TI106 – Cleaning recommendations for IGP coating powder with pearl mica effect, façade quality
IGP polyester pearl mica powders essentially consist of saturated polyester resins, the corresponding hardness, light, heat and weather resistant pigments, as well as special pearlescent effect pigments.
The pigments used are mainly mica particles coated with metal oxides. They are small, thin platelets with smooth surfaces that align themselves parallel to the workpiece surface during the melting phase of the powder and effectively reflect the incident light.
With regard to cleaning surfaces coated with "pearl mica effects", we recommend the "Gütegemeinschaft Cleaning von Fassaden e.V." (GRM) in Germany, whose members work in accordance with the RAL-GZ 632 quality guidelines. They decide on the use of cleaning agents on a case-by-case basis and after prior testing.
The corresponding recommendations for Switzerland are set out in the "EMPASZFF Guideline 61.01".
(EMPA = Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research; SZFF = Swiss Centre for Window and Facade Construction). We recommend periodic maintenance cleaning.
EMPA-SZFF Guideline 61.01, 10.4 Figure 12, Maintenance cleaning
Further information can also be found in the Aluminium leaflet A5 "Cleaning of Aluminium in the Building Industry" from the "Aluminium-Zentrale". It generally recommends annual cleaning.
Point 5.1.2 states the following with regard to heavy soiling: "Substances with a strong alkaline or acidic or abrasive effect that chemically or mechanically attack the coating are unsuitable for cleaning plastic-coated surfaces." This applies in particular to effect coatings, as abrasive cleaning destroys the effect pigments anchored parallel to the surface.
| Cleaning class | Soiling/ position, group | Cleaning steps | Remarks |
| D Periodic maintenance cleaning |
Components without special care treatment. Low soiling and / or low aesthetic requirements. | Rinse with plenty of water. Cleaning with wetting agent solution and sponge. Rinsing and drying. | Interval 1 to 2 years, depending on soiling and aesthetic requirements |
