How To Choose Paints For Specific Weather Conditions In The UAE
The right choice of paint for the UAE is more than the color or the finish. It is an important decision that is influenced by the country extreme weather conditions. From extreme heat and constant sun, to the high humidity and occasional sandstorms, the climate of the UAE can be a burden on the traditional paints. This guide explains how to select paints specifically designed to stand up to the harsh UAE climate. This guide will assist you in making informed, weather smart decisions for both exteriors and interiors.
Understanding the UAE climate challenges
1. High temperature
Temperatures within the UAE typically rise above 45 degrees Celsius. This high intensity ultraviolet radiation and extended exposure to UV are the main reasons for the degrading of paint.
a. Chalking
The effects of prolonged heat and sunlight can degrade the paint’s binding agents, leaving an oily residue to form over the paint’s surface.
b. Cracks and peeling
The expansion or contraction of the surface in response to extreme temperature fluctuations, can cause paint to lose adhesion and result in visible peeling layers and cracks.
2. High humidity in coastal zones
Cities along the coast experience significantly greater levels of humidity. Dampness on the surface of masonry or concrete that are prone to moisture can result in minerals developing through the paint.
3. Frequent Sand and Dust Exposure
The UAE’s desert-like climate results in frequent Sandstorms, dry winds, and dust from the air that could impact paint application as well as the long-term quality of surfaces.
Abrasion:Â Sand particles function like tiny abrasives, slowly stripping paint layers, especially on the windward side of walls and fixtures.
Key Paint Features to Prioritize
The right paint to use to suit UAE conditions isn’t just about color and finishing, but also the performance. In a place that can see temperatures rise and humidity levels can rise, and sandstorms can be unusual, paints should be more than attractive. They have to protect surfaces from environmental hazards. Here are the most important paint characteristics that you should consider prioritizing when selecting paints for residential and commercial developments in the UAE.
Top Brands in the UAE
1. Jotun
Jotun offers some of the most sophisticated and long-lasting outside paints. Jotashield and WeatherGuard are two of the most advanced paint systems. Jotashield, as well as the WeatherGuard ranges, are specifically designed to take on the UAE’s weather-related stresses.
Key Features:
Superb UV protection prevents color fading and chalking, particularly on tones that are dark or intense.
Thermal Reflectivity Certain formulas help reduce the buildup of heat on the surface, which contributes to cooler interiors.
Helps to keep away dirt and dust, while ensuring the appearance of a clean exterior with little maintenance.
Anti-fungal and Waterproof, ideal for humid or coastal zones.
2. National paints
National Paints offers a diverse and exclusive product range that is designed for the unique environmental requirements:
- Trust Hygienic – Silver ion technology is used to stop the growth of mold, bacteria, and mildew. It is ideal for use in health and educational institutions.
- Shield Extreme contains pigments with heat reflection that lower surface temperatures, which improves energy efficiency.
- National Expression Marmorino is A lime-based decorative finish with smooth, textured textures that are ideal to be used in interiors.
- National Shield Travertine: An exterior texture paint that resembles the natural travertine stone.
- National Shield Renovo is A multi-purpose acrylic emulsion that can be used as an even, smooth basecoat and a the topcoat that is textured.
- National Touchstone – Emulsion of acrylic with natural stone fillers, providing resistance to alkali, both for interior and outdoor use.
- National Easy Coat Washable exterior Emulsion paint that has outstanding adhesion, is weather-resistant, and a built-in anti-bacterial as well as anti-fungal agents.
Best Colours & Timing Tips
Paint in the UAE requires more than just the right materials, but also the proper shades and the proper timing to ensure that your surfaces are functional and beautiful for a long time. The climate plays an important role in how colors react and how paint cures. Therefore, planning your project with these important aspects in mind will dramatically enhance the outcome.
Choosing the Best Colours for UAE Conditions
Color isn’t just a matter for aesthetics in the UAE, it can have practical applications in terms of the management of heat, maintenance, and the aesthetics of harmony in the desert.
Light and Reflective Shades
Light colors are great for outdoor surfaces in the UAE as they reflect light rather than absorb the light. This reduces heat build up on roofs and walls.
Recommended Tones:
- Ivory
- Warm Beige
- Sandstone
- Off-white
- Soft Greys
- Pastel Blues and Greens
These shades limit the absorption of heat, and they also reduce fading and can help ensure the paint durability in direct sunlight. They are also less difficult to maintain visually, since they block out dirt and sand more effectively than darker shades.
Cool Accent Colours
While lighter tones form the base palette, strategic use of cool tones can bring contrast especially in feature walls.
Perfect ideal for shutters or for garden walls
Best Timing for Painting Projects in the UAE
Your duration for your project’s painting is as important as the material you’ll use. Paint behaves differently depending on environmental conditions–especially temperature and humidity.
Cool Season (November to March) – Ideal Time
The winter months in the UAE provide the most favorable conditions for painting exteriors:
Temperatures vary between 20-30degC that permits paints to cure properly.
Lower humidity decreases the likelihood of peeling and fungal development.
Surfaces are more evenly cooled, which leads to more bonding as well as a smoother surface.
Benefits of Painting in Winter:
- There is less stress on paints and other materials.
Conclusion
Being aware of the issues facing our environment that exist in the UAE is crucial when selecting the best paint system. Paints should not just provide aesthetic appeal but also act as strong barriers to the extreme and diverse conditions. From extreme heat and humidity to sandstorms, rare but extreme rains, each aspect will have an impact on the length of time your paint job will last, and how well it can ensure the safety of your property. Sabaco supplies top brands of paints, including Jotun, National Paints, and others.
FAQ
1. What kind of paint is ideal to use on exterior walls in the UAE?
Search for weather resistant acrylic paints or elastomeric ones, which include:
- Ultra violet resistance
- Heat reflective pigments
- Mold resistance and moisture
- Flexibility to stop cracking
- Dust repellent smooth finishes
2. Which colors of paint work best in the UAE scorching climate?
Select lighter, reflective colors like:
- Ivory
- Warm beige
- Soft greys
- Greens and pastel blues
3. Can painting during high heat cause problems?
Yes. Extreme surface temperatures can:
- Paint can dry too quickly
- The result is poor adhesion and
- Cause cracks or peeling, or bubbling
4. How does sanding or dust affect paint, and what can I do to prevent damage?
Dust and sand can cause scratches on the surface and can make exteriors appear dull. To prevent this from happening:
- Choose smooth, dust repellent finishes
- Consider the possibility of self cleaning or even washable coats.