PPG Unveils Certified Metal Panel Program

Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries has introduced the PPG Certified Metal Panel Program (PPG/CMPP). Modeled after the PPG Certified Applicator Program (PPG/CAP), the PPG/CMPP gives architects a direct channel to a certified group of metal panel manufacturers.

PPG/CMPP members are certified by PPG to apply high-performance Duranar, Duranar ULTRA-Cool and Coraflon fluoropolymer coatings to metal building components or to specify, design, fabricate and/or install aluminum or steel components prepainted with these coatings.

Scott Moffatt, director of marketing for PPG coil and extrusion coatings, says the introduction of the PPG/CMPP is the final step in creating a formalized supply chain of premier building companies delivering high-quality, PPG-certified solutions for virtually every surface of the building envelope.

“When architects work with PPG-certified suppliers, they benefit from an unprecedented collection of products and services,” he says. “From environmentally progressive architectural glasses to cool coatings for roofs, wall panels and other architectural components, we offer products with a trusted stamp of quality that protect and beautify their buildings while making them more sustainable, too.” One direct benefit of working with PPG/CMPP members is enhanced color harmony among a building’s coated metal components. “Architects want the colors they specify to be the colors that get delivered,” Moffatt says. “When they work with a PPG-certified applicator or metal panel manufacturer, they get color consistency and maximum performance on every window, door, storefront, curtainwall component and metal panel they order.” To minimize color variability on metal building components, PPG/CMPP members and/or their toll coaters synchronize color production using the same color-measuring software and hardware as PPG. Other protocols that minimize the potential for color variance include:

• A digital global database of colors, stored numerically;
• A uniform, systems-oriented approach to matching colors and making paint; and
• PPG’s color and coatings knowledge, experience and resources, especially in the area of metallic color production (from the automotive industry).

As part of the program, PPG also audits the coating lines operated by PPG/CMPP members and/or their toll coaters. This process examines every aspect of the metal panel coatings process, from cleaning and pretreating the metal substrate to the actual application of the coating. The audit also specifies paint application parameters and cure schedules, and how finished products should be handled, packed and shipped. There’s also a continuous training and education component.