| THE PG BELL PORCELAIN ENAMEL STORY What is Porcelain Enamel?
The process of enameling begins with a mixture of shattered glass
particles (frit), which is combined with finely ground oxides that are added for color.
This mixture is applied to specialized steel, and then fired at very high temperatures
(1100ºF - 1600ºF / 600ºC - 900ºC), fusing with the steel to create much more than
simply a coating on the steel. A new chemically unique, inseparable compound emerges at
the glass-to-steel interface - porcelain enamel. This surface offers a number of
significant advantages to designers that are unique to porcelain enamel alone.
A Endless Choice of Color, Texture, & Gloss
Porcelain enamel is produced in an almost unlimited range of colors,
extending from soft pastels through to the most vivid and vibrant shades of deep dark
colors. There are simply no standard colors. The designer can specify any industry norm,
such as a PMS (Pantone Matching System) color, or provide his own color chip for computer
matching. Once matched, the color formula is maintained indefinitely, should it ever be
required in the future.
In addition to color, panel appearance can be further modified with
the use of texture. The appearance of the surface finish can be designed to range anywhere
from perfectly smooth to an "orange peel" ripple.
A third major tool in the design palette is represented by variation
in the gloss level of the surface finish which can be varied from semi-matte, to a very
high reflectivity, approaching that of glass.
It is Always Like New
A porcelain coating is inorganic. Unlike paint systems, ultra violet
rays have almost no effect on the surface color. A brilliant white, red, or blue will be
exactly the same color for decades after the initial installation - always an important
factor, but even more so where a building expansion is anticipated. In a 30 year
weathering study carried out by the Porcelain Enamel Institute, incorporating almost 200
samples, only barely perceptible changes in color and gloss were observed over the period
of the testing. More recently, as a result of a design change, PG Bell was asked to
produce some additional panels for a project installed 20 years ago. The original color
formulae were used, and the replacement panels are indistinguishable from the originals.
Weathering the Storm
As porcelain enamel is unaffected by acids and alkali, the more
aggressive an environment, the more the reason for selecting this material. Salt water
environments, as found in coastal areas, do not detract from panel serviceability.
Atmospheric pollution, whether it is from auto exhausts, or from nearby industries, has no
affect on porcelain gloss or color, whereas painted systems may look dull and listless
within a relatively short time.
Porcelain enamel has the same coefficient of expansion as steel.
Therefore no special design considerations are required to accommodate thermal movements
in the wall system. The same panels have been used from Alaska to southern Asia.
Safety First
Porcelain enamel is completely fire-proof, with a zero flame spread
rating. The surface does not emit toxic fumes when burned. For this reason, porcelain is
regularly specified as an architectural surface in high traffic areas (subway systems,
airports...) where the protection of people is a prime concern.
Vandals, Make My Day
Not only does porcelain stand up well to the attacks of Mother
Nature, it also resists the abuses of people that our buildings are designed to service.
Although no material is totally vandal proof, porcelain enamel will resist defacing like
few other products available in the architectural marketplace. The hard surface is cut and
scratch resistant. knives, keys and other common household 'weapons" will not scratch
these panels. Since the panel surface is essentially sealed glass, graffiti with markers
or spray paint is easily removed with solvent or ordinary glass cleaner. A defaced wall
can be restored to its original condition with minimal effort.
Very simply, porcelain enamel is produced from natural, inorganic
raw materials. It resists bacteria growth, abrasion, corrosion, thermal shocks, weather
effects, acids, and alkali. It is colorfast, odorless, and non-toxic. Porcelain enamel is
almost completely inert, containing nothing in its composition to offend the environment.
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