70% PVDF is a factory-applied paint system in which polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin makes up 70% of the coating binder. It is the most durable coil coating available for architectural painted aluminum, prized for color retention, gloss retention, and chalk and fade resistance that can last 30 years or more. Kynar 500® and Fluropon® are two brand names for this 70% PVDF chemistry.
What does “70% PVDF” actually mean?
A painted aluminum coating is made of resin (the binder that holds everything together) and pigment. In a 70% PVDF system, at least 70% of that resin is PVDF, a fluoropolymer known for extreme weathering stability. The remaining 30% is acrylic, which helps the paint adhere and form a smooth film. Coatings with less fluoropolymer, such as 50% PVDF or standard polyester, weather faster and lose color sooner.
Kynar 500® (a PVDF resin trademark from Arkema) and Hylar 5000® are the base resins. Fluropon® is a finished 70% PVDF coating brand. When a spec sheet says “Kynar 500 / Hylar 5000 based,” it is describing the same 70% PVDF performance class.
Why do architects and fabricators specify 70% PVDF?
- Color and gloss retention: holds its original color and sheen for decades, even in direct sun.
- Chalk and fade resistance: resists the powdery surface breakdown that dulls lesser paints.
- Formability: flexes with the metal during roll forming and brake bending without cracking or peeling.
- Chemical and pollution resistance: stands up to acid rain, salt air, and industrial fallout.
70% PVDF vs other painted aluminum finishes
| Coating | Fluoropolymer content | Typical warranty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70% PVDF (Kynar 500®, Fluropon®) | 70% PVDF resin | Up to 30 years | Architectural, exterior, coastal |
| 50% PVDF | 50% PVDF resin | 10 to 20 years | Budget exterior |
| SMP (silicone-modified polyester) | None | 10 to 25 years (varies) | Agricultural, some roofing |
| Polyester | None | 5 to 10 years | Interior, signage, short-term |
Where is 70% PVDF painted aluminum used?
It is the default choice for building facades, metal roofing and wall panels, column covers, canopies, and any exterior surface where long-term color is critical. Wrisco stocks 70% PVDF painted aluminum in over 50 colors and gauges from .020 to .080, cut to length in-house. Learn more on the painted aluminum sheets page or read What Is Fluropon? for a closer look at the coating.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kynar 500 the same as Fluropon?
They belong to the same 70% PVDF performance class. Kynar 500® is the PVDF resin; Fluropon® is a finished coating built on that resin. Both deliver comparable long-term weathering performance.
Is 70% PVDF worth the added cost?
For exterior and architectural work, yes. The longer color and gloss life usually outlasts cheaper coatings by two to three times, lowering lifetime cost.
Can 70% PVDF painted aluminum be used indoors?
Yes, though its main advantages are outdoors. For interior-only projects, a polyester finish may be more economical. See 5 Types of Aluminum Finishes.