TI106 - Cleaning Recommendation for IGP Coating Powder with Pearl Mica Effect, Façade Quality

IGP-polyester pearl mica powders consist mainly of saturated polyester resins, the corresponding hardener, light, heat, and weather-resistant pigments, and special pearl gloss effect pigments. The pigments used are mainly mica particles coated with metal oxides. These are small, thin platelets with smooth surfaces. During the melting phase, they become aligned parallel to the workpiece surface, where they reflect the incident light to create a distinct effect.
For cleaning of surfaces with a pearl mica effect, we recommend (in Germany) the quality assurance association Gütegemeinschaft Reinigung von Fassaden e.V. (GRM), whose members work according to the RAL-GZ 632 quality guidelines. These companies decide which cleaning agents to use on a case-by-case basis and after testing.

The corresponding recommendations for Switzerland are specified in the EMPA-SZFF Guideline 61.01.

(EMPA= Swiss material testing and research institute; SZFF= central Swiss authority for window and façade construction). We recommend regular upkeep cleaning.

EMPA-SZFF Guideline 61.01, 10.4 Figure 12, upkeep cleaning

You can find further information in the aluminum instruction sheet A5: “Cleaning of aluminum in the construction industry” issued by the “Aluminium-Zentrale”. This recommends annual cleaning. With regard to heavy soiling, Subsection 5.1.2 states: “Highly alkaline or acidic and abrasive substances that damage the coating chemically or mechanically are not suitable for cleaning surfaces coated with synthetic materials.” This applies especially for effect coatings, because erosive cleaning destroys the effect pigments that lie parallel to the surface.