Architectural Coatings: Durability and Longevity That You can Trust

Architectural projects demand more than just color and gloss—they require coating systems that protect valuable structures from corrosion, UV degradation, and harsh weather while maintaining a flawless appearance for decades. Whether you’re finishing exposed steel, aluminum panels, curtain wall systems, or iconic architectural features, performance matters just as much as aesthetics.

For architects, engineers, and owners seeking the highest level of protection and long-term color/gloss retention, Tnemec’s architectural coatings portfolio has become the industry benchmark. From cutting-edge fluoropolymer finishes to long-lasting primers and exterior intermediate coats, Tnemec’s systems deliver unmatched durability for modern building envelopes.

Textured architectural coating showcasing a modern design.

Understanding Architectural Coatings

Architectural coatings are protective and decorative finishes applied to various surfaces in buildings, including walls, ceilings, and exteriors. These coatings serve multiple purposes:

• Protection: They shield surfaces from environmental factors such as moisture, UV rays, and pollutants.

• Aesthetics: Coatings enhance the visual appeal of a structure, allowing for creativity and personalization.

• Durability: High-quality coatings can extend the lifespan of surfaces, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

  
  

  
  

Choosing the Right Coating

Selecting the appropriate architectural coating depends on several factors, including the surface material, environmental conditions, and desired aesthetic. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• Consider the Surface: Different coatings adhere better to specific materials. For example, epoxy works well on concrete, while acrylic is suitable for drywall.

• Evaluate Environmental Conditions: If the surface is exposed to harsh weather, opt for coatings with high UV and moisture resistance.

• Think About Aesthetics: Choose a finish that complements the overall design of the building. High-gloss finishes can create a modern look, while matte finishes offer a more subdued appearance.

Product Highlights

Fluoronar: The Coating Industry’s Only Fluid-Applied Fluoropolymer That Meets AAMA 2605

Tnemec’s Fluoronar series stands alone in the architectural coatings world. It is the only fluid-applied fluoropolymer coating system that meets the AAMA 2605 standard without a clear coat , which is the most rigorous performance specification for architectural metal finishes. AAMA 2605 represents the highest level of weatherability, color retention, chalk resistance, and corrosion protection.

Fluoronar’s performance is rooted in its unique fluoropolymer resin chemistry. Unlike traditional high-performance acrylics or polyurethanes, Fluoronar maintains its appearance under relentless UV exposure, extreme temperature swings, and continuous weathering. This makes it ideal for high-rise buildings, airports, stadiums, curtain walls, metal panels, and landmark structures where long-term aesthetics are critical.

Key advantages of Fluoronar include:

• Exceptional color and gloss retention even in harsh sunlight

• Outstanding resistance to chalking and fading

• Superior weatherability compared to traditional polyurethane finishes• Long-term film integrity for decades of service life

• Compatibility with a wide variety of architectural substrates

• Architectural projects using Fluoronar maintain a “just painted” appearance far longer than typical finishes, making it the preferred coating for signature buildings and structures that demand both beauty and durability.

Tnemec Series 90-97 Tneme-Zinc: Engineered Protection for Architectural Steel

When architectural steel must remain exposed to the elements for decades, corrosion protection begins at the primer level. Tnemec’s Series 90-97 zinc-rich primers are among the most trusted solutions for high-performance architectural applications

Built with advanced zinc technology, Series 90-97 primers provide:

• Exceptional corrosion resistance through galvanic protection

• A tough, adherent foundation for exterior finish coats

• Long-term steel preservation in aggressive weathering conditions

• Rapid cure and strong adhesion to blast-cleaned steel

These primers are regularly specified on:

• Structural steel

• Exposed metal frameworks

• Decorative steel elements

• Bridges, rails, canopies, and architectural supports

• By combining Series 90-97 with Tnemec intermediate and finish coats, designers achieve a complete, high-performance system that resists corrosion while retaining the intended architectural appearance.

Tnemec Series 156: A Workhorse for Exterior Masonry Applications

Series 156 offers:

• Excellent weatherability and exterior durability

• Breathability and flexibility for concrete, masonry, and stucco

• Strong crack-bridging properties

• UV resistance and long-term color stability

• Compatibility with a wide range of primers and finish coats

Series 156 is a preferred choice for:

• Building facades

• Architectural concrete

• Masonry structures

• Exposed walls and architectural features

Why Tnemec Is Preferred for Architectural Coating Systems

Architects, engineers, and building owners consistently specify Tnemec for architectural applications because the systems deliver:

• Long-lasting color and gloss retention

• Reduced maintenance cycles and life-cycle costs

• Advanced corrosion protection for steel

• Enhanced environmental durability for concrete and masonry

• Proven performance in some of the nation’s most iconic projects

• Tnemec’s architectural portfolio is engineered to meet the highest industry standards—including AAMA 2605—ensuring that buildings retain their beauty and integrity for decades.

Protecting Architectural Investment Through High-Performance Coatings

Today’s architectural structures aren’t just functional—they’re part of a city’s identity. Ensuring these structures look great and last for decades requires a coating system built with long-term performance in mind.

With Fluoronar’s unmatched AAMA 2605 performance, Series 90-97’s zinc-rich corrosion protection, and Series 156’s exterior durability, Tnemec delivers complete solutions for modern architectural challenges. These coatings provide architects and owners with the confidence that their projects will maintain both structural integrity and visual impact far beyond traditional finishes.