Coated sheet with 3000h gloss retention rate ≥ 50%: A key indicator
of weather resistance and industry value
In the performance indicators of coated sheets, "3000h gloss
retention rate ≥ 50%" is not just a simple number; it is the core
benchmark for measuring the weather resistance of the product and a
direct proof of the "appearance and strength coexisting" of the
material in the harsh outdoor environment. Behind this indicator
lies breakthroughs in coating technology, improvements in
production processes, and profound considerations for long-term
usage value.
Gloss retention rate refers to the ratio of the surface gloss of
the coated sheet after a certain period of artificial accelerated
aging test to the initial gloss. The 3000h duration is equivalent
to simulating the natural aging process of outdoor exposure for 5-8
years, and the 50% threshold is the bottom line to ensure that the
appearance and protective performance of the material do not
deteriorate. For applications such as building exteriors, roofs,
and outdoor billboards that are exposed to sunlight, rain, and
sandstorms for a long time, this indicator directly determines
whether the product can maintain bright color and intact coating
over time — if the gloss retention rate is lower than 50%, it often
accompanies problems such as coating powdering, fading, and
cracking, which not only affect appearance but also lose the
protective effect on the substrate, significantly shortening the
service life.
To achieve a 3000h gloss retention rate ≥ 50%, it is necessary to
control the entire production chain from coating formulation to
production process. The selection of coating raw materials is the
foundation, and fluoropolymer resin (PVDF) and high
weather-resistant polyester (HDP) are currently the mainstream
solutions. The fluoropolymer coating, with the strong stability of
carbon-fluorine bonds, can effectively resist ultraviolet
degradation and chemical corrosion, and its 3000h gloss retention
rate can easily exceed 70%; high weather-resistant polyester
improves the molecular chain's weather resistance by introducing
special monomers, achieving a balance between cost and performance,
and meeting the needs of mid-to-high-end outdoor scenarios. In
contrast, ordinary polyester coatings may experience a significant
decline in gloss around 1500h and are difficult to meet the 3000h
standard.
Precise control of the production process is also crucial. The
coating thickness needs to be uniform and meet the design standard
(usually the total thickness on both sides is ≥ 60μm), too thin
will result in insufficient protective layer, and too thick may
cause internal stress cracking in the coating; the precise matching
of curing temperature and time can ensure that the resin fully
cross-links to form a dense film layer, improving the anti-aging
ability; the pre-treatment of the substrate (such as zinc coating
thickness, passivation treatment) will also indirectly affect the
coating adhesion, avoiding coating peeling due to substrate
corrosion. Data from a leading enterprise's production shows that
by optimizing the curing furnace temperature curve, the 3000h gloss
retention rate of its fluoropolymer coated sheet increased from 65%
to 72%, and the outdoor service life of the product was extended to
over 25 years.
The popularization of this indicator is reshaping the quality
competition landscape in the industry. In the construction field,
using coated sheets with 3000h gloss retention rate ≥ 50% can
reduce the cost of subsequent renovation and maintenance. For a
100,000-square-meter factory building, if using ordinary coated
sheets, it needs to be renovated once every 10 years, with a single
cost of approximately 2 million yuan; while using high
weather-resistant products, the renovation cycle is extended to 20
years, reducing the total life cycle cost by nearly 40%. In the
renewable energy industry, the weather resistance requirements for
coated sheets for photovoltaic racks and storage equipment shells
are even more stringent. 3000h gloss retention rate has become an
entry threshold, driving the industry to "long service life, low
energy consumption" transformation.
With stricter environmental regulations and upgraded green building
standards, 3000h gloss retention rate ≥ 50% is no longer an
"optional indicator" but a "must-achieve requirement". In the
future, with the application of nano-coatings and self-repairing
technologies, the weather resistance performance of color-coated
rolls will further surpass expectations, providing more material
solutions that combine aesthetic value with durability for various
fields. Behind this indicator lies the industry's pursuit of
"lasting quality", and it is also a vivid illustration of the
manufacturing sector's shift towards high-quality development.
