IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect - IR reflective surfaces

20 of January '26

Lower absorption of infrared radiation by façade leads to lower air conditioning costs

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Have you ever wondered why dark gray sliding doors perform worse on their tracks in the summer? Why hot summer winds sweep through the streets of big cities - or why dark-painted surfaces heat up so much under bright blue skies?

All these observations have to do with the fact that surfaces absorb not only visible light, but also long-wave infrared radiation from the atmosphere. Particularly important is the thermal infrared range from 3 to 15 μm. Radiation that is "absorbed" by bodies/objects in these infrared ranges leads to their heating or even overheating. The solution to this problem is the highly weather-resistant IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect powder coating, with optimized infrared properties, which reduces solar heating of coated surfaces by up to 20%.

IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect combines the advantages of highly weather-resistant paints with the benefits provided by infrared-reflective surfaces. These features make it an ideal product for dark facades exposed to increased solar radiation. By using IGP-HWF 59 Reflect, dark surfaces heat up less, the "radiator effect" is reduced, and mechanical loads on the facade are kept to a minimum.

Reduced energy consumption of dark colors with unchanged color quality

Advantages of infrared-reflective surfaces

Lower absorption of infrared radiation by the facade leads to lower air conditioning costs. Infrared reflective surfaces keep building surfaces cooler, reduce discoloration and extend the life of coatings. They help save energy, minimize the thermal load on the environment and improve indoor temperature conditions - a significant benefit for buildings and the environment.

Durable facade product with high weather resistance

The use of powder coatings with optimized infrared-reflective properties makes it possible to significantly reduce the temperature rise of building surfaces. This not only reduces thermal degradation and discoloration of the paint, but also improves the energy balance of the building. Lower absorption of infrared radiation and reduced heat transfer mean lower cooling costs and less ambient heating. This minimizes the so-called urban heat island effect, when an increase in high summer temperatures due to weeks of intense radiation leads to increased heating in some urban areas. The facade of buildings is more stable, as there is a reduction in deformation caused by the bimetallic effect (temperature-related expansion increases mechanical loads on joints and structural elements), lowering the temperature of the facade and avoiding the "radiator effect." The effect? Less maintenance, lower cooling expenses and longer life of coated components.

Long-lasting protection, consistent aesthetic appearance and color neutrality

Strong cyclical fluctuations in solar radiation and rising average annual temperatures since the 1970s mean that facades are facing increasing stresses. This affects the selection of modern coating systems for architectural and infrastructure projects. IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect with high weather resistance provides long-lasting protection and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. We have used special pigments in the IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect series to reduce surface heating. Thanks to the near-neutral color finish of the infrared-optimized surfaces, it is possible to seamlessly blend individual elements into the existing facade - a perfect solution for infrastructure projects and buildings with a high proportion of metal facades.

Energy efficiency

IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect series products use special pigments that increase the TSR (Total Solar Reflectance) value of the coating and reduce the surface temperature by up to 20%, depending on the location and orientation relative to the sun. This technology is particularly well suited for the facades of infrastructure and industrial buildings, contributing to thermal relief and energy savings. The pigments can easily be used in all IGP-HWFclassic 59 paints, providing lasting protection and optimal building properties.

Compatibility with the RAL color chart

Thanks to its color-neutral formulation and full compatibility with RAL and other color standards , IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect makes it possible to paint individual surfaces without visible color differences from surfaces coated with standard paints. This means that on the shaded side of a building, a standard IGP-HWFclassic 59 product can be used, and on the sunny side, the surface can be protected with an IR-optimized IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect powder coating without a visible color difference. IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect series products are available in smooth matte, satin as well as deep matte fine texture.

Less thermal radiation from strong sunlight

Individual adaptation to the substrate

IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect is the optimal solution for steel and aluminum. The special blend of ingredients provides a significantly higher reflection of long-wave radiation on the surface and thus makes the surface temperature significantly lower. This leads to less material deformation and lower heat transfer into the room. And this is associated with lower air conditioning costs. The lower surface temperature also minimizes color and gloss change. IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect has been developed so that its mode of action is perfectly matched to the substrate - to combine optimized reflection from both the substrate and the coating surface.

The IGP-HWFclassic 59 Reflect series of paints was developed for architects and civil engineers who like to work with timeless, dark metal facades. It is also aimed at those who are thinking about solutions to "cool down" buildings and urban spaces.