6-Month Outdoor Exposure Test: PVC Film vs. Roller-Coated Aluminum Composite Panel

What Happens to Aluminum Composite Panels After 6 Months of Outdoor Exposure?

For an Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP/ACM) used outdoors, the surface finish is just as important as the aluminum skin and core material.

To demonstrate the difference between surface treatment technologies, JIASHUNCAI recently compared two aluminum composite panel samples after approximately six months of outdoor sun exposure.

The two samples originally had a similar white appearance.

After approximately six months outdoors, however, a visible difference could be seen.

On the left is a PVC film laminated aluminum composite panel. On the right is a roller-coated aluminum composite panel.

The PVC film panel developed a noticeable yellowish or cream-colored appearance, while the roller-coated panel remained much closer to its original white appearance.

This real-world comparison shows why surface treatment is an important consideration when selecting aluminum composite panels for outdoor applications.

PVC Film vs. Roller-Coated ACP: What Is the Difference?

An aluminum composite panel is not simply an aluminum sheet combined with a core material.

Its surface treatment has a major influence on the panel's appearance, weather resistance, and long-term performance.

Common ACP surface treatments include:

• PVC film lamination
• PE coating
• PVDF coating
• Roller coating
• Other customized coating systems

Different surface technologies use different materials and manufacturing processes. As a result, their resistance to ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes, moisture, and outdoor environmental conditions can vary.

The six-month comparison provides a straightforward visual example of why surface treatment should be considered when selecting ACP for exterior projects.

Why Did the PVC Film Panel Become Yellowish?

The PVC film used on an aluminum composite panel is an important part of the product's decorative surface.

When a panel is continuously exposed to outdoor conditions, factors such as UV radiation, heat, humidity, temperature changes, and environmental pollution can affect the appearance of the surface layer.

In this particular comparison, the PVC film sample changed from its original white appearance to a noticeable cream or yellowish color after approximately six months of outdoor exposure.

However, the actual performance of PVC film can vary depending on the film formulation, quality, thickness, adhesive system, exposure conditions, and application environment.

Therefore, this comparison should be understood as a real-world observation of these specific samples, rather than a universal statement that every PVC-laminated ACP will show the same degree of color change.

Why Did the Roller-Coated ACP Maintain Its Color Better?

The roller-coating process applies coating material to the aluminum surface through a controlled industrial coating process.

In this comparison, the roller-coated aluminum composite panel maintained a much closer appearance to its original white color after approximately six months of outdoor exposure.

This illustrates one of the key reasons why coated aluminum composite panels are widely considered for building facades, exterior wall cladding, commercial buildings, and other outdoor architectural applications.

For projects with long-term exterior exposure, the coating system should be evaluated together with other factors such as aluminum thickness, coating type, substrate preparation, climate, UV exposure, and required service life.

Surface Treatment Matters When Choosing ACP for Exterior Projects

When purchasing Aluminum Composite Panels for outdoor applications, price and initial color should not be the only considerations.

A professional evaluation should include:

1. Surface treatment

Different coating and lamination technologies offer different performance characteristics.

2. Weather resistance

Outdoor ACP panels may be exposed to strong sunlight, rain, humidity, temperature fluctuations, and air pollution.

3. Color retention

For commercial buildings and architectural facades, maintaining a consistent appearance over time is important.

4. Aluminum skin thickness

The aluminum thickness can influence the panel's rigidity, processing characteristics, and suitability for different applications.

5. Core material

For projects with specific fire-safety requirements, the appropriate B1 or A2 fire-rated ACP should be selected according to the applicable project standards.

6. Project environment

A panel designed for an indoor application may have different requirements from one used on an exterior facade in a high-UV environment.

Aluminum Composite Panels for Architectural Applications

Because of their lightweight structure, flat surface, wide range of colors, and good fabrication properties, aluminum composite panels are widely used in:

• Building facades
• Exterior wall cladding
• Commercial buildings
• Shopping centers
• Hotels
• Office buildings
• Airports
• Public buildings
• Signage and architectural decoration
• Interior wall applications

ACP can also be processed through cutting, routing, grooving, bending, drilling, and other fabrication methods, allowing contractors and fabricators to create different architectural shapes and details.

JIASHUNCAI Aluminum Composite Panel Manufacturing

JIASHUNCAI specializes in the manufacturing of Aluminum Composite Panels (ACP/ACM), Fire Rated ACP, Metal Composite Panels, Metal Laminated Panels, and architectural decorative panels.

Our product range includes different core materials, aluminum thicknesses, surface finishes, colors, and panel dimensions to meet different project requirements.

For exterior applications, customers can select suitable coating systems according to the project's climate, design requirements, expected service life, and performance standards.

We also manufacture B1 Fire Rated ACP and A2 Fire Rated ACP for projects where enhanced fire performance is required.

A Real-World Comparison Is More Valuable Than a Simple Product Claim

Technical specifications are important when evaluating building materials, but real-world observations can also provide useful information.

After approximately six months of outdoor exposure, the two samples in this comparison showed a clear difference in appearance.

The key takeaway is simple:

The surface treatment of an aluminum composite panel can have a significant impact on its long-term appearance.

For architects, contractors, distributors, and building material buyers, choosing ACP should therefore involve more than comparing the initial purchase price.

Consider the surface treatment, weather resistance, color retention, aluminum thickness, core material, project environment, and expected service life before making a purchasing decision.

At JIASHUNCAI, we believe that understanding the manufacturing process is an important part of choosing the right Aluminum Composite Panel.