Selecting a sealant with quality color retention can play a crucial role in both aesthetics and performance. Architects design buildings with specific color schemes to create a cohesive, interesting look. Sealants that fade or discolor over time can create an uneven or neglected appearance. Consistent color retention helps maintain the building’s visual integrity, supporting the overall design intent and preserving curb appeal.
What is Color Retention?
Color retention in sealants refers to a sealant’s ability to maintain its original color over time, despite exposure to environmental factors such as UV radiation, moisture, temperature changes, pollution, and chemicals. Good color retention ensures that the sealant maintains both its functional and aesthetic properties. This reduces maintenance costs and helps preserve the visual integrity of the structure.
Impacts of Color Retention
Color retention also impacts brand and reputation. For any commercial properties, a consistent and vibrant color helps maintain a polished, professional image that reflects positively on the brand. Discoloration or fading can make a building look older or poorly maintained, which can affect tenant satisfaction and property value. A building that looks well-kept reinforces trust and professionalism, which is critical for attracting and retaining tenants.
Maintaining color integrity in sealants also supports the structural integrity of the building. Discoloration can signal degradation of the sealant itself, which can compromise the protective barrier against water intrusion, drafts, and structural movement. Sealants that hold their color typically maintain their physical properties better, ensuring the building remains weatherproof and structurally sound.
Pecora 890FTS Weatherability & Color Retention
Pecora 890FTS, the field-tintable version of Pecora 890 ultra-low modulus, non-staining architectural-grade silicone, is the result of a simple yet revolutionary concept. Instead of compounding color tints into the product at the factory, the tints are provided in pre-measured containers for addition and mixing in the field. This concept has been used for years with urethane-based architectural-grade sealants. However, this comparison should not be misinterpreted as suggesting any similarity between urethane-based and silicone-based products—other than the ability for contractors to add color tint in the field and the obvious advantages that come with field tintability.
Pecora 890FTS has identical performance properties to the original Pecora 890, which remains available. The UV resistance, outstanding weatherability, and color retention characteristics are consistent in both products. Pecora 890 has been a proven performer for more than fifteen years in construction projects across the country and has evolved into a premier high-performance architectural-grade silicone. Pecora 890FTS continues that tradition, with the added benefit of field tintability using the same color pigments utilized in the factory-tinted 890 silicone product.
Both Pecora 890 and 890FTS have been tested according to ASTM C-920 standards, as well as extended artificial and natural weathering studies. Weathering studies were conducted according to ASTM C 1442, Standard Practice for Conducting Tests on Sealants Using Artificial Weathering Apparatus, using ASTM C 793-05 for evaluation guidelines. Spectrophotometer measurements for color variability on QUV-exposed versus unexposed control samples showed an expected level of variance across the full range of the 48 standard FTS colors.
Pecora 890FTS’ accelerated weathering test results confirm the superior weatherability and color retention already established through extensive field history with the 890 silicone product. Based on this field history and current accelerated weathering results, Pecora will provide a written, project-specific material warranty consistent with industry standards, supporting the proven performance of both 890 and 890FTS products.
In short, color retention in sealants isn’t just about looks—it protects the building’s integrity, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances long-term value. High-performance sealants with UV resistance, dirt repellency, and color stability are a smart investment for any construction project.
