Evaluation of the Weather Resistance of Coloured Anodized and Painted Aluminium Profiles in Kuwait's Environment

SUMMARYThe increasing use of a variety of colour anodized and painted aluminium profiles in architectural applications in Kuwait has led to some concerns about the colour fastness and weatherability of some of these finishes. Light fastness tests and natural exposure tests of the various finishes have been undertaken in an effort to identify the colours, from coloured anodized and painted aluminium finishing systems, most suitable to the weather conditions in Kuwait. The accelerated and natural weathering tests indicate that for the anodized specimens, the most durable colours for outdoor use are dark and medium bronze, dark gold and natural finishes. For the painted specimens, beige, white, yellow and grey are more suitable than blue, red and brown.