
In coatings, the pigment is only as good as its performance after months of UV, heat and weathering. Specifying for the production line and the service environment is what separates a showroom finish from a field failure.
| Lever | What to ask for |
|---|---|
| Lightfastness | Blue-wool rating (ISO 105-B02) or equivalent; higher = slower fade |
| Weathering | Accelerated test evidence (ASTM G154/G155, ISO 4892-3) — QUV / xenon hours survived |
| Substrate & process fit | Compatibility with your resin, cure and line temperature |
Q: Why does my pearl look different on the line vs the sample?A: Film thickness, orientation and clearcoat all shift the read. Lock the application window (wet film, flash-off, cure) in the spec, not just the pigment.
Q: Is higher lightfastness always worth it?A: For exterior and UV-exposed parts, yes. For protected interior components, a lower-rated grade can meet life without the cost premium.