress in the surrounding area, and improve the indoor climate – delivering long-term benefits for both buildings and the environment.
IR-optimized powder coatings help keep building surfaces cooler by significantly reducing heat buildup. The result is not only reduced thermal degradation and color fading, but also improved overall energy efficiency. With less IR absorption and heat transfer, cooling costs decrease and ambient heating is reduced – helping to mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect. IR coatings also contribute to a more dimensionally stable façade by minimizing deformation caused by the bimetal effect, reducing thermal stress on the façade, and preventing a radiator effect. The result is less maintenance, lower cooling requirements, and a longer service life for the coated components.
Energy Efficiency with True Color Accuracy
Greater Reflection, cooler Surfaces.
The IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect series contains specially developed pigments to reduce surface heating. Thanks to the colorneutral formulation of these IR-optimized surfaces, partial areas can be seamlessly integrated into existing façades – making them ideal for infrastructure projects and buildings with a high percentage of metal cladding.
The products in the IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect series incorporate special pigments that increase the Total Solar Reflectance (TSR) of the coating, reducing surface temperatures by up to 20 %*, depending on the location and orientation. This technology is ideal for façades on industrial and infrastructure buildings, contributing to reduced thermal stress and enhanced energy efficiency. The pigments can be flexibly integrated into any IGP-HWFclassic 59 coating – delivering sustainable protection and optimized building performance.
Conforms to the RAL color chart
Thanks to its color-neutral formulation and outstanding conformity with RAL and other color systems, IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect allows selective coating of façade areas with no visible differences to standard finishes. This means that the shaded side of a building can be coated with IGPHWFclassic 59, while the side exposed to the sun can be protected with the IR-optimized IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect powder coating – with no perceptible color variation.
Tailored to the substrate
IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect is the ideal choice for steel and aluminum substrates. A special component mix significantly increases the reflection of long-wave radiation at the surface, resulting in noticeably cooler surfaces. This helps minimize material warping and heat transfer into the building’s interior, ultimately decreasing the cooling requirements. The product’s performance is precisely matched to the substrate, ensuring optimal reflection via both the coating layer and the underlying material.
*Measured under Central European solar radiation conditions.
