MAC is constantly evolving and improving its product range to ensure optimum performance in Australia’s harsh climate.

As part of this R & D process, MAC undertakes accelerated ageing testing to determine coating performance under exposure to UV.

The QUV accelerated weathering tester reproduces the damage caused by sunlight, rain and dew. In a few days or weeks, the QUV can generate the same degradation that occurs over months or years outdoors. The QUV tests materials by exposing them to alternating cycles of ultraviolet (UV) light and moisture at controlled, elevated temperatures. The QUV simulates the effects of sunlight with fluorescent UV lamps, and it simulates dew and rain using condensing humidity and/or water spray.

MAC Crystal Plus has proven to provide outstanding weathering performance.

The following sample shows MAC Crystal Plus after 3000 hours cycling in a QUV accelerated ageing device.

This test cycles 16 hours UV followed by 8 hours exposure to moisture, constantly for a predetermined period. MAC’s 3000 hour exposure equates to 2000 hours of accelerated UV and 1000 hours of moisture. Whilst not an exact science, it is believed that this would equate to approximately 6 years of actual exposure to the elements.

As you can see from the sample, there is little to no discernible difference in colour of the Crystal Plus. The use of a dark colour such as Monument accelerates the ageing further as a result of increased tinter loading and thermal stresses.